Mining

Trade boostExports up but sanctions a threat

Australia’s trade balance recorded a surplus of $7.5 billion in October, however economists and trade experts warn the trade tensions with China are ‘clearly concerning.’

Meilin Chew

Rare findDazzling result for Lucapa’s pink diamond

WA-based diamonds producer Lucapa has revealed its enormous 46-carat Angolan pink rough diamond has yielded three polished diamonds, including a 15.2-carat heart-shaped gem.

Danielle Le Messurier

Staggering figureAndrew Forrest makes $2.7b in one day

The staggering accumulation of wealth comes after shares in his Fortescue Metals Group surged more than 13 per cent today on the back of a fresh seven-year high iron ore price.

Stuart McKinnon

Oresome priceFMG shares crack $20 with iron ore at seven-year high

The steel-making commodity has rallied 3 per cent to $US136.29/t overnight after Brazilian giant Vale again underperforms with lower than expected production figures.

Stuart McKinnon

Robot technologyMissing link between mining and space

The strength of WA’s remote mining operations has positioned the State to tap the global space tech sector, but experts warn communication between the two industries needs to improve.

Kate Purnell

Going upGoldman makes bullish call on copper

Investment bank’s call comes as the price of the industrial metal hits a fresh seven-year high on the London Metal Exchange.

Stuart McKinnon

Cash callSalt Lake Potash investors brace for raising

Aspiring sulphate of potash producer to raise additional capital as part of its $US138m debt agreement to fund Lake Way project near Wiluna.

Stuart McKinnon

Border reliefWhy DDH1 welcomes WA’s open borders

Virus restrictions means the drilling outfit hasn’t been able to meet booming demand for its mineral exploration rigs.

Sean Smith

Breathing spaceWA lithium powerhouse wins reprieve

Tianqi has been given another four weeks to repay or refinance a $2.6b loan that could push it under.

Sean Smith

Box seatPilbara tightens grip on collapsed neighbour Altura

Ken Brinsden-led miner all but set to be handed the key’s to failed miner’s lithium project adjacent to Pilgangoora.

Stuart McKinnon

Permanent moveINPEX calls time on interstate FIFO workers

The Japanese energy giant will require its WA and Northern Territory workforce to live in those States by the end of 2023, after COVID-19 exposed weaknesses in a FIFO workforce.

Ben Harvey

Help embracedLithium miners welcome royalty relief

Industry says 50pc royalty break for 12 months sends strong signal that State Government is supporting the fledgling sector.

Stuart McKinnon

New mineSandfire gives green light to Botswana mine

Karl Simich-led company to expand its operational footprint to Africa via $US259 million development of new copper mine.

Stuart McKinnon

Big raisingChalice taps investors for $100m

Market darling wants cash to supercharge exploration at its Julimar discovery, which has captured the attention of investors and sent its shares soaring.

Stuart McKinnon

Royalty rebateEmbattled lithium miners get royalty relief

State Government agrees to 50pc royalty break for a year to support struggling sector but cash has to be paid back over next two years.

Stuart McKinnon

Funds raisedFYI banks $6m in placement for HPA project

Cash will be used for test work and refinement of the company’s production process, further trial production and product generation and progressing its draft joint venture agreement with Alcoa.

Stuart McKinnon

Precious metalGold rush pushes production to chase record 326 tonnes

Australian gold output this year could beat the record set in 2019, despite production weakening and the price peaking in the September quarter.

Neale Prior

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up and away
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$520m parallel runway plan approved for Perth Airport

WA’s economic future is assured after the Federal Government approved plans for a parallel runway at Perth Airport to support the resource industry and its $129 billion development pipeline.

Geoffrey Thomas

Boom timePilbara on track for rapid growth

Business investment in the resources rich Pilbara region has reached levels not seen since the 2012-13 mining boom, spurring many to believe big growth is on the horizon.

Sam Jones

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CANDID INTERVIEW
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Nicola Forrest on family, giving and what drives her

Philanthropist Nicola Forrest —part of one of Australia’s most powerful couples — has opened up in an exclusive interview about her passions and her proudest achievement: her tight-knit family.

Katherine Fleming

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Minderoo magic
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Nicola Forrest opens up on her love story with Twiggy

When this photo was taken in 1989, on the banks of the Ashburton River, the young lovebirds had known each other less than two years. But they would go on to become one of WA’s most formidable teams.

Katherine Fleming

Interest strongCreasy-backed Azure raises $37m after being swamped

Institutional and sophisticated investors rush $30m raising by Tony Rovira-led explorer after the company hits nickel-copper mineralisation at Andover project near Roebourne.

Stuart McKinnon

Middleman undoneCopper it sweet: Hedland man jailed for fencing metal

A well-known Hedland ‘character’ who was considered a ‘generous man’ in the local community has been jailed for nine months after he was caught selling 2700kgs of stolen copper.

Emily Moulton