CULLEN RESOURCES (30 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - QUARTERLY REPORT TO 31 MARCH, 2001

EXPLORATION

HERALD RESOURCES (30 APRIL 2001)

QUARTERLY REPORT TO 31 MARCH, 2001

KEY POINTS : DAIRI PROJECT Excellent results from first 2 holes of 2001 drill program, including 15m @ 17.5% zinc, 9.2% lead. BATU BESI PROJECT Drilling during quarter continues to yield outstanding results, including 90m @ 1.1% tin. COOLGARDIE PROJECT High grade drill results increase the volume of the likely resource at Empress eg. 19m @ 8.3g/t 15m @ 8.4g/t 29m @ 6.4g/t 22m @ 4.8g/t 4m @ 55.2g/t SANDSTONE PROJECT - GOLD Resource estimates at Two Mile Hill increased.

ICON OIL (30 APRIL 2001)

Following the successful flows of methane gas from the Argyle 1 and 2 wells, three follow up wells were drilled to define the Argyle gas field and the potential for commercial development. Argyle 3, 4 and 5 were drilled and all have been completed as producing gas wells. Further testing is required as part of the initial feasibility stage to determine how many wells need to be drilled and to conduct several engineering and geological studies to prove the size of the reserves. Potential markets for the gas will be canvassed during this feasibility phase. Icon has just released its Annual Report which outlines the methane gas potential.
Native title issues continue to be a problem with exploration in Queensland suspended in all of Icon’s areas where freehold land is not available.

In Louisiana, permits to drill the first deep well, Icon Victory Financial No1 were obtained and site construction contracts let to prepare the drilling location. A total of 2.1 acres had to be cleared and filled in the swamp land. The drilling rig is on location and expected to begin drilling in the first week of May 2001.

When drilling commences in the United States, weekly drilling updates will be reported to the Australian Stock Exchange as per the Listing Rules requirements. Shareholders who do not have access to these ASX releases can refer to Icon’s website for the latest report. Icon’s website address is www.iconoil.com
Special releases will be made if encouraging shows of oil or gas are encountered as soon as communication will allow.

Louisiana is an oil and gas development opportunity and in line with the Board of Management aim to limit pure exploration and concentrate on projects with significant cash flows with upside potential.
The Queensland coal bed methane discovery at Argyle in the Surat Basin is developing into a similar development project.

For additional information, click here.

QUEENSLAND GAS COMPANY (30 APRIL 2001)

For details, click here.

BEACONSFIELD GOLD (30 APRIL 2001)

SEDIMENTARY HOLDINGS (30 APRIL 2001)

ICON OIL (30 APRIL 2001)

Berwyndale No. 1 has been completed as a potential coalbed methane producer. Berwyndale No 1 intersected 19.49 metres of coal within the seams of the upper Walloon Coal Measures.

Testing of the well during drilling produced gas at a rate of more than 12 000 cubic feet per day (approximately 340 cubic metres per day) and water production of 1370 barrels per day. These results are typical of the initial flows from coal bed methane wells drilled in the Powder River Basin in the USA. After dewatering, these wells produce significant gas flow rates.

Coals in the Macalister seam have been under-reamed to enhance production potential.

The well is now shut in awaiting equipment to be set up for production testing.

Queensland Gas Co Ltd (QGC) as operator has earned 30% interest in the Walloon Coal Measures in the area of Authority to Prospect 632Pby completing this well.

A second well, to be drilled at a later date, will increase QGC’s interest to 50%.

Participants in ATP 632P will now be:

Icon Energy Limited	70.0%
Queensland Gas Company Limited	30.0%

For additional information, click here.

AURIDIAM (30 APRIL 2001)

QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH, 2001

HIGHLIGHTS

• Further strategic direct interest in the exciting Ellendale Diamond field
• Evaluation of Woodlark Island development options
• Exploration on areas of interest for the quarter $152,025

AKD (28 APRIL 2001)

Wonarah Phospate Deposit NT - An Inferred Mineral Resource of 115 million tonnes grading 22% phosphate (P(2)O(5)), (using a 15% P(2)O(5) cut-off grade), has been estimated by joint venture partner, Rio Tinto, for a 23sqkms area within the southern portion of the Wonarah phosphate deposit, 240km east of Tennant Creek in Northern Territory. Beneficiation test work on the phosphate ore to date is encouraging and shows potential for the production of an acceptable fertiliser product.

ALKANE EXPLORATION (28 APRIL 2001)

Alkane has been in discussions with a major International metals processing and marketing group with regard to the Dubbo Zirconia Project, which is 100% held by Alkane's wholly owned subsidiary Australian Zirconia Ltd.
The Board of Alkane have been negotiating along the basis whereby Alkane Exploration Ltd will grant an option for the International group to participate in the development of the project and marketing of the product, subject to the completion of the final feasibility study, environmental impact statement and development approvals which are anticipated to be completed by June next year.

ANACONDA NICKEL (28 APRIL 2001)

On April 24th the nickel furnace in the refinery section of the Murrin Murrin plant sustained some mechanical damage.
A full investigation into the cause of the incident is underway and the furnace is expected to be back on line within 8 to 14 days.
The furnace outage has no negative impact on the production of nickel powder and unsintered briquettes, however prevents the production of sintered briquettes.
It is expected that production of nickel reduced will continue unaffected during the nickel furnace outage and that product sales will also be maintained.

ANGLO PACIFIC GROUP (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

1. GORDON RESOURCES - COALMINE ROYALTY ENTITLEMENTS - QUEENSLAND

(A) KESTREL (RIO TINTO)
The royalty received for the quarter to 31st December 2000 was A$ 536,937 compared to A$ 453,583 for the previous quarter.
As advised, since the company's financial year-end we have received a further royalty from RTZ of A$ 1,911,919 being an adjustment for the 12-month period to 30th September 2000. As a result, the company has eliminated all of its current borrowings.

(b) CRINUM (BROKEN HILL PROPRIETARY).
The royalty received from the Crinum coalmine, for the quarter to 31st December 2000 was A$ 1,616,243 compared to A$ 1,226,989 for the previous quarter.

2. MINERALS - SCOTLAND
We continue to seek joint venture partners to work or purchase our marble and talc assets..

ARC ENERGY (28 APRIL 2001)

ARC will lodge a prospectus with the ASIC for the issue of up to 50 million shares at an issue price of 10 cents each.
The issue will be by way of a placement to ARC shareholders and to new investors. The placement will initially be made to existing shareholders in the company on a priority basis and any further placements to non-shareholders will be at the discretion of the company. Details of this process are attached.
The funds to be raised by this placement are for the company's development drilling program on its Yardarino and Dongara fields, its share of the Cliff Head 1 well offshore from Dongara and for general working capital purposes.

