Edited announcement

Lithium producer Galaxy Resources has secured a financing agreement with a Chinese private investment company worth up to $156 million enabling the development of two key projects.

Mining, sampling and laboratory equipment producer, Essa is making further improvements in efficiency and implementing cost reductions in response to posting a net loss of $800,000.

For companies operating in the mining and metals sector, costs, consolidation and capital have been identified as the greatest risks, an annual report has found.

Perth property developer Cedar Woods has posted a $9.3 million profit, down 55 per cent from last year's $20.6 million, as a result of reduced sales of premium product, the impact of option expiries and impairment adjustments.

An increasing number of Australian organisations are offering paid maternity leave according to research released yesterday by by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) and Alcoa of Australia.

Gold producer Norton Gold Fields has achieved earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $36.6 million for the year to June 30, an increase of $11 million on the previous year, driven by higher gold prices and and production.

Financial services research firm, Canstar Cannex has awarded Westpac its second annual Best Value National award for Small Business Banking for demonstrating a commitment to backing business in a particularly challenging year.

Following analysis of the state government's financial strategy, international ratings agency Moody's has confirmed Western Australia's Triple-A credit rating, ranking the state at the lowest possible level of risk.

Construction services outfit Global Construction Services has increased profits by more than 10 per cent for the year to June 30, climbing above $10 million despite a softening construction market especially in the residential segment.

Nedlands-based Lions Eye Institute founding director, Professor Ian Constable, has been awarded a gold medal by the Australian Institute of Company Directors for his outstanding achievements in the promotion of corporate governance in community-based orga

Australia's economic resilience in the face the global downturn has resulted in the nation being ranked in the world's top five safest countries in which to invest, a recent survey assessing economic, commercial, external and political risk has found.

The CBD has welcomed the latest retail addition to the Hay Street Mall with the opening of the $400 million enex100, which is also part of a broader mixed-use asset which incorporates a 24-level office tower housing over 2,000 people.

A recent survey of land sales has recorded the most lots sold in one week since May 2008.

Santos's half year profits have fallen by 66 per cent in the year ending June 30 due to lower international crude oil, condensate and LPG prices.

Engineering and construction company Clough has posted a rise in revenue and profit from continuing operations, which it said puts the group in a position to pay a higher dividend.

Small business is increasingly looking to online technologies and applications to improve business efficiency and effectiveness as more business owners look for a competitive edge in challenging economic conditions, a Sensis 2009 e-Business Report release

Following the Varanus Island explosion last year and today's massive Gorgon gas deal announced with China, the state government has introduced legislation to avert future gas shortages and secure WA's future gas supply.

Globe Metals & Mining has teamed up with South African engineering outfit, Thuthuka Group to invest $US10.6 million into Globe's Kanyika Niobium Project, in return Thuthuka will receive a 25 per cent stake in the project.

Gold exploration company Tianshan Goldfields has agreed to sell all of its Chinese assets to Hong Kong-based company China Power Sino Renewable Resources for $US22.5M.

The state government has earmarked the future possible use of geothermal energy to power homes and businesses in Perth following the recent awarding of the first geothermal exploration permits in the Perth Basin.

Engineering services provider, LogiCamms has announced a 59 per cent increase in after tax profit, reaching $4.6 million on the back of a strong second half performance.

Brockman Resources has gained environmental apporval for its Marillana iron ore project in the Pilbara, where the company aims to establish a 17 million tonne per year mining operation.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering have posted a record net profit after tax of $15.5 million, an increase of more than 36 per cent, thanks to record revenues of more than $100 million, up by more than 19 per cent on the previous year.

Mining services companies Brandrill and Ausdrill have proposed a friendly scrip merger to create whay they say will be a larger, more diverse company able to better serve existing clients and with greater financial capacity to fund future growth.

Chevron Australia has been awarded a deepwater exploration permit to conduct initial surveys and then drilling at a potentially vast hydrocarbon basin which it jointly owns with Shell Development.

Integra Mining has selected GR Engineering Services as its preferred contractor for the refurbishment and commissioning of a processing plant for the $64 million Randalls gold project.

An increase in rental income and new acquisitions have boosted the full-year net profit of Bunnings Warehouse Property Trust by 11 per cent to $73.2 million.

BHP Billiton, Chevron, Rio Tinto, Woodside Petroleum and the North West Shelf Venture will collectively provide more than $5 million towards the Pilbara's health services as part of a partnership with the government.

West Perth-based Entek Energy has finalised a $15 million deal to acquire a majority interest in a producing coal bed methane field in Colorado.

A collapse in platinum prices and the suspension of operations in South Africa have been named as the main factors for South Perth-based Aquarius Platinum recorded a $45.7 million net loss for 2008/09.

The number of temporary skilled overseas workers coming to Western Australia dropped nearly 10 per cent in the 2009 financial year following changes implemented by the Rudd government and the global economic slowdown.

Premier Colin Barnett has taken the next step in the development of the Kimberley LNG hub with the release of the social impact scope and profile report and the call for tenders for the strategic assessment report.