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The chairman of embattled nickel miner Albidon has warned the company may have to call in administrators on Monday if approval for a much needed funding deal does not come through.

Business confidence in Western Australia has dropped to a record low with almost 75 per cent of firms believing economic conditions will deteriorate further in the next year, a new survey by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has found.

Carnegie Corporation has received approval from the Victorian government to develop three pilot wave energy projects on the state's coast.

Premier Colin Barnett says he is prepared to commit up to $678 million towards the $4 billion Oakajee port and rail development if the federal government does not provide funding from its Infrastructure Australia fund.

Chevron will become the first user of a $35 million service and supply base at the Australian Marine Complex at Henderson following state approval for the project.

Shares in Mirabela Nickel have climbed higher after the company announced it has completed a $140 million capital raising in Canada with funds to be applied to its Brazil project and repayment of debt.

One of the country's largest employer groups says the Senate's change to the small business threshold to 20 is both reasonable and necessary and should be accepted by the government.

A review into a $645 million Chinese investment into Fortescue Metals Group has been extended by the Foreign Investment Review Board.

WA-based the Feral Brewing Company last night won five trophies at the Australian International Beer Awards, racking up half of the 10 trophies won by the nation at the world's second largest international beer competition.

Budget cuts not possible - Buswell; Premier to sign-off on port plans for WA; IMF warns slowdown to worsen; BHP nets $4.8bn in US bond market; Telstra blocking rivals - ACCC

The Terry Streeter-backed Fox Resources has launched a $6 million all-scrip takeover of junior explorer Hannans Reward to increase its spread of iron ore and nickel assets in Western Australia.

A state government report has proposed two options for upgrading Barbagallo Raceway, which Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron says offers a better strategic direction for WA motorsport than a street circuit.

The state government is expected to formally approve the $3.5 billion Oakajee port and rail project that is vital to mining developments in the Mid West region.

Junior iron ore producer Atlas Iron has signed the last of its available iron ore into a long-term offtake agreement with an unidentified Chinese steel mill.

Mirabela Nickel has cleared one hurdle in its bid to raise some much needed funds, with a planned $182 million capital raising receiving shareholder approval today.

The Subiaco Redevelopment Authority is free to develop the north-eastern corner of Subi Centro into a mixed use residentital and commercial space following approval from Planning Minister John Day.

The state's meatworkers union has recommended Harvey Beef employees reject the same collective agreement that is again being offered by the company today.

Shares in Aurox Resources have jumped as much as 56 per cent today as the company amends its convertible notes terms for an early cash injection of up to $47 million and modifies its port agreement.

$1.6bn hole in budget as alcopops tax fails; World Bank looks to China to counter global gloom; ASIC targets banks over $1bn Storm collapse; Directors told to stand up to executives in pay talks; Nation building funding crisis

CAN a place that bans chewing gum and has been ruled by one party for decades offer Western Australia opportunities to develop our state and improve our government? Premier Colin Barnett certainly believes this may be possible and has let loose one of his

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

FOUR women working on the same commercial building project in the city have joined forces to launch Western Australia's first association dedicated to women working in construction.

Architect-design firm shows the value of a well-planned restoration in the heart of the city.

PEAK industry figures have cautiously welcomed state and federal government initiatives to soften the impact of the economic downturn on business, including the announcement of cuts to skilled migration.

TWO real estate agency acquisitions in recent weeks could be a sign of increased activity in the sector, as business looks to rationalise their operations and gain economies of scale during the down cycle.

The Gorgon gas project set to proceed this year will be followed by more mega projects off the WA coast, presenting exciting opportunities.

BRIEFCASE notes that many oil and gas stocks, such as Pan Pacific, Carnarvon Petroleum, Cooper Energy and AED Oil, show little if any market value for their ongoing operating cash flow from production activities, while some trade at or below their cash as

LIQUEFIED natural gas, or LNG, is natural gas that has been liquefied by reducing its temperature to about minus 160ºC.

JAPANESE company Inpex and US company Apache Energy have increased their interests in two oil fields located near the Van Gogh oil project, which is due to start production in May.

THE global gas industry could be on the brink of having its first floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility, and there is a likelihood this technology will be in Australian waters in the next decade.

IN keeping with a five-year tradition, Monadelphous managing director Robert Velletri has exercised options at a hefty discount to the company's trading price.

TORTUOUS state government efforts to find a site for an LNG processing hub on the Kimberley coast may count for nought, at least for the next decade.