AUSTRALIAN WORLDWIDE EXPLORATION (28 APRIL 2001)

QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH, 2001

HIGHLIGHTS

• BassGas Project (AWE 30.5-36.0%) signs binding Heads of Agreement for gas sales into Victoria. Project has the potential to be a company-maker for AWE.
• Upgrading of Balnaves and Limestone Ridge prospects in South Australia. Success case would double the gas reserves in the area (AWE/Omega 24.29%).
• Argentine regulatory authorities approve development of Las Bases and Estancia el Colorado gas fields (AWE 15%).
• Upgrading of Tui prospect (AWE 20%) in New Zealand. Success case in excess of 700 million barrels of oil.
• Company remains in strong position for future growth, with good cash reserves (A$22.8m), low debt, long term cash flow and a diverse range of exploration and appraisal project opportunities.
• High impact drilling campaign starts in May - June, 2001.

The Los Barreales-1 well in CNQ-16 in the Neuquen Basin, Argentina was plugged and abandoned .
During the week, wireline formation sampling indicated that the Quintuco Formation was water bearing and no commercially significant hydrocarbons were present. The rig was released at 1400 hrs 23 April.

BARRA RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH, 2001

HIGHLIGHTS

• Focus for the quarter has been to advance the First Hit discovery to mining as soon as possible. Mining is expected to commence at First Hit in August 2001.
• Calculation of First Hit's diluted Mineable Reserves to 240 metres vertical depth with associated mine planning, mine scheduling and financial analysis conclude 176,800 t grading 13.4 g/t Au for 76,170 ounces. Expected mine life is 18 months.
• The mine is expected to generate a strong cash flow which will provide the ability to continue to aggressively test the very exciting Riverina area and provide funds for other corporate and project opportunities.
• All metallurgical, flora and fauna, hydrological, archaeological, enthnographic, mine planning and environmental studies at First Hit have been completed. Geotechnical studies are in progress. Preparation of documentation for Department of Minerals and Energy, Western Australia mining approvals is nearing completion.
• Negotiations are progressing for Barminco Pty Ltd to mine the deposit and treat material at their Greenfields Treatment Plant at Coolgardie. Barminco will provide the finance and mining expertise. Barra will be responsible for all geological and grade control aspects of the operation.
• Drilling will continue with the objective to expand the mineable reserves both along strike and at depth.
• Drilling commenced during March at the Riverina Gold Mine 8 kms south of First Hit with encouraging results comprising 5m @ 12.9 g/t Au, 2m at 7.7 g/t Au, 1 m at 11.6 g/t Au, 3m @ 3.0 g/t Au and 1 m @ 11.0 g/t Au. Drilling will continue during the June quarter.

BEACH PETROLEUM (28 APRIL 2001)

Lavers-1 exploration well in PEP 154, Otway Basin, Victoria, spudded at 11:00 hours on April 26, 2001.
Lavers-1 will be drilled in PEP 154, 40 kilometres southeast of Warrnambool in an area neighbouring commercial producing gas fields around Port Campbell. The well is located approximately 2 km to the northwest of the recent McIntee-1 gas discovery and will target the Cretaceous aged Waarre Sandstone at a depth of approximately 1,500 metres.
The well has a planned total depth of 1,570 metres.

BEMAX RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

BENDIGO MINING (28 APRIL 2001)

QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH, 2001

HIGHLIGHTS

• $6 million additional funding secured
• Production plans announced
  - Stage One production of 90-100,000 ounces gold annually by end 2002
  - Stage Two production of 250,000 ounces by end 2004 from a throughput of 600,000 tonnes per annum.
  - Stage Three annual throughput of 1.2 million tonnes to produce 400-500,000 ounces per annum by 2007.
  - Optimal gold production at a cash cost of A$150-200/ounce (US$75-100/ounce)
  - Mine life in excess of 25 years

Exploration Strategy revised to reflect exploration results and increased confidence in 12 million ounce resource potential.

• Drilling continues to produce encouraging results.
• Major advances in understanding gold grade characteristics and this, together with the correlation sampling results, underpins a methodology to estimate Reserves and Resources in the New Bendigo.

BOLNISI GOLD (28 APRIL 2001)

Bolnisi has been active in the Bolnisi Region of Georgia since 1993 through its subsidiaries Quartzite Ltd ("Quartzite") which has been producing gold since April 1997, and Trans Georgian Resources Ltd ("TGR") which holds an exploration licence over 1,000sqkm in southern Georgia containing numerous occurrences of volcanically hosted gold and massive sulphide mineralisation.

BULLION MINERALS (28 APRIL 2001)

QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH, 2001

HIGHLIGHTS

CORPORATE

• On 18 December 2000 the Company announced the sale of all non-marketable parcels of shares and options. The non-marketable shares were sold at $0.09 per share and $0.035 per option on 30 January 2001. The Company advises approximately 1,400 share and option holders were removed as a consequence of the disposal of the non-marketable parcels.
• As at 31 March 2001 the Company had total cash reserves of $1,936,158.
• As at 31 March 2001 the Company has increased its equity in the Mount Day Joint Venture at Lake Johnston from 72.34% to 80.00%. The tenements within the Joint Venture are adjacent to and immediately north of the Emily Ann Nickel deposit.
• As at 31 March 2001 the Company has increased its equity in the Mt Day East Tenements at Lake Johnston from 60% to 80%. These tenements are adjacent to the Mt Day Joint Venture Tenements.

COBRA RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Cobra withdraws from the Heads of Agreement with Supreme 3, as an administrator is appointed to Supreme 3.

EXPLORATION PROJECTS OVERVIEW
No exploration was completed in the quarter as all effort was on progressing the Supreme 3 project and the listing of Cobra Exploration Ltd, the owner of the tenements.

CHARTERS TOWERS GOLD MINES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Planning for $25 million project completed
• Option secured over 830 square kms of additional area
• Quartz vein samples assay 26 g/t gold
• Shareholders exercise Options

Charters Towers Gold Mines Limited (CTGM) continued to consolidate its interests in, and control of, the large high-grade Charters Towers goldfield. This coupled with an expanded underground exploration program positions CTGM for substantial future growth.

COMPASS RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Expenditures on Compass projects reached an all time record level.
• Key circuits of Browns process flowsheet have been proved up in major prototype programmes giving high metal recoveries.
• Successful slow cooling of matte identified a lower capital cost alternative compared to the project base case.
• A Commercialisation Options Study was initiated to evaluate both of these alternatives, resolve final flowsheet design issues and provide a report for initial project financing discussions.
• High grade copper cobalt mineralisation has been intersected in core holes at Browns East.
• Other highlights this quarter include progress of the Commercialisation Options Study (COS) which is now nearing completion.
• Doe Run staff made valuable contributions to the COS, especially in areas of lead production environment and OH&S.
• Matte leaching contracts have been awarded enabling prototyping of the remaining process circuits to begin.
• The planned pit at Browns is estimated to extract 7 million tonnes of high grade magnesite.

