Fraser Beattie

Perth-based mining equipment supplier Emeco Holdings has narrowed its net loss by 70.2 per cent to $54.6 million for the six months to December.

Shipbuilder Austal has reported a 208 per cent rise in profit to $28.9 million for the six months to December and declared its first dividend since 2011.

Nedlands-based sandalwood producer TFS Corporation has posted a massive 1,598 per cent surge in half-year profit to $55 million.

Two of Western Australia's most successful gold miners are competing to gain control of Tanami Gold’s Central Tanami project, indicating the growing investor interest in the gold mining sector.

Capital spending on major mining, energy and infrastructure projects in Australia is set to drop more than 60 per cent over the next three years, according to analysis by ANZ Banking Group.

Caravan and accommodation manufacturer Fleetwood Corporation’s profit fell 7 per cent to $3.8 million for the six months to December, following reduced demand for the company’s services in the resources sector.

Perth-based contractor Southern Cross Electrical Engineering has reported a 34 per cent slide in profit to $4.1 million for the six months to December, with the company facing challenging and competitive conditions in the sector.

Shares in Canada-focused coal developer Coalspur Mines surged after the company announced it had received a $15 million takeover proposal from KC Euroholdings.

Shares in engineering and maintenance business WorleyParsons have tumbled on news its first-half profit had fallen 7 per cent to $104.3 million.

Shares in Kerry Stokes' Seven Group Holdings have soared on the firm's plans for a share buy-back and despite a 74 per cent drop in first-half profit to $68.4 million.

Perth-based waste management company Tox Free Solutions has posted a 30 per cent boost in first-half profit to $12.4 million on the back of improvements in its industrial services operations.

Mungana Goldmines shares closed 20 per cent higher today on news former Mutiny Gold managing director Tony James would be the company’s new boss.

Shares in Perth-based contractor Brierty slumped after it announced a 7 per cent slide in first-half profit to $4.06 million, as competitiveness ramps up in the sector.

Subiaco-based gold producer Northern Star Resources will become Alchemy Resources’ largest shareholder by purchasing the company’s Hermes deposit in the Bryah Basin for $1.45 million.

Western Australian taxi patrons who pay their fare with non-cash methods will no longer be slugged a surcharge of up to 11 per cent.

Perth-based uranium developer Toro Energy has announced the appointment of Fiona Harris as the company’s new chair, while also announcing a reduction in the number of directors as a result of the current market conditions.

Quintessential Resources is set to relist on the ASX tomorrow after morphing into technology incubator Yonder and Beyond, but plans by three travel businesses, including George Michalczyk's Motive Travel, to undertake a backdoor listing through Red Gum Resources have fallen through. Click through to also see the BNiQ listing of 26 WA backdoor listings.

Mining and civil engineering contractor Maca has posted a 6.4 per cent increase in profit to $34.7 million for the six months to December, despite revenue taking a hit from recent mine closures, as the company shifted its focus onto gold projects in South America.

Engineering group UGL has suffered a first-half loss due to one-off write-downs and provisions as the slowdown in resource sector investment continues to bite.

Perth-based Amcom Telecommunications has posted a 16 per cent slide in half-year profit to $9.3 million on the back of a fall in revenue from its IT services business.

Mobile phone and internet covering across regional Western Australia is set to get a boost with 22 sites prioritised for the construction of 85 mobile phone towers, through the state government’s $45 million regional telecommunications project.

The state government is seeking expressions of interest to develop the heritage-listed East Perth power station site into a precinct that includes a mix of living, working and leisure opportunities.

Construction and development company Diploma Group will develop a four-level 24-apartment building in Subiaco, with a combined value on completion of $16 million.

Mid-tier nickel miner has posted a strong half-year with a 782 per cent surge in profit to $23.6 million thanks to lower costs, along with productivity and efficiency improvements.

Engineering services company RCR Tomlinson has increased profit by 3.9 per cent to $19 million for the six months to December, on the back of sales in the infrastructure and energy markets.

Perth-based minerals explorer ABM Resources has announced plans to tap investors for a $14.2 million capital raising to fund development of the Old Pirate gold deposit in the Northern Territory.

Iluka Resources has announced it will seek about 150 employees and contractors to restart operations at its rutile production plant and Tutunup South mine in Capel.

Engineering and construction contractor Decmil Group has posted a 4.9 per cent fall in first-half profit to $24.3 million as a result of lower construction margins in the tough market.

Shares in Subiaco-based internet service provider iiNet fell by 11 per cent after it reported a flat interim profit and said competition had become more aggressive in the fight for broadband customers.

Schaffer Corporation has reported a 57 per cent slide in first-half profit to $2.1 million, but chairman John Schaffer said the underlying strength of the company helped it maintain an interim dividend of 12 cents per share.

Iron ore miner and steel company Arrium has slammed the federal government for failing to crack down on the dumping of cheap foreign steel imports.

Carnegie Wave Energy has switched on its innovative CETO power plant, which will provide renewable electricity to the HMAS Stirling naval base on Garden Island.