Special Reports

The news from the iron ore and petroleum sectors may be disheartening for producers and investors alike, but another of Western Australia’s mineral exports is proving as resilient as stainless steel.

Producers and explorers will be breathing a sigh of relief this week after the state government announced it would leave resources royalty rates unchanged in this year’s budget.

Amid the gloom, WA has some positive resources stories to tell,with uranium developers buoyed by improving news, investment certainty guaranteed around royalties rates - for now - and nickel reappearing as a sturdy performer.

Unions claim to have played a major role in ensuring an increase in the number of Western Australia-based workers building a 900-kilometre pipeline for Ichthys liquefied natural gas project off Darwin.

Recent events putting the spotlight of increasing female participation in the resources sector have focused on learning from personal experiences.

Multinational oil and gas service providers have set up in WA for the long haul, as the state searches for the best way to enhance its competitive advantage.

Marine services providers won’t be knocked off course by the waves of change in the oil and gas industry.

Software company Stochastic Simulation has joined a growing list of Western Australian businesses kicking goals globally in oil and gas technology development, as local providers increasingly target opportunities offshore.

As the construction peak passes and the oil price slides, service providers to the energy industry are re-evaluating how they do business. See our special report to see how technology, marine logistics and equipment providers are adapting to the new climate, and read about changes in the industry's workforce.

This year’s First Amongst Equals winner is a passionate medical specialist, but he’s also a visionary entrepreneur who has a lot in common with successful business leaders.

Matching the right talent with the right business culture is all in a day’s work for Kelly Quirk.

Personal experience is the driving force behind Kelly Haywood’s determined efforts to motivate and inspire others to help prevent suicide.

Kia Dowell’s company aims to get businesses working together by way of traditional Aboriginal teaching principles.

An innovative escape system for underground mines is just the beginning for resources sector entrepreneur Steve Durkin.

When your next inflight meal arrives fresh and on time, you’ve got Salim Hazife and his team to thank.

A passion to utilise Australia’s abundance of renewable energy sources drove Mark Tuke to establish Sun Connect.

An enterprising approach to after-hours health care has brought rewards for Ilya Mayo.

This year’s First Amongst Equals winner is a passionate medical specialist but he’s also a visionary entrepreneur who has a lot in common with successful business leaders.

Asset sales, cost cutting and restructuring are under way across WA, creating opportunities for professional services firms. Click through to see details of more than 30 privatisation deals in WA, from 1961 to the present day.

Private equity funds are turning into long-term owners of some major WA businesses, after being unable to complete their planned exits.

In a rare interview, Byrnecut executive chairman Steve Coughlan spoke to Business News about the growth of the low-profile mining contractor into one of WA’s biggest private companies. Click through to see our comprehensive BNiQ list of private companies.

The board at Balamara Resources took drastic action last week in light of the dramatic fall in the company’s share price during the past 12 months, with managing director Mike Ralston announcing the intention to de-list from the ASX.

There's a flipside to being undervalued, according to Minotaur Exploration managing director Andrew Woskett, whose business has a $21 million market cap.

A depreciating currency and encouraging demand over the medium term spells good news for the state’s mining juniors, if they can ride out short-term fluctuations.

Standout junior explorers are finding investors for their mining projects, while others are cutting back on exploration and development to counteract a tough corporate finance market and increased government fees.

The Wirrpanda Foundation, which is one of nine Western Australian groups pioneering a new indigenous training and employment program in the state, has put contractors who over promise and under deliver on notice.

Facing a slowdown in mining-related construction work, indigenous contractors are diversifying into new fields, establishing joint ventures and highlighting their Aboriginal credentials. Click through to also see our BNiQ list of 25 major indigenous contractors in WA.

A maturing Perth market has resulted in developers creating smaller lots and a wide range of new housing choices.

Growth in Perth’s suburbs has unveiled opportunities for the education sector, with new private and public schools set to fill gaps in the market.

Significant hurdles remain in meeting both government and consumer demand for urban infill developments.

Population growth is slowing, but Perth is still expanding and the challenges of a maturing city mean land developers are in for another busy year. The annual Special Report also includes an updated list of WA's biggest land developers.

Perth-founded energy company ZBB Energy Corporation is banking its future on business and industry worldwide adopting hybrid energy systems.