CONSOLIDATED MINERALS (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Net after tax profit of $5.016 million was recorded for the 6 months ended 31 December 2000, on sales revenue of $26.349 million (19.04%).
• Company commenced market buyback of 5% of the ordinary share capital and any less than marketable parcels of shares.
• Company plans a listing on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange, to expand the Company's international profile, particularly in light of its strong business relationships in Europe and Asia.
• Customer base was broadened with new markets developed in Italy, France and Taiwan in addition to the existing markets in Eastern Europe, Japan, China and Korea.
• Mining continued at the Hanna deposit and commenced at the new Lewis deposit.
• Exploration has recommenced at Woodie Woodie following the wet season and drill testing of the most prospective targets will commence in mid April.
• Mr Allan Quadrio was appointed as Operations Director in February 2001.

CUE ENERGY RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

At 6 am 26th April 2001, the Anggur-2 well in the Sampang PSC offshore East Java, Indonesia, was at a depth of 409 metres. 30" casing was set at 156 metres. On 23rd April 2001 the well flowed in an uncontrolled manner while drilling 26" hole at 409 metres, without a riser. In accordance with safety procedures the drill pipe was severed and the drilling vessel moved off location. There was no damage to the drilling rig or injury to any personnel involved. The flow has subsequently diminished.

DANAE RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Danae Resources Consolidates Interests.
• Danae Resources to sell its interest in Suzdal Gold project, Kazakhstan.

Greenwich Resources plc to acquire Sappes Mining Project from Danae Resources.

DELTA GOLD (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

SALE OF ZIMPLATS SHARES

• $33 million was received from the sale of 30% of Zimplats, with Delta retaining a 21% shareholding.

WALLABY ON TRACK

• Development of the Wallaby project has advanced on schedule, with activities focussing on surface infrastructure. Removal of topsoil has now commenced.

WALLABY POTENTIAL ENHANCED

• Drilling of the deeper Wallaby lodes continues to confirm high-grade gold mineralisation, with the potential to further increase this 7.1 million ounce resource.

DEBT REDUCED BY $35 MILLION

• Operating cash flow and proceeds from the Zimplats sale were used to reduce net debt to $123.7 million.

REVENUE OF $564 PER OUNCE

• Delta achieved gold revenue of $564 per ounce, a premium of $68 per ounce to the average spot price for the quarter.

STRONG OPERATING CASH FLOW

• High gold revenue and continued solid mine performance resulted in operating cash flow of $20 million for the quarter.

DIORO EXPLORATION (28 APRIL 2001)

Dioro reported further encouraging results from the ongoing drilling program at the Mungari East project being conducted by Mines and Resources Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of the joint venture.

INTERSECTION HIGHLIGHTS

DIAMOND DRILLING

• 38 metres @ 7.10 g/t from 310 metres downhole depth (inc 3m @ 14.13 g/t and 2m @ 23.71 g/t)
• 16 metres @ 16.20 g/t from 243 metres downhole depth (inc 2m @ 81.28 g/t)
• 10 metres @ 13.82 g/t from 253 metres downhole depth
• 2 metres @ 25.80 g/t from 376 metres downhole depth
• 12 metres @ 8.03 g/t from 309 metres downhole depth
• 12 metres @ 6.17 g/t from 326 metres downhole depth
• 8 metres @ 6.81 g/t from 412 metres downhole depth (inc 2m @ 23.40 g/t)
• 15 metres @ 4.07 g/t from 235 metres downhole depth

DOMINION MINING (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

DEVELOPMENT

• Challenger feasibility study on schedule.
• Preliminary open pit design indicates 117,000 ounces recovered at a grade of 5.5 g/t gold. (This is the initial part of an overall +500,000 ounce resource comprising 1.86 million tonnes at 8.45 g/t gold).
• Metallurgical testwork confirms average recovery of 95%.

EXPLORATION PROJECTS

• SOUTH WEST YILGARN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
• Infill geochemical sampling has outlined several very strong and extensive surface gold anomalies, four of which have been evaluated by shallow bedrock drilling.
• At Nanicup Bridge bedrock drilling of a six kilometre long surface gold anomaly has defined a 300-400 metre wide bedrock anomaly with values grading up to 4.8 g/t gold.
• Bedrock gold mineralisation has also been outlined at Nampup Soak, Jackitup (a north westerly extension of the Bullock Pool anomaly) and Ningedup Spring.
• Trial ground geophysical surveying at Bullock Pool has successfully outlined the target, gold bearing, sulphide mineralisation.
  
  
• YUMBARRA JV - SOUTH AUSTRALIA
• Deep auger sampling has returned significantly higher copper, nickel and cobalt values than in previously collected surface samples. Systematic air core drilling is now required. Subject to approval process, this work is expected to commence prior to June 30.

CORPORATE

• Cash of $17.7 million at the end of the quarter.

DRAGON MINING (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

SVARTLIDEN RESOURCES
Initial pit optimisations and project economics indicate that the known Svartliden measured and indicated resources should sustain a 50,000 ounce per annum operation at a head grade of 5.9 g/t gold to produce 170,000 ounces.

SVARTLIDEN GOLD PROJECT FEASIBILITY STUDY WELL ADVANCED
During the March Quarter process optimisation testwork was concluded with very encouraging results. Sterilisation drilling, tailings dam design, geotechnical investigations and hydrological investigations commenced.

WELD RANGE NICKEL LATERITE PROJECT
Joint venture partner and project manager Anaconda Nickel Ltd reports that metallurgical test work has produced high levels of nickel recovery.

EAGLE BAY RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

Drilling of Northright-1
Eagle Bay, as Operator of VIC/P41, advised that in the report period to 24:00 hrs Eastern Standard Time April 26, 2001, the following operations were achieved at the well. The 36" surface hole was drilled to 154m RT and the 30" conductor casing was successfully set at 153m RT in this hole section. Following this, the 12(1/4)" intermediate hole section was drilled to 250m RT with returns to the sea floor. At 24:00 hours on April 26, 2001 the intermediate 9(5/8)" casing was being run in the hole in preparation for connecting the Blow Out Preventers and Marine Riser, to enable drilling the 8(1/2)" section hole through the wells target zones and to the final total depth.

A rock formation sample recovered from the 12(1/4)" drill bit was described by the wellsite geologist as "glauconitic siltstone which is firm and sticky". Such a formation should represent a good upper seal to hydrocarbons. Seal had previously been assessed as the highest risk aspect with regard to the discovery of oil at Northright.

EROMANGA HYDROCARBONS (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

Exploration activities for the period consisted of:
Exploration Licence Application 4545 covering portion of the Creswick Goldfield is progressing to granting through steps required under the Native Titles Act 1993.

Literature and field research into the area of application has located soil geochemical samples collected by a previous tenement holder that have not been submitted for assay. These samples are from a site prospective for reef hosted gold. Samples will be selected from this set and assayed to give an early indication of potential for gold mineralisation.

