A $US30 million ($46 million) funding deal with Alcoa has lifted hopes the privately-owned Equus gas project off WA's north-west coast could finally be developed.
Global aluminium giant Alcoa hopes to diversify its Western Australian production mix as soon as next year, announcing a plan to enter gallium production in the state's South West.
The public consultation floodgates have opened on Alcoa's proposals to open new bauxite mines in the Darling Range and increase production at its Pinjarra alumina refinery.