John Phaceas

Brazilian mining giant Vale has started legal action against Perth-based Aquila Resources after rejecting the Tony Poli-led iron ore and coal miner's valuation of the Belvedere coal project in Queensland.

ADMINISTRATORS of Rick Stowe’s failed Griffin coal and energy empire now hope to wrap up a sale of the debt-laden private group in December after being forced to seek more time to complete the process last week.

Rio Tinto’s $850 million commitment to ramp-up underground development at the Argyle diamond mine signals a fundamental shift in diamonds that will have major ramifications in WA. John Phaceas reports.

Western Australia's resources sector churned out another near-record performance in 2009-10, with the value of the state's mineral and petroleum output totalling $70.9 billion, according to figures released by the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum.

QUEENSLAND rail giant QR National is eyeing Western Australia’s booming iron ore sector as a major growth driver after it completes its proposed $7 billion float in November.

GOOD faith negotiations between the state government and the Kimberley Land Council remain pivotal to whether Woodside Petroleum’s proposed $30 billion Browse liquefied natural gas project in the Kimberley goes ahead as planned in 2012.

URANIUM giant Cameco has begun canvassing communities along the proposed trucking route from its $500 million Kintyre uranium project in the Pilbara, amplifying calls for a major upgrade of transport links between Kalgoorlie and the state’s north.

INTERNATIONAL oil giant Shell is heading for a showdown with conservationists after applying to start gas exploration just 30km from the edge of the Ningaloo Marine Park.

ONE decision has towered over all others in the Western Australian resources sector in recent months – the final go ahead of the giant Gorgon liquefied natural gas project at Barrow Island.