GLENGARRY RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

The company has entered into an option agreement with Charters Towers Gold Mines Limited to sell the Charters Towers gold tenements for a consideration of $500,000. The option is exercisable at any time within a period of two years with a minimum expenditure commitment of $100,000 in the first year, including 1,000 metres of R C drilling, and an election to spend a further $150,000 in the second year, including 2,000 metres of R C drilling.

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Glengarry has added another property to its tantalite portfolio - Barrow Creek, located 200 kilometres north of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. This property contains a number of small pits that were previously mined for tantalite and is considered to be under-explored and thus prospective for this style of mineralisation.
• Glengarry has acquired the Westwood Palladium property, located 50 kilometres west of Rockhampton in central Queensland. This property contains rock chip values up to 10 g/t Palladium/Platinum within a layered intrusive complex that has only been partially drill tested to date, and is a high priority target area.
• Glengarry has added 5 more applications for Exploration Permits for Minerals to its Diamantina Project in western Queensland. These areas, under cover, have been selected on the basis of co-incident regional magnetic/gravity anomalies close to major structures that are prospective for large mineralising base metal systems, such as those that occur in the outcropping Mt Isa Block to the north.
• In the next quarter drilling programs are planned for -
  - Gold targets in the Drummond Basin, Queensland on the Lake Suttor property.
  - Copper/gold targets in the Greenvale area, Queensland on the Tag and Big Mag prospects.
  - Platinum/Palladium and Copper/Nickel targets at the Westwood property, Queensland
  - Gold targets in the Tanami on the Larranganni Joint Venture in Western Australia.

GME RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• The recent extension drilling program at NiWest's, Waite Kauri and Macey Hill projects has proved up an additional 6.6 million tonnes at the 0.7% nickel cut-off.
• The NiWest resource now stands at 124 million tonnes at 1.00% Nickel and 0.06% Cobalt.
• NiWest has significantly increased tenure prospective for nickel laterites in the NiWest project area.
• Encouraging results reported by Delta Gold from the Abednego West Project.

GOLD AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTS (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• GRD MACRAES:
  - Gold sales of 41,529 ounces, at record low cash costs of $267 per ounce.
  - Commitment to 15% expansion of Macraes Gold Project milling capacity to 4.5 Mtpa.
• GLOBAL RENEWABLES:
  - Definitive Study on UR-3R for Sydney progresses, to be completed by June 2001 - pursuant to Memorandum of Understanding with Waste Service NSW. Commercial negotiation of waste supply contract to follow.
• GRD KIRFIELD:
  - $18 million St George Apartments contract commenced in Perth CBD.
  - $72 million Mott Court contract awarded in Darwin. This involves construction of a new Chinatown, commercial, retail and residential complex over two to three years.
• CORPORATE:
  - 4 cents per Ordinary Share of dividends to be paid in 2001.

GUNSON RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• The potential for a large new zone of Olympic Dam style mineralisation at Elaine Prospect on the Mount Gunson copper project in South Australia has been upgraded by drilling during the quarter.
• The drilling results have encouraged the major international mining company Billiton to sole fund the next phase of drilling at Mount Gunson, which commenced on 26th April. This drilling will comprise four deep diamond holes as part of a $675,000 exploration program over the next four months.
• Billiton has the right to earn a 70% interest in the Mount Gunson Project by spending $6 million over a five year period from 9th April 2001, after which Gunson Resources may elect to be carried into production with a 20% interest.
• Results from a recently completed ground magnetic survey on the Coburn mineral sand project have defined several promising targets for high grade mineralisation which are to be tested with a drilling program commencing in May.

HARDMAN RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• MAURITANIA (WOODSIDE JOINT VENTURE):
  Final decisions on the 2001 deep water drilling programme were reached during the quarter. Two wells are to be drilled in the next quarter; Chinguetti-1 and Courbine-1 with proposed total depths (below sea level) of 2,620 metres and 4,000 metres respectively.
• MAURITANIA (WOODSIDE JOINT VENTURE):
  Drilling operations at the Chinguetti-1 well commenced on 6 April 2001. Projected drilling time for the well is 40 days (most likely case).
• MAURITANIA (DANA JOINT VENTURE):
  Processing of approximately 5,800 kilometres of new 2D seismic data acquired in Blocks 1, 7 and 8 was nearing completion. Discussions with potential farmin partners are in progress.
• FRENCH GUYANE:
  Awaiting final award of Exclusive Exploration Licence covering approximately 65,000 square kilometres offshore Guyane. Initial discussions held with potential farmin partners.
• MALTA:
  Processing of new 2D seismic data is nearing completion.
• ITALY:
  Purchased existing proprietary seismic data in new application permit Fiume Arrone (west of Rome). Seismic interpretation of data in progress.

HIGHLANDS PACIFIC (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

RAMU NICKEL PROJECT (HIG 68.5% INTEREST)

• Feed back from potential participants in the Ramu Joint Venture is encouraging with positive interest expressed in the formation of a consortium to participate in the development of the project.
• The Joint Venture and the PNG Government agreed past exploration sunk cost at $US41.9M. The purchase price for any interest the State of PNG purchases under its "right" to purchase up to 30% of the project is pro rata to the sunk cost.
• Orogen Minerals has until 6 July 2001 to exercise its "option" to purchase an additional 25% interest in the project from the State of PNG.
• All technical testwork programs have been completed. Results have confirmed the viability of the project.

KAINANTU GOLD PROJECT (HIG 65%, NM&M 35%: HIG GOING TO 100%)

• Nippon Mining has agreed to withdraw from the Kainantu Project Joint Venture, resulting in Highlands Pacific's 100% ownership of the project. The deal, which is subject to the approval of both company boards, is expected to be concluded in May 2001.
• The Irumafimpa high grade gold resource is estimated at 886,700 tonnes at 28.3 g/t gold, containing 805,600 oz of gold.
• Excellent potential exists to increase the resource from both within the Irumafimpa lode structure and from other similar structures nearby.

FINANCES

• Cash at the end of the quarter was $US6.655 million ($A13.7 million).

HOMESTAKE MINING (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Net loss $12.0 million, compared to net loss of $16.3 million for the corresponding 2000 period. The losses were primarily due to non-cash charges related to further weakening of the Australian and Canadian dollars against the US dollar. Net loss per share was $0.05, a $0.01 per share improvement over Q1 2000.
• Net income before non-recurring items $0.1 million or $0.00 per share compared to net loss of $1.9 million or $0.01 per share in 01 2000, despite a $21 per ounce reduction in the average realized price of gold.
• Cash flow from operations $14.5 million, compared to $38.0 million in the first quarter of 2000.
• Total attributable gold production 579,200 ounces or 51,100 ounces more than in the first quarter of 2000.
• Average cash cost $173 per ounce or $8 per ounce lower than in the same quarter of 2000.
• Year 2001 attributable gold production is forecast at an all-time record 2.3 million ounces. Cash costs are expected to average $163 per ounce, a 24-year low.

