Latest Headlines

The price of gold has held close to five-and-a-half-month lows, with a strong US dollar offsetting the upward influence of an escalating trade dispute between the United States and China.

The Australian share market has recovered from early weakness to eke out a tiny gain despite fears of a US-China trade war and lower commodity prices weighing upon mining and energy stocks.

Rural newspapers in Western Australia are set to shed staff with Seven West Media announcing a fresh round of voluntary redundancies as it moves to centralise its regional business.

Empire Resources has had a win in the Supreme Court of Western Australia, after an injunction order sought by the company’s joint venture partner, Brimstone, relating to an overdue payment was dismissed today.

SPECIAL REPORT: The rollout of next generation energy infrastructure such as batteries and microgrids is kicking off in WA, adding to the opportunities available for contractors in this space.

SPECIAL REPORT: Perhaps surprisingly for a contracting business based in Bibra Lake, Sovereign Hydroseal has some high-profile international clients in its order book, with the world’s seventh busiest subway among them.

SPECIAL REPORT: The state government appears to be tacking away from using contracting in public services provision, but the work of Serco is an example of how private businesses can bring cutting-edge innovation into the space.

SPECIAL REPORT: Contractors are buoyant despite the twin challenges of uncertainty around infrastructure spending and an employment market tipped to tighten.

A Perth-based business that uses augmented reality technology to help customers visualise designs for factories, offices or other products is investing up to $6 million in research after winning a federal grant.

BMD Constructions has been awarded a $49.4 million state government contract to widen a section of the Mitchell Freeway, beating CPB Contractors and WBHO Infrastructure for the work.

Former CIMIC group executive Mark Norwell is set to take the helm at mining services company Ausdrill, replacing founder and chief executive Ron Sayers after 30 years in charge.

Gina Rinehart-led Hancock Prospecting has proposed a $390 million takeover offer for Atlas Iron, less than a week after purchasing a 19.9 per cent stake in the junior miner.

South32 has made a $US1.3 billion ($A1.75 billion) bid to take sole ownership of US-focused Arizona Mining.

The Australian share market has opened lower, hurt by resource and energy companies, amid concerns about the global economic implications of the tit-for-tat tariffs battle between the US and China.

The Australian dollar has slipped a little further against its US counterpart as the spat between the US and China over trade hurts commodities and commodity currencies, including the Aussie.

Oil prices have fallen more than $US2 a barrel after two of the world's biggest producers indicated they might increase output at next week's OPEC meeting, while US exports were threatened by potential Chinese tariffs on crude oil and refined products.

Gold prices have slumped to a near-six-month low, as investors from China jittery about trade skirmishes with the United States unloaded bullion, and others joined the selling spree after prices breached below technical support of $US1,290 per ounce.

Legal standoff leaves mining leases in limbo

The Australian share market has closed at a four-week high after investors decided it was time to buy back into beaten-down banks, and the major miners and energy stocks made solid gains.

The West Coast Eagles and SGIO have decided to terminate their 31-year partnership, after announcing today that the insurer would be ending its major sponsorship at the end of the season.

BHP’s local boss has said more than 75 per cent of work on the new South Flank mine will be sourced within Western Australia, as CPB Contractors announced it had won a $260 million contract on the $4.5 billion project.

Chevron has today announced that the second processing train at its Wheatstone project in the Pilbara has started production of liquefied natural gas, meaning all five trains at its two giant Western Australian projects are now in production.

Decmil Group has announced a $NZ125 million ($116 million) contract extension in New Zealand, while also flagging a number of cost pressures expected to impact earnings.

Australia's corporate watchdog has started legal action against Westpac over poor financial advice provided by one of the bank's former financial planners, Sudhir Kumar Sinha.

The environmental watchdog has recommended conditional approval to US-based Albemarle Corporation’s proposed 100,000 tonnes per annum lithium refinery near Bunbury.

Welshpool-based MACA has been awarded a $30.2 million state government contract for roadworks in the Pilbara region.

Perth investor Tony Grist is set to take charge of US-focused 3D printing company Robo 3D, which has announced the acquisition of a US software company operating in a related field and major cost cuts in its existing business as it seeks to achieve breakeven trading.

PODCAST: In this Business News podcast Mark Beyer and Mark Pownall discuss BHP’s new iron ore mine, plus more good news on lithium and nickel, the battle over Atlas Iron and shipping rights at Port Hedland, Perth house prices – which suburbs have delivered the best long-term returns, and our special report on infrastructure.

The University of Western Australia has big plans for its newly established Public Policy Institute, with hopes its research will have a powerful, real-world impact.

The state’s two leading arts festivals have a large role to play in the cultural and creative vibrancy of Perth during the summer months, according to their impact reports released this week.

Opinion: A big weekend of by-elections could have been avoided if tighter candidate guidelines were in place.