Mining

World oil prices have dropped after OPEC trimmed its oil demand growth forecast and a US supply report showed surprisingly high inventories.

Gold futures gave up earlier gains, settling at a fresh three-month low on Wednesday as a stronger US dollar sapped investor appetite for the metal.

Perth explorer Promesa says it will place up to 40 million shares at 2.5 cents per share to raise $1 million.

Perth civil engineering contractor Macmahon Holdings has secured a $317.5 million three-year funding facility, upsized from $280 million after the book-build closed oversubscribed.

The state government has moved to introduce legislation validating environmental approvals for 25 resources projects, including BHP Billiton's Jimblebar iron ore project and Macedon gas development, thrown into doubt by a review of the independent Environmental Protection Authority’s conflict of interest procedures.

IMX Resources has sold its iron ore operations in South Australia to Perth-based Cu-River Mining for $3.68 million, shifting its focus solely on its Tanzanian projects.

A trio of heavyweight unions will present a petition to the Western Australian parliament, calling for an investigation into the use of local labour and suppliers at the Chevron-operated Gorgon gas project.

Gold slid to a three-month low and other precious metals fell Tuesday as the dollar strengthened and as signs of progress toward peace in Ukraine reduced the need for haven assets.

Oil prices in London have continued their steady slide amid a flush market and little upside to the current demand picture.

Westpac chief economist Bill Evans has predicted the iron ore price will go over the $100 per tonne mark next year, on the back of improved Chinese consumer confidence.

Aberdeen-headquartered energy services firm Wood Group PSN has won a contract with Woodside to provide engineering and construction management services at its Karratha Gas Plant Life Extension program, for an undisclosed amount.

Rio Tinto has mounted an energetic defence of clean coal, referencing Churchill and Neil Armstrong's moon landing in declaring it the only way to meet growing energy needs while reducing emissions.

Engineering and maintenance firm WorleyParsons has acquired US-based hydrocarbons management consultancy MTG for an undisclosed sum.

Oil prices have dropped with the European benchmark contract slipping below $US100 ($A108.20) a barrel on concerns about fragile demand, heavy supply and a strengthening US dollar.

Gold prices slid Monday, as a stronger US dollar led investors to sell the precious metal.

Chrysalis Resources has entered into a deal to grant Fortescue Metals Group exclusive exploration access and an option to buy the Chrysalis West Angelas Project Tenements.

Civil and mining industry contractor Viento Group has announced a joint venture with 100 per cent indigenous owned Kimberley Pipelines, expanding Viento’s services into the pipeline construction industry.

Mining services company Ausdrill may be $8 million out-of-pocket after Western Desert Resources announced it had fallen into the hands of administrators on Friday.

Perth-based Cobham Aviation Services will introduce the Embraer 190 to its fleet as part of the $160 million extended contract with Chevron Australia.

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Graphite explorer Uranex has signed a memorandum of understanding for an off-take agreement with the China-based Sinosteel Liaoning and Dalian InterContinental New Materials Corporation joint venture.

Engineering and project services firm Clough says its AMEC joint venture has been awarded a $70 million contract for Arrow Energy’s Bowen gas project in Queensland.

Gold prices edged higher Friday after data showed the US economy created fewer jobs than expected in August, easing fears that the Federal Reserve may raise rates sooner than expected.

Perth-based coal miner Ascot Resources has received commitments from global commodity trader Gunvor Group for a $5 million equity capital investment in its $11.2 million raising.

The federal government’s RET review has polarised opinion on the future of renewables in Australia.

Former Rio Tinto chief operating officer Andrew Cole has been appointed the new head of gold and copper miner Oz Minerals.

Engineering and project services firm Clough has acquired Scotland-based engineering company Booth Welsh for $16 million.

Oil prices have fallen amid volatile trading, as NATO chiefs met over the Ukraine crisis and the European Central Bank announced more rate cuts to boost the eurozone economy.

Gold prices rose on the European spot market Thursday, recovering from heavy headline-driven selling in the previous session.

Court action filed by both Santos and Apache is set to continue in the Western Australian Supreme Court over several disagreements relating to a joint venture of gas fields offshore in the Carnarvon basin.