Fraser Beattie

Atomic Sky chief executive Andy Lamb hopes Western Australian incubators will be taken into consideration when the federal government carves up $23 million in grants to support startups across the nation.

Perth-based contractor NRW Holdings has rattled the tin for $20 million to reduce its debt levels and place the company in a better position to pursue future opportunities.

Pilbara Minerals boss Ken Brinsden said today there was a reasonable chance the company would double the production capacity at its Pilgangoora lithium project, after releasing a definitive feasibility that confirmed the positve economics of its base-case development.

Former Sedgman manager Luke Graham has been appointed as chief executive and managing director of mineral sands miner Strandline Resources.

Local explorers Cauldron Energy and Peel Mining have raised a combined $5.5 million from investors to fund ongoing work at their respective projects.

Wellard chief executive Mauro Balzarini has sold a big chunk of his stake in the local agribusiness to a Chinese firm and repaid the company $16.3 million through his private investment vehicle.

Mineral Resources is a step closer to developing its bulk ore transport system (BOTS) in the Pilbara after the project was recommended for approval by the environmental watchdog.

Colin Barnett says he is confident he has the support to continue as premier if there is a leadership spill this week, following the resignation of ministers Dean Nalder and Tony Simpson over the weekend.

Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s company Forrest & Forrest has lodged an appeal against the Supreme Court’s decision to allow Tony Sage-led Cauldron Energy to explore for uranium at Minderoo Station.

Henderson-based shipbuilder Austal has won a $434 million contract to build two expeditionary fast transport vessels for the US Navy.

Car retailer Automotive Holdings Group is bracing for a potential earnings hit when the corporate regulator enacts reforms to finance and insurance commission arrangements next year.

Fiona Harris has returned to the board of Oil Search about one year after stepping down from two major board positions because of health issues.

Davenport Resources has launched a $5 million capital raising to support its plans to acquire a potash project majority owned by West Perth-based Potash West and list on the ASX.

Local explorer Energia Minerals has tapped investors for $6.1 million to fund ongoing work at its Gorno zinc project in Italy.

The Environmental Protection Authority has recommended approval of global miner Cliffs Natural Resources’ plans to extend its Koolyanobbing iron ore operations, as Mineral Resources continues to seek approval for its own expansion plans in the same region.

A new app that offers discounts to golfers at a number of golf courses in Western Australia and Bali has made its debut.

Education provider Navitas has entered into a joint venture agreement with Edith Cowan University for its pathway college, PIBT.

The mining sector has hit back over claims it doesn’t pay enough royalties, with new figures showing it pays nearly $5 a tonne.

A proposed solar farm near Cervantes has been allocated $5.5 million worth of grants by Australia’s federal renewable agency.

Michael Fotios’s Eastern Goldfields has made its second strategic investment this week, announcing today a $6 million deal to earn-in to Windward Resources and Mark Creasy’s nickel and gold portfolio in the Fraser Range.

Less than half of 1 per cent of Australia’s agricultural land is owned by Chinese investors, while UK investors make up the largest proportion of overseas interest in Australia, according to a new report.

Gold miner Troy Resources has launched a $40.7 million capital raising to shore up its balance sheet and fund further development of its Karouni mine in Guyana.

Onshore oil producer Buru Energy has secured a native title agreement to further develop its Canning Basin gas resources, two years after its plans for a fracking program in the Kimberley caused a stir.

Galaxy Resources has pushed back the first shipment at its Mt Cattlin lithium mine after several delays and cost overruns, with the company’s directors volunteering to fund any cash shortfall out of their own pockets.

Fastbrick Robotics will put its prototype truck-mounted bricklaying robot into the field to build 11 residential houses under a collaboration agreement with Perth-based builder Archistruct Builders & Designers.

Western Australia has kept its foot on the brake with the latest figures showing a further slump in new car sales.

Toro Energy has received the environmental watchdog’s backing to mine two additional deposits at its Wiluna uranium project, subject to a number of strict conditions.

Perth-based Optika Solutions has taken home the top prize at the 2016 Australian Information Industry Association iAwards.

Global healthcare manufacturer Proctor & Gamble has launched a new product in China that features micro-array technology developed by Perth-based OBJ; however the ASX-listed company was unable to publish the milestone on the stock exchange.

Drilling services company Imdex has tapped investors for $40 million, with plans to raise a further $5 million as it seeks to shore up its balance sheet.

Former Karara Mining boss Dale Harris has taken a leading iron ore role at engineering consultancy firm Hatch.

Energy giant Woodside Petroleum has entered into an agreement to buy half of BHP Billiton’s stake in the Scarborough offshore gas fields in the Carnarvon Basin for up to $US400 million ($A528 million).