BASIC MATERIALS

Xstrata wins Exco shareholders nod

Exco shareholders gave their go signal on Friday for the $175 million deal that will formally transfer ownership of the company’s Queensland mining assets to Xstrata.

Carbon tax triggers higher electricity, petrol prices

Australia needs to brace for higher electricity rates and transport costs as soon as the government implements the carbon tax. This is one of the key results of the independent study made by the designated independent team the Productivity Commission.

Australia Parliament justifies carbon tax

Treasurer Wayne Swan is set to release today the Productivity Commission's report on international climate regimes at noon in Brisbane. Mr Swan will try to justify to opposing industry that seven of Australia's top-10 trading partners have adopted major policies to reduce pollution. The coal and gas industries have continue to oppose the carbon tax legislation further arguing the report should look at the measures taken by Australia's competitors.

NZ50 outperforms ASX 200

As the Australian share market went down for a sixth consecutive trading day, investors went to the New Zealand markets, which rose close to 20 points to 3525.39, a change of about 56 percent.
More news

Markets seen to rebound

As world markets ended up disappointingly with a tepid performance on Friday, analysts expect some negativity spreading, but the good market support for the Australian share markets will hopefully hold it up at today's trading day.

Asia-Pacific markets post bearish gains

Markets in the Asia-Pacific region have remained quiet at the end of Monday's trading as public holidays in China, Hong Kong, and South Korea have kept only Tokyo's Nikkei and Australia's S&P 500 working until the afternoon.

Fewer job placements in May

Australia has generated fewer jobs in May, according to a survey made by the ANZ Bank, which was reflected in lower job placements posted online or on newspapers.

Australia stocks drift lower

Australia's share markets drifted lower today in subdued trading conditions as investors and traders took a breather after a wild week. Losses were limited by bargain hunting and technical support at the low point established in the last fortnight. Globally, markets are on hold ahead of the non-farm payrolls data to be released tonight in the US, analysts said.

ASX Overview: What to expect

Expect a lacklustre trading today at the Australian stock market because of negative to mixed leads derived from offshore trading overnight.

Rio Tinto forms venture with Beijing's Chinalco

Beijing's Chinalco and Rio Tinto will explore mainland China for world-class mineral deposits under a joint venture (JV) formalised today. The JV is subject to Chinese regulatory approvals and once established will operate under the name Chinalco Rio Tinto Exploration Co. Ltd. (CRTX).

Construction sector: Carbon tax could drag us down

Australia’s peak body for the building and construction industry says it could not support the introduction of a carbon tax from 1 July 2012 unless the government properly addresses the cost impact and uncertainty in relation to the increased cost to housing and to the building industry.

Glencore out to beat rivals with IPO

Glencore International Plc's debut in Hong Kong has been graded the world's biggest initial public offering this year that could lure other investors from its competitors with its size and market value, analysts said.

Xstrata to phase out copper smelting

Global miner Xstrata Mount Isa Mines says it plans to phase out copper smelting at Mount Isa and refining operations in Townsville by the end of 2016 in a bid to sustain the future of its Mount Isa operations through expanded mining and concentrate production.

BHP meets Olympic Dam concerns

Resource giant BHP Billiton (ASX: BHP) says it has met all concerns raised over its planned expansion of the Olympic Dam uranium and copper mine.

Ivernia gets lifeline for West Australia's Magellan Mine

Ivernia Inc. (TSX: IVW), owner of the Magellan Mine in Western Australia, said that it has entered into an agreement for Green SEA Resources Inc. to pay Canadian $20 million (A$19.5 million) in exchange for a 16% stake in the owner of the world's largest pure lead mine.

Australia's Bluescope warns of loss due to forex

BlueScope Steel Ltd. (BSL), Australia's largest steelmaker, announced today that it will report a full-year loss as the strengthening Australian dollar cuts the price of competing imports and the value of offshore earnings.

Updates: Macarthur Coal/Bradken

As expected, the flooding and big wet across Queensland since January has put a big hole in the production and sales performance of Macarthur Coal in the three and nine months to the end of March.

MOU sets Banro-China Gold talks for Congo projects

Canada’s Banro Corp. and China Gold International Resources Corp. have signed a MOU to pursue talks on a proposed joint venture partnership to develop gold mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Australia's KHC reaps key benefits

Staying focused on your daily work to meet deadlines is no mean feat for business owner Ms Kellie Hill, owner and principal consultant at Australia's KHC.

Brazil's CSN sells to Rio Tinto

Brazilian steel maker Cia Siderurgica Nacional SA (CSN) has accepted Rio Tinto Ltd's $3.9-billion takeover offer for the Africa-focused coal miner Riversdale Mining Ltd.

Pages