Edited announcement

Australian companies Nkwe Platinum Limited and International Goldfields Ltd have issued statements playing down speculation they were planning to complete a deal over some of their African platinum projects.

South Perth's Pagoda Hotel will be renamed the Esplanade River Suites following its acquistion by Marylyn New's Esplanade Hotels Group.

Woodside's Neptune oil and gas project has been temporarily stalled by the identification of a structural glitch which is estimated to impact the company by 0.15 million barrels of oil equivalent per month until the issue is resolved.

West Perth-based international computer and office equipment financing company Think Smart Limited has commenced trading in Italy, as part of an expansion strategy adding to its operations in the UK and Spain with DSG International.

Churchlands-based Navitas Ltd said today that the establishment of its program for international students at McMaster University College in Canada has been delayed due to further discussions at the university.

Orbital Corporation Ltd managing director Rodney Houston announced today that he will step down form his position as of the end of June 2008.

Eneabba Gas Ltd has terminated its agreement with Westralian Gas and Power Ltd to buy a 70 per cent stake in Mid West petroleum tenements.

In his latest report, state auditor general Colin Murphy has looked into the licensing of security workers and the disposal of government computer hardware.

ipernica Ltd confirmed today that it has received $30 million from the recently announced settlement of litigation against Sweden-based Ericsson Inc.

Engineering company Monadelphous Group Ltd has announced that it has secured its first significant electrical and instrumentation contract in the Western Australian resources market.

Wesfarmers Ltd has opted to retain the Kmart general retail business which it inherited with the acquisition of Coles Ltd last year.

The global study from Resources Global Professionals released today reveals that 82 per cent of global human resources leaders believe the 'war for talent' is a key and enduring business issue for the next decade and beyond - yet most do not have a clear

Iluka Resources Ltd confirmed today that it completed the institutional component of its 4 for 7 pro-rata accelerated renounceable entitlement offer as shareholders took up their full entitlement in the $353 million rights issue.

Apex Minerals NL announced today that it has successfully completed a $62 million placement to be used to fund the company's program to resume gold production at the Wiluna Gold Mine by the end of 2008.

Monarch Gold Mining Ltd said today that it is well advanced with arrangements for the recently announced $65 million acquisition of the Mount Magnet Gold Operations, and that it is ready to get started with the exploration when it takes possession next mo

Perth will be the first Australian city to access Google Transit, an online mapping site available within weeks, which will enable people to look up travel directions and businesses listings in the area.

Perth company Pol Valley Energy Ltd and Italian energy company Edison have negotiated a joint venture agreement to settle a dispute over development of gas fields in northern Italy.

The state government has agreed to widen the powers of the Corruption and Crime Commission following a planned review, despite strong criticism of the corruption watchdog by its Parliamentary Inspector Malcolm McCusker QC.

Following Swan Hills backbencher Jaye Radisich's announcement last week, WA Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale is the second female Labor MP to announce her resignation from parliament, effective from the next state election.

Singapore based Skywest Airlines Ltd has announced an interim after-tax profit for the half-year to December 2007 of S$6.5 million (A$5.1 million), an increase of 46.6 per cent on the previous corresponding period.

New York-based defence contractor L-3 Communications Corporation has expanded its Fremantle-based Australasian operations with the $15.5 million acquisition of HSA Systems Pty Ltd.

Western Metals Limited has finalised an agreement with Stellar Resources Limited for the sale its 60% interest in the Zeehan tin deposit in western Tasmania for $1.1m.

Subiaco-based Phylogica has secured a signficant shareholding in Dynamic Microbials, with the two companies signing an exclusive Licence Agreement for Phylogica's anti-bacterial applications.

BankWest and Flight Centre Ltd (FLT) today announced BankWest ATMs would be installed in more than 100 of FLT's shops across Australia over the next year.

West Perth-based Moly Mines Ltd's Spinifex Ridge molybdenum project faces delays of at least three months after the company disclosed that it had been unable to complete its financial negotiations and its regulatory approvals in line with its original sch

West Perth-based gold producer Troy Resources NL has annouced the commissioning of its new Andorinhas gold mine in Brazil, which is expected to produce 50,000 ounces of gold per annum over five years.

West Perth-based gold miner Avoca Resources Ltd has credited the sucess of its Higginsville Gold Project in Western Australia for enabling the company to secure a $71 million loan for its subsidiary, Avoca Mining Ltd, in the midst of volatile world credit

State government ministers have welcomed the Australian Government's announcement of a new $2.25 billion, five-year program to revitalise Australia's environment and improve land management.

West Perth-based asset and expense management provider Stratatel Ltd has acquired Phoneware Communications Systems Pty Ltd for $2.5 million in cash and shares.

Premier Alan Carpenter has announced that land at Allenswood Primary School in Greenwood is not for sale and will remain as open space.

The first stage of the Lancelin to Cervantes Coastal Road overlooking the Indian Ocean was officially opened today, four weeks ahead of schedule.

The Australian Building and Construction Commission has taken action against the CFMEU WA after alleging that the union's assistant secretary Joe McDonald ignored right of entry restrictions imposed on him.