Fraser Beattie

Fortescue Metals Group has signed a contract with a Chinese shipyard for the construction of four iron ore carriers that are even larger than the Cape size vessels currently in use in the industry.

Gold producer Alkane Resources has raised $10.4 million through a placement of 40 million shares to institutional and sophisticated investors.

Metals X has been forced to increase the price it is paying for Reed Resources' Meekatharra gold project to $9.9 million after administrators announced a surprise competing bid had been lodged just before a creditors meeting on Thursday.

Perth company Emmerson Resources has entered into a joint venture agreement with Evolution Mining for the exploration of gold and copper deposits at the Tennant Creek mineral field.

Mineral Resources announced today that it plans to use its 12 per cent stake in Aquila Resources to push for a role building and operating the proposed $7 billion West Pilbara iron ore project.

The takeover bid for Aquila Resources took an unexpected turn today when a mystery buyer, believed to be Mineral Resources, spent about $192 million buying a large stake in the Perth company, paying well above the bid price.

Applabs Technologies has picked up a $115,000 contract with Positiv Flo to develop an innovative new product with the health and fitness firm.

Premier and Science Minister Colin Barnett has appointed Peter Klinken as the new chief scientist of Western Australia.

Kresta Holdings’ major shareholder, China-based Aplus, has outlined plans to acquire the Malaga-based company just six months after buying a large interest in the group.