Michael Ramsey

Tight conditions in the mining services sector and a lower Australian dollar have paid dividends for Altona Mining, which has announced a solid increase in net present value and lower revised capital costs at its Little Eva copper project in Queensland.

Gold miner Regis Resources has blamed higher production costs at its Duketon project for a 32 per cent slump in first half profit but says recovery efforts are proceeding in line with expectations after torrential rain caused extensive flood damage to the site.

The new directors of Empire Oil & Gas have admitted the company's financial position is worse than originally anticipated, with an initial review revealing a raft of performance issues at its flagship Red Gully gas and condensate processing facility.

The High Court has ruled that native title rights are not extinguished by the granting of mining leases, in what indigenous groups have described as a landmark decision which will provide a clear basis for the resolution of other native title disputes.

Premier Colin Barnett will be forced to undertake another cabinet reshuffle in the lead up to May's state budget after the resignation of Treasurer and Transport Minister Troy Buswell.

Woodside Petroleum has signed a sales and purchase agreement with Korea Gas Corporation for up to 2.2 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas over three years.

Welshpool-based contractor MACA has launched a $59 million capital raising and paid out a special dividend to shareholders on top of last week's interim dividend.

Global Construction Services has reported a 30 per cent fall in half-year net profit, with residential property providing a rare bright spot amid challenging market conditions.

A joint venture between engineering firms UGL and Kentz has been awarded a $US640 million contract for construction work at Inpex's Ichthys liquefied natural gas project.