INTERMIN RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Active exploration continued by joint venture partner LionOre/Dalrymple at the Lohmans Project.
• Gold resource of 564,000 tonnes grading 2.25 g/t outlined at Peyes Farm prospect by joint venture partner Delta Gold NL - Binduli joint venture.
• Expenditure by Delta Gold at Binduli and LionOre/Dalrymple at Lehmans to date reported as $1.4 million and $400,000 by respective JV partners.
• Several new projects are under evaluation, with the objective of capitalising on the current gold price (A$500+). These projects have the potential to generate cash-flow in the short term, and require limited capital to commence.

JERVOIS MINING (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

METALLURGY - NICKEL / COBALT LATERITES
The Company has gained access to a new process for treatment of laterite resources at atmospheric pressure. About 800kg of sample from three deposits has been delivered to well-known gold process testing laboratories in Nevada, USA. The new process is working well from deposits at Young and Port Macquarie (NSW) and Beaconsfield (TAS).

YOUNG (NSW)
Four kilometres of ground magnetics followed by 553 metres of air-core drilling were completed. The locations, for three diamond drill holes (HQ-3 size) were selected. 600kg of metallurgical sample selected from Ardnaree and East and West Thuddungra. Two Exploration Licences for limestone were granted.

BEACONSFIELD (TAS)
Bulk samples totalling 125kg, were retrieved from drill sample, obtained by the previous owner and sent to Nevada (USA) for testwork.

PORT MACQUARIE
Bulk sample stored from previous testwork has been sent to Nevada (USA) for further testwork.

SCANDIUM R & D
The Collaborative Joint Venture with CSIRO continues and a Progress Report is given elsewhere. The programme continues to attract interest from overseas.

MT MOSS
Negotiations continue with a group interested in extracting some magnetite resource from a Mining Lease owned by the Company.

JUBILEE MINES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

COSMOS OPERATIONS
During the March quarter the Cosmos project continued to outperform the feasibility estimates with further improvements in key performance indicators.

Metallurgical recovery for the quarter averaged 94.5%. This compares extremely well with an estimated project average of 92% and the 90% to 91% recoveries predicted for the current level in the pit.

The average mill head grade for the quarter was 9.82% Ni. Reconciliation of mining production to-date, against the original Reserve shows that the deposit has exceeded the reserve estimate of contained metal to this point in the pit. The statistics indicate that the pit has produced 87% of reserve tonnes at 122% of reserve grade for 106% of contained metal. This result is attributed to tighter mining of the deposit than originally envisaged, leading to less dilution, and a degree of conservatism in the reserve grade estimation.

The mill head grade for the quarter continued to exceed the estimated mined grade although the gap lessened, following the use of ordinary kriging of the grade control data to estimate grade. This would suggest that there remains some conservatism in the grade estimation technique.

Plant availability was a satisfactory 93.3% which included planned shutdowns. This compares favourably with the design criteria of 91.3% availability.

KINGS MINERALS (28 APRIL 2001)

The Prospecting Permit Application and the Permission to Remove Diamonds for the proposed acquisition of the Diamond Project at Kimberley in South Africa has now been approved.
The approvals were achieved in less than three months requiring acceptance of the Environmental Management Programme and Exploration Programme by the Kimberley Office of the Department of Minerals and Energy. Ministerial approval in Pretoria and all necessary approvals from four other Government bodies have also been finalised.

LIONORE AUSTRALIA (NICKEL) (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

EMILY ANN (100% OWNED)

• Development of the Emily Ann nickel mine continued during the quarter and remains on schedule to produce first nickel concentrates during the last quarter of 2001 and within budget.
• Conditions precedent under the project finance facilities have been satisfied.

DEVELOPMENT (MAGGIE HAYS DEPOSIT - 31% OWNED)

• Maggie Hays Scoping Study completed by QNI during the quarter. Results are being assessed.

REGIONAL EXPLORATION

• Routine exploration activities continued during the quarter.

MAJESTIC RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

A 70 carat diamond has been recovered from its Riet River Diamond Mine in Kimberley, South Africa.
The diamond has similar characteristics to the 83 carat "Riet River Royal" cape yellow, which was recently sold at auction in Antwerp.
The 70 carat diamond will be sold in Kimberley in May 2001

MARLBOROUGH RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

ARDLETHAN TIN PROJECT
There was rapid progress with the Ardlethan Tin Project construction and mine development over the past quarter. This included:

• commencement of mining activity by the opening of the first section of the open cut mine;
• construction of the mineral processing plant which is about 53% complete;
• redesign and modernisation of the tin processing shed;
• commissioning of the water supply pipeline and pumps to enable filling of the site dam at design rate;
• design, construction and financing of the high voltage reticulation system to the project is being performed by Great Southern Energy;
• starting employment of site staff;
• seeking quotations for the transport of product to the smelter; and
• an increase in the spot tin price in Australian dollar terms to a level which was a ten year high of A$10,780per tonne: Marlborough can sell at spot price or into its insured floor price scheme for tin, whichever is the higher.

It is planned to commence commissioning of the project in May and tin production by the middle of year 2001.

CORPORATE
The Company had cash on hand of $1,231,000 at 31st March 2000.

Generally, very competitive pricing has been received for supply, fabrication and construction activities. Accordingly, the Ardlethan Tin Project is proceeding within the approved budget and time schedule.

MIM HOLDINGS (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Higher total copper mine production at Mount Isa although smelter interruptions restricted metal output; zinc and lead production increased.
• Alumbrera returned to significantly better levels of operating performance following restructuring at the end of September. Quarterly concentrate production since then has increased by approximately 30%.
• Coking and steaming coal output rose further.
• McArthur River zinc-lead production affected by extreme cyclonic weather conditions.
• Northfleet lead refinery returned to near normal with resumption of lead bullion deliveries from Mount Isa.
• Some production increase over the previous three quarters at Avonmouth zinc smelter, but major repair work continues to restrict performance.
• Decision taken to purchase Pasminco's 49% interest in Ernest Henry and to on-sell it to an investment company with an option for MIM to purchase.

MINOTAUR GOLD (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

1. CORPORATE

FUNDING
The Company placed 9,650,000 fully paid ordinary shares at an issue price of $0.14 in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 7.1 raising a total of $1,289,050 after costs. The funds raised will provide working capital for the company.

2. OPERATIONS

COMMENCEMENT OF CHATSTACK TRIALS
Trials of ChatStack by potential strategic partners continued during the quarter with certain major sporting clubs and professional organizations being involved with public trials next quarter.

Negotiations also continued during the quarter with network providers in respect of the commercial terms for the deployment of the first commercial ChatStack platform in Australia.

MOSAIC OIL (28 APRIL 2001)

Mosaic has an interest in a large prospect being drilled by Woodside Petroleum and its partners in WA 28P as 50% of the structure is in a permit (WA 208P) where Mosaic has indicated it will increase its interest (presently 5%) upon Mobil's written withdrawal from the permit.

