Jack McGinn

Remarks by Wayne Bramwell to Business News this time last year have proved somewhat prophetic, considering recent events in the Western Australian gold sector.

Ramelius Resources boss Mark Zeptner says he has moved on from the Westgold-Karora takeover saga but remains unhappy with the way the Takeovers Panel handled the situation.

Strike Energy shares slipped to their lowest point since 2021 this morning, after its L7 joint venture partners revealed they would abandon a Perth Basin exploration well.

Pilbara gold developer De Grey has refused to comment around speculation that it could be the target of rival interest, saying it is focused on developing its Hemi project.

The state government will take tighter control of the Perth Mint, bringing its operator Gold Corporation further in-house in a move celebrated by the state's largest producer.

Genesis Minerals managing director Raleigh Finlayson says his company is applying a long-term approach to supporting the Leonora community – including through tourism.

A forecast uranium production boost which led to an ASX stock sell-off last week will have a marginal impact on the market, according to Boss Energy chief executive Duncan Craib.

Regis Resources chief executive Jim Beyer has revealed the company is open to a JV partner at its McPhillamys gold project in New South Wales, while lauding the project’s approvals status.

Peter Dutton has accused the government of throwing sand in the gears of resources projects, as reports emerge of environmental challenges facing Woodside Energy’s Browse development.

Former Western Australian governor and federal defence minister Kim Beazley has called for Australia to “play the same game” as China in securing supply of the nation’s rare earths output.

The combined value of Western Australia’s listed companies fell to $349.7 billion last financial year, propped up by the resurgent performance of the state’s gold sector.

Federal opposition leader Peter Dutton has used a flying visit to a charity event in the Swan Valley to hit out at the nation’s regulatory environment, warning investment dollars are at risk.

Bill Beament-led Develop Global has secured a $100 million cash boost from Trafigura, as it pursues a final investment decision on the Woodlawn copper-zinc mine in New South Wales.

Newly merged Westgold Resources and Karora Resources have lauded the timing of their deal to create a consolidated gold miner, after tying a ribbon on their transaction today.

The state government will spend $20 million on a road to connect the Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area to the North West Coastal Highway, in a bid to activate a new renewables hub.

Strike Energy has locked in a $48.5 million contract for its 85-megawatt South Erregulla peaking gas power plant in the state’s Midwest, as it awaits regulatory go-ahead on the plan.

A BHP railcar left the tracks during work at the iron ore miner’s Port Hedland rail yard this morning, with no injuries reported and no materials spilt.

GOLD WRAP: Rain fallout for Gold Road; enlarged Red 5’s consolidated output above 450,000 ounces; and Westgold prepares for Karora.

Shares in Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue plummeted more than 10 per cent today, attributed to a major sell-down reportedly linked to US-based investment manager Capital Group Companies.

WA Labor’s election war chest has grown towards $250,000 courtesy of donations from high-profile businesses, while WA’s peak resources lobby group has given The Nationals a big boost.

The state government will introduce checks for construction union officials seeking worksite entry permits, but remains confident in the conduct of the local branch of the CFMEU.

Ramelius Resources hopes to continue the momentum of a record year for gold production but has opted against a $300 million investment to prolong the life of its Edna May goldmine.

Jack McGinn and Nadia Budihardjo discuss the WA defence industry.

The Western Australian government will team up with the Commonwealth’s submarine builder to support the sustainment of local submarine workforce capacity.

Concerns are growing over Rockingham’s capacity to support the expanded workforce needed for work on nuclear subs.

A Sydney-based charity has set its sights on WA’s critical minerals potential.

High gold prices led Boddington goldmine owner Newmont Corporation to exceed its profit estimates last quarter, despite a production drop off linked to the Telfer project in WA.

Perth Basin gas producer Strike Energy says it is closing in on a final investment decision at two key projects, including the West Erregulla resource owned in JV with Hancock Prospecting.

GOLD WRAP: Kalgoorlie Super Pit owner Northern Star Resources generated gold production and cash flow records last financial year, but was impacted by constraints at its Yandal hub.

An as-yet-uncosted dry dock will be a necessary component of the Western Australia’s AUKUS partnership responsibilities, according to acting Prime Minister Richard Marles.

Gold aspirant Rox Resources has flagged a cost of around $245 million to bring the historic Youanmi mine in the Murchison back into production, amid a hot local gold market.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has backed Australia’s preparation for any potential conflict in the years ahead, on the first morning of the largest defence gathering in state history.