Mining

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has hit back at unions who have called for a parliamentary inquiry into the Gorgon project.

Iron ore miner and steelmaker Arrium is seeking to raise at least $754 million through the issue of new shares, to reduce debt amid falling prices for iron ore.

Subiaco-based explorer Aspire Mining has announced a $2.2 million placement to sophisticated investors for drilling at its Nuurstei coal project in northern Mongolia.

Gold prices ended Friday at the lowest level in eight months as the dollar continued its advance against other currencies.

Manas Resources has announced plans to raise $850,000 to fund pre-development work at its Shambesai gold project in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Perth mining contractor Barminco has won an extension to its contract with miner Western Areas to carry out $190 million of underground mining development and production activities at its Spotted Quoll and Flying Fox nickel mines.

Silver Lake Resources founding managing director Les Davis will step down from his role in November, leaving current executive director Luke Tonkin to fill his shoes.

BC Iron is one step closer to completing its $256 million takeover bid for the Kerry Stokes-backed Iron Ore Holdings, after major shareholder Australian Capital Equity yesterday accepted the offer.

US oil prices have rallied despite an International Energy Agency report that said the outlook for global crude demand growth has weakened considerably.

Gold prices fell to their lowest level in more than seven months on Thursday and finished in the red for the fourth session in a row, as a strong dollar and muted geopolitical fears continued to weigh on its appeal as a safe-haven investment.

Perth-based contractor OTOC has secured $10 million in funding to pursue its national expansion, through a 20-cent placement of 50 million shares.

Freight operator Aurizon has received exclusive rights to develop the rail and port infrastructure for a major Pilbara iron ore project in which it is a partner.

Cardinal Resources has announced a $1.6 million placement and non-renounceable rights issue of options to raise funds for continued exploration of its West African mines.

Gold producer AngloGold Ashanti has announced plans to separate its South African assets from its international mining assets through London-listed NewCo, whilst contemplating a rights issue to raise $2.3 billion to fund the restructure and pay off debt.

Perth minerals explorer Gunson Resources has agreed to acquire a 100 per cent interest in mineral sands firm Strandline Resources for $2.5 million, and will assume the name of its target as it expands its focus in offshore assets.

World oil prices have dropped after OPEC trimmed its oil demand growth forecast and a US supply report showed surprisingly high inventories.

Gold futures gave up earlier gains, settling at a fresh three-month low on Wednesday as a stronger US dollar sapped investor appetite for the metal.

Perth explorer Promesa says it will place up to 40 million shares at 2.5 cents per share to raise $1 million.

Perth civil engineering contractor Macmahon Holdings has secured a $317.5 million three-year funding facility, upsized from $280 million after the book-build closed oversubscribed.

The state government has moved to introduce legislation validating environmental approvals for 25 resources projects, including BHP Billiton's Jimblebar iron ore project and Macedon gas development, thrown into doubt by a review of the independent Environmental Protection Authority’s conflict of interest procedures.

IMX Resources has sold its iron ore operations in South Australia to Perth-based Cu-River Mining for $3.68 million, shifting its focus solely on its Tanzanian projects.

A trio of heavyweight unions will present a petition to the Western Australian parliament, calling for an investigation into the use of local labour and suppliers at the Chevron-operated Gorgon gas project.

Gold slid to a three-month low and other precious metals fell Tuesday as the dollar strengthened and as signs of progress toward peace in Ukraine reduced the need for haven assets.

Oil prices in London have continued their steady slide amid a flush market and little upside to the current demand picture.

Westpac chief economist Bill Evans has predicted the iron ore price will go over the $100 per tonne mark next year, on the back of improved Chinese consumer confidence.

Aberdeen-headquartered energy services firm Wood Group PSN has won a contract with Woodside to provide engineering and construction management services at its Karratha Gas Plant Life Extension program, for an undisclosed amount.

Rio Tinto has mounted an energetic defence of clean coal, referencing Churchill and Neil Armstrong's moon landing in declaring it the only way to meet growing energy needs while reducing emissions.

Engineering and maintenance firm WorleyParsons has acquired US-based hydrocarbons management consultancy MTG for an undisclosed sum.

Oil prices have dropped with the European benchmark contract slipping below $US100 ($A108.20) a barrel on concerns about fragile demand, heavy supply and a strengthening US dollar.

Gold prices slid Monday, as a stronger US dollar led investors to sell the precious metal.

Chrysalis Resources has entered into a deal to grant Fortescue Metals Group exclusive exploration access and an option to buy the Chrysalis West Angelas Project Tenements.

Civil and mining industry contractor Viento Group has announced a joint venture with 100 per cent indigenous owned Kimberley Pipelines, expanding Viento’s services into the pipeline construction industry.