Planaire 1 is being drilled on a large 300 sq kilometre structure lying 10 kms south of the Wanea oilfield. The Planaire structure is approximately 50% in WA208P. Mosaic is not prepared at this point of time to make any statement about possible recoverable reserves in such a large structure.

MOUNT BURGESS MINING (27 APRIL 2001)

NEWCREST MINING (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

KEY POINTS

• Drilling results upgrade Telfer Project
• Strong quarter at Gosowong
• Ridgeway construction on schedule and on budget.

OVERVIEW

PRODUCTION

• Gold production for the quarter was 175,254 oz (168,475 oz) at a Total Cash Cost of $283/oz ($291/oz).
• Copper production for the quarter was 8,605t (8,669t).
• Gosowong production of 57,913 oz ( 41,555 oz) due to higher grade.

PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

• A material improvement to the grade and outlook for the Telfer projects has been confirmed.
• Ridgeway construction continues on budget with commissioning expected early 2002.

EXPLORATION

• Drilling on the high grade reefs at Cracow and Toguraci (Gosowong) continues with encouraging results.
• Cadia Far East continues to provide positive results with a resource statement expected as at 30 June.

FINANCE & HEDGING

• Profit after tax of $7.7 million ($11.6M)
• Achieved gold price of $580/oz ($635/oz).

CORPORATE

• Sale process of New Celebration mine underway.

(Numbers in brackets reflect the comparable figure for the December 2000 Quarter).

NIDO PETROLEUM (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

PHILIPPINES

• Discussions with a number of parties to facilitate the drilling of Coron North in 2001 continued.
• Discussions with potential farminees to pursue development of the Galoc discovery continued.
• Negotiation for access to an additional 1,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic data covering the NW Palawan permits neared completion
• Production from SC14 provided $89,000 net income to the company during the quarter

OIL COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Production from the Peat coal seam gas field (PL101) commenced in February 2001 supplying gas to the BP Clean Fuels Project, Bulwer Island.
• Fracture stimulation and well completions on 12 wells in the Dawson Valley project area of PL 94 were completed prior to production.
• Farmin agreements were executed with Nexus Energy NL in respect o interests in the Surat Basin and with Lowell Petroleum NL in ATP564P.
• Four coal seam gas exploration wells were drilled as part of farmin arrangements in ATP525P (2 wells) and ATP564P (2 wells).
• Construction of the pipeline which will connect the Myall Creek field in PL174 to existing facilities at Beranga South 1 was commenced.
• Construction of the pipeline connecting the Glentulloch field (PL45) to the Merivale field (PL-44) in the Denison Trough was commenced.
• Four appraisal/development wells on the Bodalla South (PL-31) and Kenmore (PL32) oil fields were tied in and placed on artificial lift production.
• Locations have been selected for further drilling of the New Royal field area of PL22 following geochemical surveying.
• Six exploration and appraisals wells were drilled in the SW Queensland Unit area with five successfully testing gas and one in progress at the end of the period.
• Development of the Challurn gas field in SW Queensland has continued with a further five wells drilled.
• Construction of the pipeline to the Baryulah gas field in SW Queensland was commenced following finalisation of ILUA negotiations.

OIL SEARCH (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• AC/P32) Timor Sea granted as new permit with Norwest Energy NL as Operator.
• Norwest is actively seeking acreage with early drilling activity.

OMEGA OIL (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Upgrading of Balnaves and Limestone Ridge prospects in South Australia. Success case would double the gas reserves in the area (Omega 24.29%).
• High impact drilling campaign starts in May-June, 2001.

NORWEST ENERGY (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• The northern drilling programme has commenced with the drilling of the Kutubu development hole IDT-20. This will be followed by the important Moran-6 appraisal well and the high impact Bakari-1 exploration well.
• Preparations for commencement of the southern drilling programme are at an advanced stage. Two appraisal development targets have been identified in the Gobe Main and SE Gobe fields whilst final review of exploration targets at Saunders and Kutubu Attic is taking place.
• The WA-281-P joint venture approved the drilling of the Marabon-1 well in the offshore Browse Basin. The well is expected to spud in early August.
• Oil and gas production declined in the quarter, as a result of natural field decline, some minor production disruptions including scheduled maintenance on compressors at the Gobe fields and a conservative approach to development of the SE Gobe-8 and 9 wells. Total production for the quarter was 1.812 million barrels of oil equivalent, a 14% decline from the previous reporting period.
• Oil sales also fell during the quarter as a result of production decline and a decrease in oil liftings. Production exceeded liftings by over 190,000 barrels. Revenues also declined to US$25.25 million impacted by this underlift of produced oil.
• The production licence PDL 5, covering the Moran Central oilfield was issued on 17 February. This has resulted in the commencement of field activities to bring this next phase of the development to fruition. Road and camp construction for the project has commenced.
• Restructure of the PNG Gas Project was announced, subsequent to the end of the reporting period, with ExxonMobil taking on project leadership and coordination and other project participants, such as Oil Search, taking direct roles where their expertise can add value. This and various commercial initiatives are designed to reinvigorate project activities and lead to the earliest possible resolution of remaining marketing issues.

PANCONTINENTAL OIL & GAS (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• A placement of 9.9 million shares at 4.0 cents raised $396,000 for continued exploration activities.
• Non-renounceable issue to shareholders to raise approximately $1,046,000 announced.
• An active drilling program is scheduled for the second and third quarters of 2001, with the company participating in up to 3 wells.
• Waingaromia 2 is scheduled to commence drilling in second quarter.

PASMINCO (28 APRIL 2001)

OVERVIEW - MARCH QUARTER :

March quarter production of total zinc and lead from mines and smelters was 28% higher than the corresponding quarter in 2000 and 2% above the December quarter.

Although production results are encouraging, metal prices deteriorated further during the March quarter. The zinc price has dropped more than $50 per tonne since the half-year results were announced on 28 February. If the current price is maintained until the end of June, the average zinc price for the half will have been $100 lower than in the first half. At this price, the improvements in production and costs will be substantially offset by reduced revenues and the second half result will represent only a marginal improvement on the first half loss. Pasminco is therefore unlikely to return to profit in this half as had been expected.

Management remains focused on delivering a significant and sustainable improvement in operational performance, reducing debt and restoring shareholder value. The Business Improvement Program is already having a positive effect and this will accelerate during the second half of the current calendar year.

Pasminco remains a beneficiary of the present exchange rate despite having 70-80 percent of US$ revenue exposure hedged.

The outlook for metal prices is that they will remain flat in the short term pending a clearer view of econonic actvity in the United States and global growth.

On 24 April the proceeds of the disposal of Pasminco's interest in the Ernest Henry Copper-Gold Mine were received from MIM Holdings and applied to reduction of debt.

