Mining

Subiaco-based Natural Fuel Ltd has signed a letter of intent for a long-term offtake agreement with GEM BioFuels Plc for the supply of crude jatropha oil as a feedstock for its Singapore biodiesel facility.

Perth-based gold and base metals explorer Mount Burgess Mining NL has announced plans to raise $1.2 million through a placement, to fund exploration drilling and other test work at its projects in Botswana and Namibia.

West Perth-based Precious Metals Australia Ltd plans to change its name to Windimurra Vanadium Ltd in a move to reflect the company's focus on its mid west project, whit it aims to bring into production next year.

Perth-based uranium explorer Atom Energy Ltd has finalised the acquisition of seven uranium exploration licences in the Northern Territory, the company has announced.

West Perth-based minerals explorer Resource Mining Corporation Ltd will raise $2.3 million through a renounceable rights issue to shareholders on a one for 10 basis, the company has announced.

Como-based GME Resources Ltd will add will acquire an 80 per cent stake in two nickel projects in the Murrin Murrin region from Wanbanna Pty Ltd for $50,000 and the issuing of 12 million shares and 2 million options, the company has announced.

Shareholders in Nedlands-based Dioro Exploration NL have approved the acquisition of Harmony Gold Mines Ltd's South Kalgoorlie Mining Operations as well plans to spin-off of its nickel holdings, list on the Toronto Stock Exchange and raise $70 million.

West Perth-based Jabiru Metals Ltd has refinanced a major debt facility of $US40 million, releasing Consolidated Minerals Ltd from a guarantee it had provided for the original loan.

West Perth-based metals explorer Reed Resources Ltd has raised $16.2 million through a placement, with plans to complete a definitive feasibility study on its Barrambie vanadium project and advance future project development.

Midwestplays down relationship with Sinosteel; re-elected Howard would call referendum to recognise indigenous; $133.5b worth of Boeing delayed; best job figures could bring interest rate increase; WA mining leader says the state is asleep at the wheel

East Perth-based Macmahon Holdings Ltd has joined Standard & Poor's All Australian 200 index, after Centro Shopping America Trust was removed from the list after merging with Centro Retail Trust.

Shares in nickel miner Sally Malay Mining Ltd closed up 7.3 per cent to $5.27 after the company announced a significant upgrade in reserves for its Lanfranchi joint venture project, south of Kambalda.

West Perth-based mineral explorer EnviroGold Ltd has announced plans to raise $16 million through a placement to develop its 70 per cent owned Las Lagunas Gold Tailings Project in the Dominican Republic.

Perth-based petroleum player Samson Oil and Gas Ltd has raised $3.4 million through a placement, with funds to be spent on exploration of its US oil and gas projects.

Murchison opens $938m bid for Midwest; World economy to be tested by the recent credit squeeze; QLD launches $654m rail funding; construction market plummets in August; Gorgon project granted environmental approval.

Subiaco-based Ironbark Gold Ltd has taken a 5.4 per cent stake in West Perth-based gold explorer Sabre Resources, through the purchase of 4 million shares in the company worth around $2 million.

West Perth-based minerals explorer Central Asia Resources Ltd has signed a deal with Kazakhstan-based Kazakhstan-Australia Association Ltd, giving it first right of refusal on several exploration prospects adjacent to its current joint ventures.

CCC says Burke and Grill did nothing illegal; Evans & Tate may have been insolvent before calling administrators; Howard and Brumby give Pratt support; Health Care attacks on Healthscope takeover plans for Symbion; Kintyre deposit in bidding war.

ALUMINIUM producer Alcoa of Australia is preparing to relocate some members of its Booragoon team, with a new purpose-built office in Pinjarra close to completion and a refurbishment of its existing o

Like many drilling companies, Swick Mining Services Ltd was hit hard by the downturn in exploration spending early this decade.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA is leading a trade mission to China next week as part of a series of visits to the nation.

West Perth-based Sabre Resources Ltd has closed a $3.5 million capital raising oversubscribed, the company has announced.

Shareholders in West Perth-based gold miner Artemis Resources Ltd have take up 96 per cent of the 50.8 million loyalty options it offered earlier this year, the company has announced.

Bibra Lake-based mining services company Mineral Resources Ltd will construct ore crushing and beneficiation facilities worth $300 million for West Perth-based Precious Metals Australia at the company's Windimurra vanadium project.

West Perth-based Heron Resources Ltd has approved the commencement of trial mining and construction of the Demonstration Leaching Project on its Jump-up Dam Heap Leach Nickel Project, expected to cost $5.5 million.

Diversified minerals explorer India Resources Ltd plans to raise up to $20 million to drive development of its Surda copper project in India and fund further exploration to leverage India's resources potential.

Aurox Resources Ltd has estimated capital costs of $603 million for its wholly owned Balla Balla iron ore project in Western Australia's Pilbara region with the release of its bankable feasibility study today.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore has confirmed it will start flying workers in and out of Busselton in a bid to tap the growing population of the South West.

South Perth-based Aurium Resources Ltd has acquired a 37.5 per cent stake in gold exploration company Haven Resources Ltd for the issue of 7.5 million shares, worth around $1.3 million, the company has announced.

Applecross-based financial services company Questus Capital Group Pty Ltd is seeking a backdoor listing on the Australian Securities Exchange through failed Belmont-based company Financial Resources Ltd.

Belmont-based gold and base metals explorer Great Australian Resources Ltd will acquire the remaining 50 per cent stake of Platinum Mining Ventures Ltd for a scrip issue of 17.5 million shares, worth around $4.9 million.

Western Australian Industrial Relations Commissioner Stephen Kenner has been appointed to conduct a review of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994, brought forward two years by Employment Protection Minister Michelle Roberts.