Mining

THE three partners in the Gorgon gas project have approved spending of $1 billion and the employment of 1200 staff and contractors ahead of a final investment decision over the coming 12 to 18 months.

Wesfarmers and Rio Tinto have cemented their positions as corporate citizens in Western Australia after both companies last week revealed separate philanthropic partnerships totalling $15.

Twelve months ago, architect Jean-Mic Perrine began commercial production of his modular housing system, called the 'perrinepod'.

PERTH-BASED bauxite explorer Bauxite Resources Ltd has appointed mining executive Daniel Tenardi to the role of managing director.

Bill Boyle will take up the position of chief operating officer at Clough following his relocation from Houston, Texas.

The past two years has been a period of upheaval for the Western Australian olive industry, with big players going through major structural changes or leaving the sector altogether.

Subiaco-based minerals explorer Western Metals Ltd has decided to divest its interest in two overseas projects in a bid to concentrate on its flagship Mtonya uranium project in Tanzania.

Golden West Resources Ltd has appointed former Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief operating officer David Rose as its chief executive, as it shores up its defence against Portman Ltd's bid to oust two directors.

Swimming's glamour girl Stephanie Rice has broken the world record for the 200 metres individual medley at the Beijing Olympics to claim her second gold medal at the games.

The state government has called on the Liberal Party to name which ports uranium would be exported through if its wins the election.

West Perth-based Emerald Oil & Gas NL has entered into an agreement to acquire a 25 per cent interest in 50 gas wells in the United States for $2 million.

Operational issues have impacted Osborne Park-based Anvil Mining Ltd's net income which plummeted 76 per cent to $10 million over the June quarter.

East Perth-based Legacy Iron Ore Ltd is poised to receive $1.8 million from an investment by Sydney-based Western Resources (Australia) Pty Ltd via a share placement.

OM Holdings has launched a share buy-back for about five per cent of its issued capital, saying its current share price did not reflect the underlying value, strong earnings and future potential of its assets.

Fox Resources Ltd has today appointed Bruno Seneque as managing director following the resignation of Don Harper, who has left the company to pursue other opportunities in the resources sector.

The surging iron ore industry delivered a big boost today for West Perth-based miner Mount Gibson Iron Ltd, which reported a doubling of profit, and engineering company WorleyParsons Ltd, which signed a $260 million contract with Fortescue Metals.

Subiaco-based IMX Resources NL has signed two agreements with its Chinese partners regarding the offtake from its South Australian mine and the potential acquisition of a processing plant in China.

Berkeley Resources Ltd has released its maiden resource estimate for its Gambuta uranium deposit in Spain, with investors liking the news and pushing the company share price up nearly 10 per cent.

Japanese company Inpex Ltd and joint venture partner Total E&P Australia have announced a new gas discovery in the Browse Basin.

Perth-based CityView Corporation Ltd has entered into deal with an Angolan firm to form a logistics company to support the country's mining industry.

Subiaco-based Red Fork Energy has secured $33 million for the exploration of a new gas project in Oklahoma after signing a joint venture deal with a Dallas-based company.

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A hearing between Murchison Metals Ltd and Chameleon Mining NL is likely to be held early next year as the deadline for the second tranche of security for costs edges closer.

Ausdrill Ltd has recommended shareholders who have accepted Macmahon Holdings Ltd takeover offer to withdraw their acceptance.

West Perth-based Nkwe Platinum has signed exclusive option agreements valued at nearly $A14 million with global mining company Xstrata and Leederville-based International Goldfields Ltd over several African projects.

Boutique private equity firm InGlobo Asset Management Pty Ltd is looking for more acquisitions in the mining services sector after its debut purchase of Integrated Industrial Mining Supply Pty Ltd.

Perth-based mining explorer and developer Azure Minerals Ltd has found a wealth of opportunities in Mexico, currently holding 22 base and precious metals mining projects in the region.

I've spent an interesting few days examining the views of a number of business people to understand just where our economy is heading.

Brand New Vintage Ltd Frank Kraps has been appointed non-executive director. Hodges Resources Ltd Lisa Wynne has been appointed company secretary following the resignation of Bryan Dixon.

Domestic air travel to and from Western Australia has increased substantially during the past year, with flights from Kalgoorlie and Brisbane to Perth among the fastest growing routes in the country.

Nickel producer Mincor Resources NL will place its Wannaway mine on care and maintenance at the end of the week as remnant mining draws to an end.

Cape Lambert Iron Ore Ltd has today completed settlement of the $400 million sale of its namesake project to China Metallurgical Group Corp as it receives the first payment of $240 million.