Retail sales in Western Australia are forecast to surge more than 4 per cent in fiscal 2012 after a slight contraction the year before as the economy feels the effects of higher unemployment as the current pipeline of projects dries up, new figures show.
The Esperance Port Authority (EPA) has accepted responsibility for its role in the 2007 lead contamination of the town, changing its plea to guilty in the Magistrates Court today.
Melbourne-based explorer Karoon Gas has raised $150 million that will help spur exploration of its joint venture project in the Browse Basin with ConocoPhillips.
The board of West Perth-based Adamus Resources has given the go-ahead for development of its $95 million Southern Ashanti gold project in Ghana, which will generate $124 million for the company in the first two years.
Takeover target Hannans Reward says it will refocus its funds and efforts towards exploration after suitor Fox Resources decided to withdraw its offer.
Miner Kagara has finally lifted the veil on its capital raising plans, announcing it will raise up to $262 million with a Chinese company to subscribe for a 15 per cent stake.
The state government has given conditional approval for the Plunkett family's proposed residential development at Moore River, north of Perth, but has substantially scaled down the size of the project.
Blue Energy has raised more than $22 million through a share purchase plan which, together with a proposed placement to a Korean company, will accelerate the explorer's proposed work program for the next two years.
Welshpool-based sustainable water and power company Solco expects to deliver a full-year net profit of up to $1.6 million, a dramatic lift from the previous year's $119,000.
Shares in CO2 Group surged after Woodside Petroleum substantially increased its carbon offset program by $75 million to offset emissions for its $12 billion Pluto liquefied natural gas project.
Prospector Mark Creasy has cleared the way for Navigator Resources to acquire the Bronzewing gold operation after deciding not to exercise his pre-emptive rights.
Shares in gold miner Croesus Mining are in a trading halt as the company raises up to $7 million in equity funding, ahead of a company restructure following a deal with Apex Minerals.
A housing industry group is sticking to its forecasts for the state's property sector, tipping housing starts to decline 5 per cent next financial year and no shortage of residential building lots for the next two years.
The mining company at the heart of the Esperance lead contamination saga, Magellan Metals, has started awarding funds to the local community as part of its $1 million commitment to the town.
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA has backed the Barnett government's proposal to keep mining royalties under the control of the state and rejected plans for a federal resources tax.
West Perth-based companies Advance Energy and Odin Energy, through joint venture company Blaze Asset, have extended and lifted its takeover offer for fellow oil and gas explorer Target Energy.
The state opposition is stepping up its campaign against the Barnett government's decision to defer an upgrade of the electricity transmission line to Geraldton, seen as a critical component to the Mid West region's development plans.
Job advertisements in Western Australia have slumped more than 56 per cent over the past 12 months as the engineering sector takes the biggest hit, new figures show.
Increase GST, lift taxes on 4WDs, says Barnett; China fails in ore price deal; Bid to derail Rio-BHP exclusivity; OZ rejects $1.5bn, sticks with Minmetals; Sage poised to close deal on platinum play
Premier Colin Barnett is not convinced the merger between BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto's WA iron ore assets is in the best interests of the state, saying the miners could be seeking to avoid paying land taxes.
Fortescue Metals Group executive director Graeme Rowley has pocketed more than $2.3 million after selling a sizeable chunk of shares on the Australian market.
The state government's new exploration incentive scheme has attracted nearly 170 applications with the bulk looking for financial support in their exploration efforts for gold.
BHP Billiton has quelled concerns that a proposed tie-up with Rio Tinto's Western Australian iron ore business will lead to further job losses while one union calls for key Rio executives to resign.
Miner Kagara and mining services company NRW Holdings have been removed from the S&P/ASX 200 index while two Western Australian companies with an African focus have been added.
London-listed miner and explorer Polo Resources has expanded its presence in the state after taking up shareholdings in junior explorers Impact Minerals and West Australian Metals.
