Mining

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has again urged the Labor opposition to support the repeal of the mining tax when parliament resumes next week, describing it as an "anti-WA tax".

Doray Minerals has posted a maiden half-year profit on the back of the commencement of production at its Andy Well gold project in the Murchison region.

Gold futures have edged higher amid heightened concerns about China's economy and instability in Ukraine.

Liquefied Natural Gas has completed a $4.2 million equity raising which will allow it to fulfill the requirements of a recently signed gas transportation contract.

A partnership between oil and gas heavyweights Woodside Petroleum and Chevron, and the University of Western Australia is changing the design of offshore pipelines and cutting construction costs for the expensive infrastructure.

Tight conditions in the mining services sector and a lower Australian dollar have paid dividends for Altona Mining, which has announced a solid increase in net present value and lower revised capital costs at its Little Eva copper project in Queensland.

Nedlands-based gold explorer ABM Resources has outlined plans to raise $19.6 million from private equity fund Pacific Road Capital as it aims to bring its Old Pirate project in the Northern Territory to production.

Gold miner Regis Resources has blamed higher production costs at its Duketon project for a 32 per cent slump in first half profit but says recovery efforts are proceeding in line with expectations after torrential rain caused extensive flood damage to the site.

Gold futures have climbed to a six-month high as investors seek to protect their wealth from the ripple effects of financial troubles in China and geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.

Contractor Viento Group will take a controlling stake in electrical switchgear firm Power Infrastructure Services (Powins) in a deal worth $400,000.

Junior explorer Cott Oil and Gas has outlined plans to join the ranks of floating LNG producers, engaging Shanghai-based Wison Offshore and Marine to deliver a concept study for a floating vessel to support development of gas fields in Papua New Guinea.

The new directors of Empire Oil & Gas have admitted the company's financial position is worse than originally anticipated, with an initial review revealing a raft of performance issues at its flagship Red Gully gas and condensate processing facility.

Atlantic managing director and chairman Michael Minosora has resigned from the company after a horror year for the vanadium and iron ore producer.

The High Court has ruled that native title rights are not extinguished by the granting of mining leases, in what indigenous groups have described as a landmark decision which will provide a clear basis for the resolution of other native title disputes.

Gold futures have climbed for the second straight day as the standoff between Russia and Ukraine spurs demand for a haven.

The state’s two biggest mining companies have downplayed the recent dive in the iron ore price, insisting the outlook is still positive despite analysts tipping a continued fall to around $US80 per tonne.

Western Australia has been ranked as the world’s most attractive jurisdiction for investment in the resources sector, based on the state's geology and its improved policy settings.

Rare earth miner Lynas Corporation has widened its half-year loss and warned that it will need to raise additional funding within the next 12 months to meet its debt repayment obligations.

SPECIAL REPORT: As the junior resources sector slows, so do the earnings of companies most exposed to the sector – exploration drilling and mining services firms.

SPECIAL REPORT: Tight debt and equity environments have led many junior mining and exploration firms to seek alternative arrangements to finance their operations.

SPECIAL REPORT: Poor investor sentiment and low confidence have put a crunch on capital for WA’s junior miners.

Global oil prices have fallen as weak Chinese trade data stokes concerns over demand in the world's second largest economy.

Struggling miner Atlantic has secured $29.7 million in debt funding from its major shareholder Droxford International and negotiated a standstill arrangement with the majority of its noteholders.

Mermaid Marine Australia has won a contract, worth up to $500 million, to provide support services to Inpex’s Ichthys liquefied natural gas project.

Germany's Hochtief has moved to boost its stake in construction giant Leighton Holdings and shake up the company's board.

Gold and silver futures have dropped as investors come to grips with the prospect of continued stimulus reduction by the Federal Reserve in the wake of better-than-expected US employment data.

Gold prices have risen while palladium has set a fresh 11-month high after tensions between Russia and the West escalate.

Iron Ore Holdings has announced its development partner mining services company Mineral Resources has begun construction on its Iron Valley Project.

Rox Resources shares have soared after the exploration company confirmed the discovery of significant nickel resources.

Western Australia’s mineral and petroleum sector grew 15 per cent in value last year, after a weaker Australian dollar and greater sales helped counteract falls in some commodity prices.

Gold has gained for the second time in three days as weaker US economic growth and Russia-Ukraine tension underpin demand for haven assets.

Copper and gold miner Altona Mining has increased its revenue, production and gross profit for the financial half year ended December 31 2013.