Mark Beyer

Perth-based miner Aditya Birla Minerals disclosed today it has stood down the majority of employees at its Nifty copper mine as it continues to investigate suspected ground subsidence.

SPECIAL REPORT: The changing profile of the Water Corporation’s $1 billion works program will present more direct opportunities for smaller contractors.

SPECIAL REPORT: International contractor Kentz and local companies Monadelphous and NRW Holdings were the big winners among civil and engineering construction contractors over the past 12 months, research by Business News has found.

SPECIAL REPORT: With new project work from the resources and government sectors slowing down, contractors will need to look harder for work opportunities.

Taking a methodical approach to infrastructure planning helps build strong foundations.

The alignment of chief executive salary packages with market capitalisation has been highlighted in Business News’ latest quarterly salary survey.

The reform agenda mapped out last week by the Economic Regulation Authority should become former treasurer Troy Buswell’s greatest legacy to the state.

One of Perth’s largest apartment projects by value is due to be launched in coming weeks in Rivervale, testing demand and pricing in what has become a development hot spot.

Buru Energy has announced a major change in its Canning Basin exploration program after disappointing early results, saying today it was looking to release the specially-built rig it had contracted to use this year.

This week’s APPEA conference highlighted the key issues facing one of the state’s fastest growing industries; the solutions are less clear.

Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane today launched a new centre dedicated to research in the resources sector, but was coy on whether Canberra would support a similar body that Woodside has been pushing for the oil and gas sector.

7-Eleven Stores has confirmed that it is expanding into Western Australia, as foreshadowed last month by Business News.

The lack of competition for small business lending needs to come under scrutiny at the federal government’s financial system inquiry.

Gas industry leaders lined up today to call for more supportive government policies on workplace relations, taxation and skilled migration, saying these changes were crucial if the sector was to maximise growth opportunities.

Premier Colin Barnett has launched a blunt attack on the gas industry, saying it doesn’t understand Australia, had left his government swinging “high and dry” and needed to do more for the domestic market.

Mirvac Group has cleared the way for development of its next high-rise apartment tower at Burswood after overcoming objections from local residents and the local council to its revised plans.

The Franchise Council of Australia has criticised planned federal government reforms, claiming there is inconsistency between Small Business Minister Bruce Billson’s stated intentions and draft changes to the franchising code of conduct.

Franchise groups face fines of up to $51,000 for serious breaches of the Franchising Code of Conduct under draft reforms released today by the federal government.

WA’s population growth rate has slowed, but the state and the country as a whole is still growing fast and in ways that have profound implications.

Australian liquefied natural gas projects can continue to be competitive against new developments planned for the United States, Canada and east Africa, industry consultant RISC has found.

A major international franchise chain is preparing the ground for an assault on WA’s retail convenience sector.

Recent events in the business and political sphere highlight again the importance of having a good succession plan, a process that many leaders do not embrace or understand.

Michael Fotios, who made a fortune backing gold miner Northern Star Resources, is heading back to the stockmarket to tap into what he calls “a marked increase in investor interest over the last 3 months”.

Patersons Securities plans to introduce an employee share scheme to help bolster its net assets by at least $15 million, after posting its third interim loss in succession.

There is a fascinating divergence between the mining industry and government in how they view investment in the Pilbara.

Strong growth in BGC’s contracting and development arms mean the diversified group is set to become even larger following the passing of founder Len Buckeridge, if it stays intact.

The state’s two biggest mining companies have downplayed the recent dive in the iron ore price, insisting the outlook is still positive despite analysts tipping a continued fall to around $US80 per tonne.

Parts of the East Perth skyline will start to rival the height of the central city after Finbar Group secured planning approval for what will be Perth’s tallest apartment tower.

Litigation funder Bentham IMF has announced a conditional settlement of its claims against collapsed investment manager Great Southern.

WA has become a more attractive jurisdiction for the resources sector, but more can be done.

RCR Tomlinson’s strong share price has delivered a further windfall for managing director Paul Dalgleish, who has exercised another batch of options at just 39 cents per share.

Is $1,500 per day plus all reasonable expenses a good rate of pay for the top executive at a junior mining company in the midst of a cost-cutting drive? Read Business News' latest quarterly salary survey to learn more.