Mining

A key market analyst says a realistic outlook for nickel prices over the next few years is around $US17,000 per tonne and producers should take heart from an expected doubling in demand over current levels by 2030.

Perth-based Coretrack Ltd has signed an agreement with Apache Energy Ltd to supply its core level recorder tool and associated services to the oil and gas company's Reindeer 2 well located in the North West Shelf.

West Perth-based Kagara Ltd today said its continuing shift towards copper production has resulted in record copper production of 9,472 tonnes from the company's North Queensland operations for the September quarter.

Chevron Australia says the government's proposed emissions trading scheme could increase operating costs by up to $200 million to its massive Gorgon and Wheatstone projects.

Shares in Westralian Gas and Power have slumped nearly 30 per cent as the company reports cash reserves of $7000 at the end of the September quarter.

Treasurer Troy Buswell said spending will be signifcantly tightened in next year's budget while an exact forecast on how the global financial turmoil will affect the state's resource royalties revenue stream is not yet known.

THE timing of the first strike action at Rio Tinto Ltd's Pilbara iron ore operations in 16 years is almost exquisite, with some of the highest paid union members on the planet stopping work as world leaders were seeking to avert a global financial disaste

HISTORIC statistics have only limited value in the context of an unprecedented market meltdown, nevertheless there is some comfort in knowing the economic position before the latest chapter in the slowly unfolding crisis.

THE global financial crisis has had a big impact on two energy projects off Western Australia's northern coast, with Coogee Resources and Nexus Energy both putting out 'for sale' signs this month.