Diversified mining behemoth BHP Billiton is expected to pour billions of dollars into Australia in an effort to expand its iron ore and coal facilities, says a report from AFP: Mining giant BHP Billiton said Friday it would pour billions of dollars into expanding its coal and iron ore operations in Australia, key commodities that are driving the boom in Asian economies.

Avanti Mining Inc. (TSX-V:AVT) reported a net loss of $4.9 million ($0.01 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to a net loss of $6.2 million ($0.04 per share) for the comparable period in 2009. The company deferred $13.0 million (2009 - $5.7 million) relating to the development costs of the Kitsault property in northwest British Columbia. The company had a cash balance of $18.0 million on hand at the end of 2010.

In its latest Commodity Companion publication, RBS explains why it prefers aluminium, copper, platinum and palladium to bulk commodities and silver on […]

Yellowhead Mining has raised $20 million through bought-deal financing, the B.C.-based company exploration company announced earlier this week. Under the deal, Yellowhead is selling 13.8 million shares at CDN$1.45 per unit, with each unit including a common share and one-half of a warrant. The warrants may be exercised at a price of $2.00, for two years after the deal closes.

According to Business Spectator, Australia's biggest mining companies have won a major concession over the planned new 30 per cent Mineral Resource Rent Tax (MRRT), with the government agreeing to refund any future increases in state-based royalty charges. Treasurer Wayne Swan said the government agreed with the key recommendation of a mining tax transitional policy group, headed by Resources Minister Martin Ferguson and former BHP Billiton chairman Don Argus.

The Obama Administration is making more land available for coal mining in Wyoming, says a report from CNN: Coal mining on public lands will expand in the coming months in Wyoming, as the federal government makes more coal-rich land available for lease by mining companies.

Leighton Contractors has been awarded two new gold mining contracts, one in Western Australia andone in the Northern Territory, totalling $317 million. The first, a $200 million contract awarded by Newcrest Mining Ltd, is for works at Telfer – one of thelargest gold mines in Australia, located 450km ESE of Port Hedland on the edge of Great SandyDesert. Under the 27-month contract, Leighton Contractors will provide mining equipment, operators,maintenance and supervisory personnel, and infrastructure including workshops and offices to theproject.

Crocodile Gold announced today that it closed a Can$85 million bought-deal closing of 81 million units at Can$1.05 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share of the company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. The syndicate of underwriters was co-led by GMP Securities L.P. and Cormark Securities Inc.

The commonwealth is accepting all of the 31 recommendations made by the National Resources Sector Employment Taskforce.

Initially it will invest $200 million in a Critical Skills Investment Fund (CSIF), which will co-fund with industry a range of training and employment programs.

The Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) said the adoption of the Taskforce’s recommendations and initial investment in targeted training is the first step in the National Resource Sector Workforce Strategy.