Russell Quinn

Straits Resources is poised to sell two of its Pilbara base metal projects to West Leederville-based mineral exploration company, Venturex Resources in return for a substantial shareholding as part of a deal worth up to $11 million.

Nickel miner Mincor Resources has recovered from a big first-half loss to post a modest profit in the second half of the finacial year but it was not enough to save the group from an annual loss of $16 million.

Directors of Polaris Metals have recommended its shareholders accept an off-market takeover bid worth up to $67 million from mining services outfit, Mineral Resources, subject to an independent expert assessment and in the absence of a superior offer.

Gold producer, Avoca Resources managed to raise its stake in takeover target Dioro Exploration to more than 44 per cent by the close of business yesterday, ending the four-month acquisition proposal.

CURRENCY fluctuations during the past 13 months have made tough economic times a nd difficult trading conditions even more so, but experts suggest there are ways to combat the turbulence.

THE real estate industry was an early engager of the burgeoning online sector when readership figures for traditional print mediums began to decline.

WESTERN Australia is poised to become a global competitor in the world of supercomputing, which could assist the state in securing the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project and benefit various other astronomy industries.

The state government has established a project team from Main Roads and environmental and engineering consulting firm AECOM to manage environmental approvals, engineering design and community engagement processes for the contentious Roe Highway extension.

Gold producer, Avoca Resources may have secured a victory in the final hours of its bid for Goldfields miner Dioro Exploration, raising its stake in Dioro to just over 36 per cent after a UK fund manager relinquished its hefty interest in the miner.

Engineering and construction company, AusGroup has delivered record earnings thanks to it work in the resources sector over the last 12 months, with revenue and profit surging 26 per cent and 52 per cent respectively.

Mineral sands producer Iluka has posted a net losst after tax loss of $55.8 million in the half year to June 30 after cutting production earlier this year and selling its interest in Consolidated Rutile (CRL).

Straits Resources had mixed news for the market today, suspending operations at its antimony and gold mine in NSW but qualifying for a second payment from the sale of one of its Asian assets.

West Perth-based nickel miner Western Areas has announced a $35 million loss in the year to June 30 as a result of weak nickel prices, delayed sales and continued investment in its expanding nickel operations.

Subiaco-based advertsising agency, 303 has secured the national advertising business for the Honda Jazz, beating out east coast agencies, HOST and incumbent Draft FCB.

Three regional Western Australian companies have led the country in collectively receiving the greatest funding allocation from the first round of the federal government's $35 million Regional Food Producers Innovation and Productivity Program (RFPIPP).

Drilling services company Imdex has posted significant profit fall for the year ending June 30, which the company attributed to the impact of the global financial crisis and the downturn in mineral exploration.

Japan, the world's second largest economy and WA's second largest trading partner has joined Europe's two biggest economies, Germany and France in recording positive economic growth in the June quarter.

Perth-based engineering and construction company Clough has acquired Houston-based subsea engineering firm Ocean Flow International LLC, giving Clough a foothold in the oil and gas capital of the world.

WESTERN Australian farmers and industry groups have defended the export of live sheep after a RSPCA-commissioned report suggested the valuable trade could be phased out with little impact on local sheep farmers and the Australian economy.

A PRIVATE helicopter charter company is expanding its fleet and diversifying operations to cater for high-end corporate clients while inviting smaller business and the general public to climb aboard.

Cruise operators in the Kimberley are branching out into new fields while keeping on course with their core business – showing Aussie tourists what’s in their own backyard.

Looking for something new next time you fancy a cuppa? Take a leaf out of this book. Russell Quinn reports.

The signs are good for exporters, in the medium-term at least, according to a recent survey.

PIAF general manager Favourite holiday destination? There is something utterly magical about Venice - it has great beauty and literally abounds with surprises.

David Coomer is on top of his game with his new venture. Russell Quinn reports.

FIVE innovative Western Australian organisations have received federal government funding grants since the start of the year to assist with the commercialisation of their respective technologies.

ONGOING growth in services exports has prompted business and industry groups to call for greater state and federal government focus on the trade opportunities available in the sector.

A popular Leederville burger bar has beaten hamburger craftsmen and women from around the country to win the title of Australia's Best Hamburger in the nation's biggest people's choice food awards.

A popular Leederville burger bar has beaten hamburger craftsmen and women from around the country to win the title of Australia's Best Hamburger in the nation's biggest people's choice food awards.

THE Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia has joined fellow resources industry bodies across the country in affirming expected strong demand for labour in the sector in the coming decades.

THE diverse nationalities of foreign students in Perth has become one of the international education sector's major strengths in recent years, and a potential barrier to market downturn.

The people of Western Australia remain opposed to the state government's plan to introduce weeknight trading to 9pm, a survey by the WA Independent Grocers Association has shown.