Fraser Beattie

Troubled civil construction and mining services business Brierty has been placed in voluntary administration after failing to secure what it considered to be an adequate pipeline of future work.

Local explorer Australian Mines has entered into an agreement to buy out its joint venture partner at the Sconi cobalt-nickel-scandium project in Queensland for $10 million in cash and scrip.

Western Australia reported a surprise increase in new car sales last month, boosted by strong performances by Toyota and Hyundai.

Local telecommunications company Vonex has launched its prospectus for an $8 million initial public offering on the National Stock Exchange, following its reverse takeover - and subsequent failed backdoor listing - of Aleator Energy last year.

An inspection on 13 local building projects that sourced materials from the Chinese supplier of roof panels for the Perth Children’s Hospital, which were later found to contain asbestos, has produced no trace of the deadly material.

Gold miner Blackham Resources has outlined a potential $114 million investment in its Matilda operation to boost production beyond 200,000 ounces a year, despite failing to hit its initial forecasts since production began in late 2016.

Mining services business Ausdrill has launched a $100 million capital raising to bolster its balance sheet, as it anticipates further growth in its African operations, and negotiated an expanded debt facility.

Dacian Gold has lined up Zenith Energy to build, own and operate a gas-fired power station at its Mt Morgans gold project near Laverton, and signed a $57 million, 10-year contract with gas pipeline operator APA Group.

The state government has ordered a review of the effectiveness of the Southern Ports Authority since its formation in late 2014, after receiving conflicting reports about its success.