Staff Reporters

Focus Minerals has posted a record annual net profit of $10.9 million for the 2010 financial year, up from $3.1 million in 2009.

Perth-based EcoQuest's biodegradable disposable nappies and wipes will be available in more than 100 supermarkets in three states from October.

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission has reached its sixth Westpoint settlement for $1 million.

Paladin Energy's $27 million off-market scrip offer for Niger-focused uranium explorer NGM Resources is a step closer after Deutsche Securities Australia agreed to sell its stake in NGM.

Mermaid Marine has been awarded a three year, $80 million shipping contract by Chevron for the Gorgon LNG project in the state's north-west.

Sundance Resources has taken another step towards developing the Mbalam Project in Cameroon and Congo, signing another agreement to investigate infrastructure for the project.

The WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry says a new study suggests the state's economic recovery is still patchy.

Alinta Energy has received a number of trade bids for its whole business and individual assets as part of the company's debt reduction process.

Just over two months after being appointed to the board of Swan Gold Mining, Marty Adams has resigned as a non-executive director.

The average national price of petrol fell by 2.2 cents last week but rose slightly in Perth, according to the Australian Institute of Petroleum.

The chairman of Troy Resources John Dow is to step down in November and be replaced by David Dix.

Renaissance Minerals has entered into a deal to acquire Newmont Mining's interest in the Pinjin gold project in the Eastern Goldfields.

Subiaco-based Syndicated Metals has signed an agreement with ASARCO Exploration to acquire two per cent of net smelter royalties from five tenements in Queensland and one near Exmouth.

Bauxite Resources has announced the company's plans for a mining operation near Bindoon needs to undergo a Public Environmental Review.

Deloitte has appointed its WA managing partner Keith Jones to lead its Energy & Resources group.

Federal Independent MP Rob Oakeshott says he couldn't take a position in the Gillard ministry because it would have caused problems for the regional package he negotiated.

One of the dominant players in the state's commercial fishing industry for the past half a century Theo Kailis has died.

Automotive Holdings Group has signed a $12 million agreement to acquire a Toyota dealership 30 kilometres from Melbourne's CBD.

Shares in Avoca Resources slipped a further 9 per cent today after the company yesterday revealed plans to merge with US-based Anatolia Minerals Development.

Two WA companies are looking to develop projects in Greenland after the government lifted its decades-old ban on uranium exploration.

Belmont-based Diploma Group has recorded a $10 million net profit after tax for the 2010 financial year, up from $2 million for the previous corresponding period.

West Perth-based Sterling Biofuels International has recorded a $2.7 million loss for the 2010 financial year.

Nido Petroleum recorded a $20.6 million net profit in its half-yearly financial results for the six months ending June 30, compared to an $18.5 million loss for the previous corresponding period.

The first of 100 homes built for service workers in the Pilbara have left Perth by road and are due to arrive in Karratha this weekend.

A decision by the Greenland Government to amend legislation governing exploration licences has opened the way for Greenland Minerals and Energy to develop its Kvanefjeld project.

Job surge boosts growth outlook – The Fin; CCC to probe Perth Arena project chief – The West; A-G checks on Palmer – The Fin; BP case comparable to Montara – The Fin; 'Kingmaker' role in Avoca deal queried – The West

Midas Resources is seeking to raise $1.15 million through a share purchase plan and will use the funds to advance its project exploration and evaluation programs.

The state opposition is continuing to turn up the heat on Nationals leader Brendon Grylls, pushing for him to reveal his dealings with mining magnate Clive Palmer over the dropping of a $45 million environmental bond.

Gindalbie Metals has appointed senior Newmont Mining executive Tim Netscher as an independent non-executive director.

A parliamentary committee has recommended the Corruption and Crime Commission not be given enhanced powers to fight organised crime saying it would conflict with its current position as an integrity agency.

Belmont-based Diploma Group has won a $20 million contract to construct a new government office building in the United Arab Emirates.

Carrick Gold and Condor Nickel have both filled the hole on their boards created by the resignation of Ian Burston, announcing Robert Schuitema will join the companies.