PERILYA (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Fortnum continues to perform above forecast expectations, with total ounces produced for the financial year to date exceeding 60,000 ounces (up 15% on forecast) at a cash operating cost of $341 per ounce (down 6% on forecast).
• The Fortnum underground mining operation is nearing completion and has been very successful, exceeding the feasibility expectations.
• Several promising drill targets have been defined at the Flinders Ranges Project. Aboriginal site clearance surveys have commenced and drilling is expected early next quarter.
• Drilling at Dee Range in the Mount Morgan District continues to return encouraging results, with the latest intercept being 22 metres at 6.42% Zinc and 0.4% Copper.
• The Company's financial position continues to strengthen with cash and liquids standing at $32 million.

PILBARA MINES (28 APRIL 2001)

Pilbara announced that Inmet Mining Corporation (Inmet), who are in joint venture with Pilbara at the Teutonic Bore copper, zinc, silver project in Western Australia, have notified Pilbara of their intention to commence diamond drilling of a number of 'EM conductors' outlined in the recent "Deep EM" survey at Teutonic Bore. Drilling is proposed to commence during May 2001.

PLATSEARCH (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• The first drillhole at the Lilleyvale Project, which is subject to a joint venture with Inco Limited, has been completed at a depth of 777 metres. The hole intersected a geological environment that shows many of the classic geological features that typically accompany Cloncurry style stratabound copper-gold systems such as at the Ernest Henry, Starra, Osborne and Selwyn mines further north. A full report on the results from drilling will be made available when all assay results are in hand.
• Results from the First Stage Drilling Programme at the Southern Cross Project have been logged and interpreted. Joint venturer Triako Resources has advised that further drilling will be conducted at the Parnell Mine Synform prospect where three holes intersected multiple lodes with significant lead-zinc-silver mineralisation within a large south-plunging synform structure.
• Native title negotiations and arrangements to obtain access to the Callabonna, Mirikata and Toby prospects in South Australia have progressed. Inco Limited can earn a 60% interest in each of these projects by funding $1 million expenditure on each. Drilling is expected to commence on all three prospects over the next three months, commencing with Callabonna in May. All three prospects will require deep drilling to test targets that are considered to have potential for large iron breccia hosted copper-gold deposits (Olympic Dam style).
• PlatSearch is engaged in fieldwork programmes on the seven Broken Hill project areas that are the subject of the Broken Hill Prospect Generation Programme (Inco Joint Ventures). Work completed during the quarter included detailed magnetic surveys on nine prospects, orientation geochemical sampling on five prospects, RAB drilling on three prospects and rock- chip sampling and detailed geological mapping on two prospects. This level of activity will continue through the June quarter with a view to identifying prospects that warrant percussion and/or core drilling.
• Joint venturer Newcrest Mining has completed approximately 110 kilometres of ground magnetic traverses across selected aeromagnetic anomaly features in the Broken Hill Porphyry tenements. It is expected that Newcrest will commence drilling on some of these features during the June quarter.

QUEENSLAND GAS COMPANY (27 APRIL 2001)

QUEENSLAND GAS COMPANY’S ABERDEEN NO. 1 WELL SPUDS

The Directors of Queensland Gas Company Limited (QGC) are pleased to announce that the company’s thirteenth well, Aberdeen No. 1 spudded at 1715 hours on Wednesday 25 April 2001.

The well is located approximately 30 kilometres southeast of the township of Tara in the Surat Basin in Queensland, and approximately 63 kilometres southeast of QGC’s Argyle field.

Aberdeen No. 1 is programmed to be drilled to a total depth of approximately 610 metres and is located within Authority to Prospect for Petroleum No. 621P. This well is the second of a two well program which will earn QGC a 50% interest in the Walloon Coal Measures in Authority to Prospect No. 632P.

Interests in the Walloon Coal Measures in ATP 632P when QGC earns its 50% will be:

Queensland Gas Company Limited	=	50%
Bobwyns Pty Ltd	=	50%

The Directors of Queensland Gas Company Limited (QGC) are pleased to announce that the company’s twelfth well Berwyndale No. 1 has been completed as a potential coalbed methane producer. Berwyndale No 1 intersected 19.49 metres of coal within the seams of the upper Walloon Coal Measures.

Testing of the well during drilling produced gas at a rate of more than 12 000 cubic feet per day (approximately 340 cubic metres per day) and water production of 1370 barrels per day. These results are typical of the initial flows from coal bed methane wells drilled in the Powder River Basin in the USA. After dewatering, these wells produce significant gas flow rates.

Coals in the Macalister seam have been under-reamed to enhance production potential.

The well is now shut in awaiting equipment to be set up for production testing.

This well earns QGC a 30% interest in the Walloon Coal Measures in the area of Authority to Prospect 632P. A second well, to be drilled at a later date, will increase QGC’s interest to 50%.

Participants in ATP 632P will now be:

RAND MINING (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Further Exploration Success at Kundana
• Discovery of New Gold Mineralisation at Biduli
• Heads of Agreement Signed Over Cyanide Technology
• Debt Finance with Bank West

RANGER MINERALS (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Gold production of 74,420 ounces from the Damang mine in Ghana was 9% below budget for the quarter due to failure of mill motors in March which curtailed production for 3 weeks. This contributed to net cash costs being above forecast at US$210 per ounce, but year to date production remains on track to meet the budget for the year to 30 June of 320,000 ounces.
• At the Essakan gold property in Burkina Faso drilling has been completed and recoverable resource estimation and scoping engineering studies have begun.
• Following approval of Ranger's 51.6% investment in the issued capital of General Minerals Corporation (GMC), a company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, further exploration has proceeded on two of GMC's South American properties. An initial two-hole drilling programme at the Escalones porphyry prospect encountered 91 metres at 0.50% copper and 0.lg/t gold, and 74 metres at 0.34% copper. Additional drilling at the Productora prospect has yielded a best result of 149 metres of 0.41% copper and 0.08g/t gold, including 21 metres at 0.74% copper.
• A seed investment of A$0.5 million was made in Platmin Resources p1c, a private company with platinum-group element mineral assets in South Africa.
• Group cash reserves at quarter end were A$32.4 million, and debt excluding trade creditors and unpaid interest stood at A$40.8 million.

RESOLUTE (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

PRODUCTION

• Total gold production of 86,148 (85,654) ounces of gold was achieved during the March quarter, at a cash cost of US$186 per ounce (US$178) of A$350 per ounce (A$338/oz).
• Attributable production for the quarter was 82,931 (82,804) ounces of gold at an average cash cost of US$185 per ounce (US$117/oz) or A$348 per ounce (A$336/oz).
• Golden Pride achieved production of 53,982 ounces of gold (57,150) at a cash cost of US$170 per ounce (US$160/oz).
• A 13% increase in gold production at Obotan generated 32,166 (28,504) ounces of gold at a cash cost of US$212 per ounce (US$215/oz).

EXPLORATION

GOLDEN PRIDE

• Encouraging results being followed up with a new drilling program in the June quarter with potential to convert significant resource ounces to reserve ounces.

