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Malawi police have been called in to investigate possible ties between a major Chinese rare earths player and a group of men accused of illegally taking geological samples and gathering sensitive data at a mining site controlled by Perth-based Lindian Resources.

Meanwhile, tycoon Andrew Roberts is preparing a rescue plan for the collapsed Victorian arm of his construction company, but the timing could be pushed back as administrators have won an extension to consider options for the builder. 

And gas giant Santos has cleared the final regulatory hurdle for its $5.8bn offshore pipeline in the Timor Sea to the north of Australia, overcoming a long and expensive legal battle against environmentalists.