Mining

Paladin Energy says it has received strong institutional support for its $419 million share placement, which will be used to fund acquisitions and expand its Langer Heinrich uranium mine in Namibia.

GOLD has been a mainstay of the Western Australian economy for more than a century.

A petroleum industry body has welcomed federal Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson's plans for an inquiry into an oil spill off the coast of Western Australia.

The economic downturn has not dampened enthusiasm for exploration of the state's oil and gas assets, with expenditure up 33 per cent in the June quarter compared to a year ago.

The world's third largest mining outfit, Rio Tinto has exported its three billionth tonne of iron ore from its Australia operations, an historic moment for the company with deep roots in the Pilbara.

Shares in gold explorer Carrick Gold closed almost 12 per cent higher today after the company announced the start of pre-feasability studies at it's three open-pit mines north east of Kalgoorlie.

West Perth-based uranium explorer Energy Metals has recommended a proportional takeover bid by a Chinese firm, which will underwrite an $11.7 million rights issue.

The mining union has warned that WA's resources sector is not ready for the overhaul of the state's mine safety system and has called on the Barnett government to establish a steering committee.

Two Perth-based companies are a step closer to mining their gold projects in the Goldfields after receiving necessary government approvals from the state government.

Atlas Iron is on track to achieve an annual production rate of 12 million tonnes after it signed a native title agreement over its $9.5 million Wodgina iron ore mine in the Pilbara.

Western Australia has again retained the title of being one of the least desirable mining jurisdictions in Australia with inefficient exploration and mining approvals processes at the centre of the state's poor performance, a worldwide survey has found.

Engineering and construction company Clough today announced that Andrew Walsh has resigned his role of chief financial officer and executive director and will terminate his employment on 30 September 2009.

Perth-based Resolute Mining plans to raise up to $35 million through a convertible notes placement as it enters a conditional agreement Barclays Bank to restructure its debt facilities.

Iluka Resources has cut a further 54 jobs at its Western Australian operations as the company moves to focus on its Victorian and South Australian projects.

West Perth-based Shaw River Resources plans to raise up to $5 million through a placement with its largest shareholder, Atlas Iron, backing the raising.

Navigator Resources will press ahead with its acquisition of the Bronzewing gold operation after securing a $16 million debt facility and revealing plans for a $24 million capital raising.

Shares in Murchison Metals have surged as the company flags the potential to increase the scope of its Mid West iron ore operation after setting an additional exploration target of up to 1 billion tonnes.

The Western Australian Trade Opportunities Service is operated by the International Trade Centre of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia.

Regional learning looks for a white knight in an increasingly competitive educational marketplace.

AS Baosteel seeks to get the latest big decision across the line at the Foreign Investment Review Board, many share market investors may not realise what legally occurs with a transaction of this nature.

MOLY Mines has revealed plans to raise at least $30 million as part of debt restructure plans and to fund the $10 million development of its iron ore deposit while it progresses its Spinifex Ridge

TWO prominent directors of Western Areas have pocketed more than $11 million from the sale of shares as unrelated company Western Areas Exploration makes its way on to the share register after a lengthy court battle.

WESTERN Australian tropical fruit growers and exporters have welcomed lower trade barriers to key markets such as China, but acknowledge there are challenges associated with that.

Experience has demonstrated that funnelling students into courses designed to fill a skills gap just doesn’t seem to work.

GROWING numbers of Australian organisations are offering paid maternity leave according to recent research by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency and Alcoa of Australia.

LOCAL industry is demanding a say on the state government's next move on energy policy, after it finally scrapped unwelcome plans to merge electricity generator Verve with retailer Synergy.

Wesfarmers appoints two directors

A major boardroom shakeup is believed to be imminent at Subiaco-based laterite nickel explorer Graynic Metals.

Panoramic Resources' net profit has slumped 89 per cent to $5.6 million for the year to June 30, down from $53.3 million the previous year after the company's revenues receded on the back of lower nickel prices.

West Perth-based Marengo Mining has welcomed several global investment funds, including Soros Funds Management, onto its register after it raised more than $16 million through a share placement in North America.

Moly Mines has jumped the final logistical hurdle for its $9.4 million Spinifex Ridge iron ore project in the Pilbara after securing port space at the new Utah Point facility in Port Hedland.

Uranium producer Paladin Energy has posted a $US480 million loss for the year to June 30 on the back of large impairment expenses but remains positive about its current operations and growth opportunities.