BHP Billiton has given the go-ahead to a $US152 million ($A177 million) investment to enhance the processing of ore at its Mount Keith nickel operation in the eastern Goldfields.
Development of BHP Billiton's $1 billion Macedon domestic gas project off Exmouth has moved closer, following the formal start of front end engineering and design work.
THE global financial crisis had a marked impact on Western Australia's engineering contractors during the year as the slowdown forced resources companies to scale back and defer numerous new developments and expansions.
BHP Billiton has settled almost a quarter of its total iron ore volumes at the newly agreed benchmark prices while one-third will be sold at spot and index-based prices.
BHP Billiton Iron Ore and World Vision have teamed up to form a $5 million partnership to boost care and health activities for pre-school aged children in the east Pilbara.
The state mining engineer has ordered BHP Billiton to carry out an independent engineering study at its Perseverance nickel operation following the second rock-fall incident in less than a month.
BHP Billiton is believed to be formally preparing to test the waters for a potential sale of its failed $US2.2 billion Ravensthorpe nickel mine, near Hopetoun.
Opposition spokesperson Alannah MacTiernan has called for the removal of BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto representatives on port authority boards due to constant conflict of interest.
Premier Colin Barnett says the government will consider looking at stamp duty legislation as he prepares to meet with BHP Billiton boss Marius Kloppers tomorrow over the Pilbara merger with Rio Tinto.
THE third attempt in a decade to merge the iron ore assets of BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto could resolve this issue for good, with Premier Colin Barnett seemingly prepared to negotiate over a long list of demands.
BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto will set up a production joint venture comprising all of their iron ore assets in Western Australia, in a move expected to save them billions of dollars.
BHP Billiton has taken further steps to develop its Yeelirrie uranium deposit near Wiluna, immediately attracting criticism from environment groups but winning support from the pro-uranium state government.
Around 240 employees and contractors at BHP Billiton's Leinster nickel operations will be affected by the company's decision to halt activities at the Rocky's Reward open pit mine.
BHP Billiton says it Yeelirrie uranium project could be the state's first uranium mine as it works closely with government agencies over an appeals process.
