Good News For Miners In Western Australia

The mining royalty rate isn't going up in that province.

GOLDMINERS in Western Australia breathed a sign of relief last night after Premier Colin Barnett ended weeks of controversy by ruling out an increase in gold royalty rates.

When Mr Barnett raised the prospect of a rise last month, some producers claimed it could force them to close.

Mr Barnett confirmed the plan was opposed by his Mines Minister, Norman Moore, and would not proceed this year....