BASIC MATERIALS

For Coles, the customer is always right. The supermarket chain now actively supports their customers' choice for fresh pork from farms which do not use sow stalls by 2014.

Potash Corp of Saskatchewan Inc announced overnight it has rejected an unsolicited takeover bid from Australian diversified natural resources company BHP Billiton (ASX:BHP) worth about $US38.49 billion ($42.85 billion).

Gold and copper producer Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX:NCM) said second-half profit increased more than threefold to the highest level since 2003 thanks to higher prices and production.

Macquarie Agricultural Funds Management, which is part of investment firm Macquarie Group (ASX:MQG), has launched a new crop fund focusing on grain and oilseed production in Brazil and Australia.

The controversial debates in the mining sector have hit Australia's reputation as a safe destination for mining investment and exploration, according to a survey.

Alumina (ASX:AWC), a 40 per cent partner in the Alcoa-managed AWAC global alumina joint venture, said the industry's drive for alumina to be traded on global markets on a spot price/index-related basis instead of linking it to aluminium metal prices will produce large benefits.

Ivanhoe Australia (ASX:IVA), which is 80 per cent owned by the Robert Friedland-chaired Ivanhoe Mines, plans to raise up to $269 million for a takeover and project development in Queensland as well as to settle debt.

Global miner Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has been partly reassured by revisions to the federal government's controversial resource tax.

American companies First Reserve and Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE:ANR) are contemplating a $3 billion takeover of Australia's Whitehaven Coal (ASX:WHC), which has confirmed it has had a data room open to suitors for some time.

Atlas Iron Ltd (ASX:AGO) chief executive David Flanagan said he would not vote for Julia Gillard, whom he labeled a "tax queen" given the government's plan to impose the revised levy.

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has welcomed the Federal Court's move to dismiss a case to a non-union workplace agreement affecting its iron ore operations, while the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) said it was considering a High Court appeal.

Downer EDI (ASX:DOW) saw its shares rise upon finalising a $3 billion contract with Australian miner Fortescue Metals Group (ASX:FMG).

Australian gold company Cleveland Mining Limited plans to list on the Australian Stock Exchange, according to a company statement released today.

Global miner Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) is planning to invest another $US790 million ($A866 million) to grow its iron ore operations in Western Australia's Pilbara region.

Rio Tinto has advanced to the next stage of developing its world-class Simandou iron ore project in Guinea, approving US$170 million of further funding for mine, rail and port infrastructure work.

Coal Services Pty Limited (CSPL), an industry-owned, workplace focused, specialist organisation, today announced that workers' compensation premium rates for the New South Wales coal mining industry continue the established trend of annual decreases following the confirmation of a targeted rate of 3.6 per cent for 2010/2011.

Coal Services Pty Limited (CSPL), an industry-owned, workplace focused, specialist organisation, today announced that workers' compensation premium rates for the New South Wales coal mining industry continue the established trend of annual decreases following the confirmation of a targeted rate of 3.6 per cent for 2010/2011.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), which represents junior and mid-tier miners, has begun a new advertising campaign against the Gillard government's resources tax but dismisses it as it is politically influenced.

Saturday is now the most economical time to buy petrol although it is not likely to stay that way for long, said Australia's National Roads and Motorists' Association.

The total use of water for agricultural production has been decreasing, while the total gross value remains steady, according to a report issued today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, which represents small and medium-sized miners, is planning to relaunch an advertising blitz against the 30 per cent minerals resource rent tax.

Australian mining firm Rio Tinto and Chalco today signed a binding agreement to establish a joint venture (JV) covering the development and operation of the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea.

The Australian share market was weaker by early afternoon after a negative lead from Wall Street, while the resources sector rallied.

Oil major Royal Dutch Shell is likely to join Chevron's Wheatstone liquefied natural gas project in competition with Woodside Petroleum's Pluto project.

Graeme Hunt, chief executive of Lihir Gold, says it is still possible to better the cash bid worth $9.7 billion by Newcrest Mining.

Graeme Hunt, chief executive of Lihir Gold, says it is still possible to better the cash bid worth $9.7 billion by Newcrest Mining.

Queensland's resource and construction industry employers today convened to discuss the latest issues confronting them under the Fair Work Act

The Australian Mines and Metals Association says the construction workers, who number about 1,500 and walked out from their posts at the Pluto project at Woodside, Western Australia, must answer responsibly for their actions.

The QRC (Queensland Resources Council) says the state government’s appointment of its first commissioner for LNG will surely help in balancing domestic gas demand and prospects for export.