PRE-MARKET AUSTRALIAN STOCKS NEWS: South32 (S32 AT) has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner for BHP's (BHP AT) West Musgrave copper-nickel project as the asset sale reaches advanced stages

BHP Group (BHP AT) - South32 (S32 AT) has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner for the Co.’s West Musgrave copper-nickel project as the asset sale reaches advanced stages. (The Australian)

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank (BEN AT) - Co. reportedly failed to pay several major clients including Qantas Money and REA Group following a technology outage, marking another setback after last year’s money-laundering scandal. (AFR)

Champion Iron Ltd (CIA AT) - Co. said it has satisfied the minimum shareholder acceptance condition for its voluntary cash offer to acquire Rana Gruber. (Motley Fool)

Contact Energy Ltd (CEN AT) - Co. retail share offer closed oversubscribed with around NZD 251mln in applications. (Motley Fool)

Liontown Resources Ltd (LTR AT) - Co. H1 (AUD) net loss was 184mln, EBITDA loss was 7.7mln, rev. rose 107% Y/Y to 207.5mln. (Dow Jones Newsplus)