Trilogy Metals, South32 increase exploration budget for Alaska projects

Rio Tinto (LON:RIO) is looking to reduce costs at its Australia’s Clermont Coal Mine, in central Queensland's Bowen Basin, driven by falling coal prices.

Australian investment firm Quadrant Private Equity has executed an agreement for the purchase of Queensland-based mining equipment supplier CQMS Razer, valuing the company at over AUD$155 million.

"I know of women (prostitutes) who have bought Winnebagos and caravans – but even getting a booking at a caravan park is hard."

Fortescue Metals (ASX:FMG) has posted a record-breaking 17.8 million tonnes of output for the June quarter, representing a rise of 42%, while its debt volume has also surged, swelling by a billion dollars to hit the USD9 billion mark.

Australia's Ambre Energy is being sued by US partner Cloud Peak Energy (NYSE:CLD) for mismanagement of their shared Montana mine, as well as exceeding approved budgets and engaging in "self-dealing transactions"

The opal-mining township of Mintabie, situated on Aboriginal land at the northern edge of South Australia, could become deserted following the introduction of new laws requiring police checks of residents and prohibiting alcohol consumption in households.

BHP Billiton (ASE:BHP) has logged a remarkable performance over the past twelve months, with the release of its production report for the year ended 30 June 2012 indicating that the diversified mining giant achieved record results across a broad gamut of operations, and maintained its record-breaking run in iron ore output.

Protestors at Australia's Olympic Dam mine, which is perched on top of the world's largest known deposit of uranium, have managed to smash through the perimeter gate of the mine and enter the site itself.

A list of Australia's richest suburbs and towns compiled on the basis of census statistics indicates that mining towns now dominate amongst the country's most affluent areas.