News Articles for BHP

BHP Billiton says it will consider expanding its Olympic Dam copper and uranium mine in South Australia only after it improves efficiencies and can run the existing operation at full capacity.

Atlas Iron has shrugged off concerns about current market conditions and its thin margins, using its annual general meeting yesterday to remind shareholders of its development track record in an intensely competitive environment as proof it is a survivor committed to doing what it takes.

The state rarely wins in battles with big resources outfits.

As the iron ore majors ramp up production, Fortescue Metals Group has an ace up its sleeve.

BHP Billiton bosses have made a strong sales pitch regarding the company's proposed demerger, telling shareholders in London they'd benefit from the next step in the big miner's "evolution".

Rio Tinto chief executive officer Sam Walsh and chief financial officer Chris Lynch have both had their contracts with the mining giant extended to open-ended tenures.

The big get bigger and the small get crushed.

Colin Barnett's tough talk on iron ore has all the hallmarks of a government fearful of losing control of the narrative.

Business leader Kerry Stokes says the Western Australian economy is heading for its toughest period in two decades, but expects the state will resume healthy growth within a couple of years.

Iron ore production shows no sign of slowing, but getting the ore on the water may be more problematic.

Three senior Western Australian mining executives have been named among 16 recipients of Chief Executive Women's $250,000 scholarship program.

Fortescue Metals Group chief executive Nev Power has criticised what he calls "last man standing" expansion strategies by the major iron ore producers in the Pilbara while defending FMG's own expansion strategy.

Verbal and financial volatility is the best way to describe what's happening in Western Australia today.

Australian resources companies are under-represented in Latin America's mining sector despite its attractive operating environment, according to a seasoned player in the region.

The Business News annual export review has the latest data on 33 businesses representing $122 billion in outgoing trade. It also shows that while iron ore continues to dominate, the emergence of LNG, agriculture and services will benefit from a lower dollar.

Chalice Gold Mines founder and executive chairman Tim Goyder has taken the role of managing director in a series of board changes that include Bill Bent stepping down from the position today.

An unexpected windfall could tip $50 million into failed construction company Forge Group as its receivers continue to recover money owed and make debt payments.

Karl Simich and Mark Bennett are justifiably annoyed at having the companies they run added to an investment blacklist; but behind their frustration there is an enormously serious issue for every member of a superannuation fund – and that, in theory, is every working and recently retired Australian.

Premier Colin Barnett has strongly criticised Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, accusing the major iron ore producers of flooding the market and hurting the state.

The big commodities exporter has stolen a march on Australia with a China deal to use giant ships at cheaper rates.

If Western Australia's small iron ore miners thought all the bad news about falling prices was in the open, they got a shock this week when the two biggest producers, BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, launched a war of words, complete with threats of fresh expansion programs.

Cassini Resources, the five cent explorer that quickly graduated to a 25 cent stock in April after acquiring BHP Billiton's West Musgrave nickel-copper project has taken a share price hit in its stride as it seeks to educate the market on its as yet unrealised potential.

The next move in US interest rates will be up, which will have an effect worldwide – including on Australia's residential property market.

China's new coal-quality rules have ruffled feathers in the Australian coal industry.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion has announced that Western Australia will play a key role in settling global safety standards for emerging remote controlled mining machinery.

Investor interest in base metals stocks is rising, as iron ore process continue to slide south.

Perth civil engineering contractor Macmahon Holdings has secured a $317.5 million three-year funding facility, upsized from $280 million after the book-build closed oversubscribed.

Civil and mining industry contractor Viento Group has announced a joint venture with 100 per cent indigenous owned Kimberley Pipelines, expanding Viento's services into the pipeline construction industry.

Speculation is mounting that Apache Energy is set to spin-out its Western Australian assets into a separate entity, with Macquarie Capital Advisers appointed to act on its behalf.

Change is under way in the Pilbara mining town of Newman, with BHP Billiton's long-held dominance of the housing market moderating in the face of new residential developments and a growing rental sector.

Libby Lyons has moved to Adelaide to head BHP Billiton's corporate affairs for its Olympic Dam project.Ms Lyons was most recently executive chair of disability charity Kalparrin.

The premier and treasurer have some tough choices to make if they're to salvage the state's economic fortunes.

Several former BHP Billiton employees made redundant from their positions at Mount Whaleback mine have engaged law firm Slater & Gordon to fight for their Newman homes amid claims the company altered aspects of its home ownership scheme.

FEATURE: Having gained notoriety in the 1996 movie Jerry Maguire, the phrase ‘show me the money' will be heard often, and loudly, in business in Western Australia in coming years as capital inflows become capital outflows and funds become harder-than-ever to raise.

FEATURE: Subdued iron ore and gold prices over the longer term could signal a lift in exploration for base metals.

FEATURE: A stubbornly high dollar, falling prices and high operating costs are combining to exert real pressure on smaller players in the iron ore sector.

FEATURE: Industrial uncertainty and an urgent need for more infrastructure are putting the squeeze on iron ore exports through Port Hedland, while productivity increases and transshipment options are also being mulled over statewide.

BHP Billiton has signed Perth-based construction group JAXON to build a $51.6 million residential development in South Hedland.

Perth civil engineering firm Macmahon Holdings is back in the black with $30.4 million full-year profit and $1 billion in revenue.

From mining to retail and everything in between, it seems bigger is better – particularly when the going gets tough.