Digging In

Amid the gloom, WA has some positive resources stories to tell,with uranium developers buoyed by improving news, investment certainty guaranteed around royalties rates - for now - and nickel reappearing as a sturdy performer.

Producers and explorers will be breathing a sigh of relief this week after the state government announced it would leave resources royalty rates unchanged in this year's budget.

The news from the iron ore and petroleum sectors may be disheartening for producers and investors alike, but another of Western Australia's mineral exports is proving as resilient as stainless steel.