Fraser Beattie

Sue Ash, Frank Cooper, Hendy Cowan and Ian Ritchie are among the Western Australians to have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours this year.

The latest round of Western Australia’s Exploration Incentive Scheme will pump almost $5 million into the search for minerals and petroleum at a crucial time for the state’s resources industry.

Sundance Resources has appointed Portuguese construction company Mota-Engil Africa to build the $US3.5 billion port and rail infrastructure for the Mbalam-Nabeba iron ore project.

Poseidon Nickel has restarted mine refurbishment activities at the Windarra mine site and employed new managers as it prepares for potential production later in the year.

Red Gum Resources and White Star Resources are the latest exploration companies to shift focus away from the resources sector, signing deals to move into geospatial imagery and internet travel bookings respectively.

The state’s rural confidence is at its highest level in over two years after a rainy autumn has found 84 per cent of farmers expecting this year to be better or as good as last year's season.

Rare earths miner Lynas Corporation has raised about $40 million minus costs through a heavily discounted share purchase plan and placement.

Alliance Aviation Services has signed a charter flights contract with BHP Billiton Nickel West for a three-year initial term.

Engineering contractor Thiess has been awarded a $330 million contract to construct the process plant facilities for the Roy Hill iron ore mine in the Pilbara (with updated list of 36 major engineering construction contracts awarded in past year).