Mark Beyer

Mt Gibson Iron Ltd has overcome environmental objections to the development of its Extension Hill iron ore mine in the Mid West but the decision by Environment Minister David Templeman has left the future of iron ore mining in the region unclear.

Manufacturers and unions have criticised a state government decision to build a $62 million floating dock in Vietnam, saying the move is short-sighted and will make it harder for local industry to win work on big resource and defence projects.

The strong rise in molybdenum prices during the past three years has attracted a growing number of Western Australian mining companies to the rare metal.

An economic study commissioned by the Australian Building and Construction Commission has concluded that the federal government’s industrial relations policies, and the creation of the ABCC, have led to efficiency gains in the construction industry.

Engineered lumber company Lignor Ltd is reviewing its funding options, including the possible use of private equity, after failing to meet its own deadline for completion of a $125 million public share offer.

The state government has allocated an extra $10.5 million for the development of a new entertainment centre on the Albany waterfront, which is budgeted to cost a total of $46.3 million.

WhenWestern Australian companies want to raise large sums of capital, they usually have to jump on a plane so they can pitch to fund managers in cities such as Sydney, Toronto and London.

Perth-based fund manager Oceanic Asset Management broke new ground when it established its first investment fund in 2005, and it plans to do the same when it launches Australia’s first specialist uranium fund this year.

Entrust Funds Management and Growth Equities stand apart from their peers in Perth because they shy away from mining and resources stocks, preferring to focus on industrial companies.