CORPORATE

• Group cash and bullion at the end of the quarter was A$63m (A$61m).
• Borrowings reduced during the quarter from A$45.5m to A$34.6m or in USD terms - from US$25.2m to US$16.8m.
• Gross cashflow from operations for the quarter of A$17m (A$17m).
• Group operating net profit before tax for the first 9 months expected to approximate A$26m. (A$21.7m for the 6 months ended 31 December 2000).

RIMFIRE PACIFIC MINING (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

BINGARA DIAMOND PROJECT
During the quarter a program of airborne magnetics was completed by Universal Tracking Systems Pty Ltd. Geological mapping was undertaken at Nareena, Tom and Jerry, Back Creek and bulk sampling conducted at Nareena and Tom and Jerry.

The airborne magnetics survey at a 50m line spacing covered three areas of interest at Tom and Jerry - Back Creek, Caroda and Trevallyn. Initial evaluation indicates a small pipe-like magnetic feature nested in the Tom and Jerry magnetic anomaly, which is interpreted to be a small pipe shedding high sodium garnets. The Caroda magnetic low requires further modelling and ground follow up in rugged terrain.

Bulk sampling at Nareena and Tom and Jerry was conducted with a 50 tonne sample taken from the northern drainage of Tom and Jerry and a 25 tonne sample from the middle drainage at Nareena. These samples were concentrated at Bingara and have been forwarded to Independent Diamond Laboratories in Perth for heavy media separation. Results are anticipated in late April.

BROKEN HILL
A detailed consultant's report completed by Geodyne indicates that Rimfire's tenement in the Thackaringa area is highly prospective for copper-gold mineralisation. On the basis of this report and a comprehensive GIS database compilation further exploration work is being planned.

PEEL GOLD JOINT VENTURE (EL 5550 & 5551)
Operators, Regional Exploration Management Pty Ltd, conducted geological mapping and rock chip sampling during the quarter. Results are pending.

SANTOS (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Sales of gas and ethane increased to a new first quarter record of 50 petajoules.
• Gas and ethane production increased by 0.8% to 51.7 petajoules.
• Crude oil production fell by 0.7 million barrels, mainly due to shut-ins, with sales also impacted by timing of liftings.
• The average realised oil price increased by 19.4% to A$51.15 per barrel.
• Sales revenue decreased by $7.1 million to $328.5 million.

ST BARBARA MINES (28 APRIL 2001)

The South Junction mine, adjacent to the Bluebird mill, was last mined in 1998. This was a high-grade open pit operation. A detailed review of historic exploration and mining data identified the potential for additional ore from various lodes within the pit. Recent confirmatory drilling has produced substantial results including 23m @ 41.5 g/t, 12m @ 16.1 g/t, 22m @ 8.2 g/t and 10m @ 13.2 g/t.

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Production of 115,847 oz for year to date (Quarterly gold production of 34,154 oz)
• Profit of $8.6 million for year to date (Quarterly profit of $1.1 million)
• Continued good exploration results
• Successful takeover of Taipan Resources NL

STRAITS RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Revenue of $28.3 million for the quarter.
• Record Nifty mine production of 5,811 tonnes up 11% on the December 2000 quarter and 44% on the corresponding period in 2000.
• Nifty cash costs of US$0.39/lb a reduction of 10% over the previous quarter.
• Nifty reached annualised production of 24,000 tonnes in March 2001.
• Attributable copper cathode production of 6,521 tonnes for the quarter.
• Girilambone copper cathode production of 1,335 tonnes at a cash cost of US$0.30/lb.
• Coal production of 467,000 tonnes for the quarter, an increase of 7% over the previous period.

SUMMIT RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

Summit announced on 8 March 2001 it is now finalising negotiations on an alliance and funding agreement with Noranda Pacific Pty Limited, the Australian subsidiary of Canadian mining giant Noranda Inc. The funds will be initially utilised to drill test the George Fisher North Pb Zn Ag targets at Mount Isa.

Summit has also been successful in the acquisition of 100% ownership of the 1150sqkm Isa North base metal tenements in northwest Queensland. Control of this core asset is a strategically important one for Summit and has opened the way for the Company to implement its planned exploration and drill testing of a series of advanced lead zinc silver and copper targets in the area.

TANAMI GOLD (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN PROJECTS

HARTS RANGE PLATINUM PALLADIUM
First-pass helicopter supported mapping and sampling programs commenced in early March 2001 covering an area of 130 x 80 kilometres. A number of anomalous platinum, palladium and gold values have been returned. More detailed sampling over anomalous areas is currently being undertaken. In particular, a detailed sampling program is underway at the Kongo Prospect which will cover an area of 500 x 150 metres from which PNC Exploration (Australia) Pty Ltd previously returned up to 1.4 g/t palladium, 0.6 g/t platinum and 5.8 g/t gold.

In addition, a coarse fraction soil sampling program on 100 metre spaced lines will test the strike extensions of the mineralisation at the Kongo Prospect. Regional soil sampling lines over other anomalous areas will also be completed.

WINNECKE PROJECT
A mapping program completed during the quarter over the Golden Goose workings has resulted in a new interpretation showing that the major controls on mineralisation have generated a northeast plunging ore shoot which has not previously been drill tested.

A 1,500 metre RC percussion drill program will commence next Monday, 30 April 2001 to test for extensions to mineralisation.

HOMESTAKE JOINT VENTURE
During the quarter, a review and interpretation of all available data was completed by Homestake Gold of Australia Limited to prioritise drill targets. In addition to known resources and mineralised occurrences, Homestake has identified numerous geochem and structural targets to be drill tested this field season.

Given that the extended wet season has delayed the commencement of the 2001 field season, Homestake has undertaken to commence drilling with two RAB rigs in order to make up for lost time. The Tanami Road is scheduled to open on 7 May 2001.

TAP OIL (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Three new oil fields discovered - 24.5 mmbbls of oil booked
• A break-through in mapping the Harriet Area Flag prospects
• Revenue for the Quarter of $7.8m
• Gipsy & North Gipsy Oil Fields on production
• Liquids production up 54% on last quarter

TASMANIA MINES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

During the quarter production of Dense Medium Magnetite for use in Coal Washeries continued.

MINING
Mining from Kara No 1 continued during the period with 31,504 tonnes of ore being mined from the Kara No 1 pit and delivered to the concentrator plant stockpiles. In addition 13,870 tonnes of overburden was removed.

TRIAKO RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• An excellent performance at the Mineral Hill Mine resulted in the production of 14,705 ounces of gold and 84 tonnes of copper. This was the highest quarterly output of gold since the mine re-commenced production in September 1995. Gold feed grade averaged 11.5 g/t. High gold grades continued in April.
• The mine cash surplus after capital expenditure and on lease exploration was $3.2 million. Cash operating cost for the quarter after copper credits was $179/oz.
• The Eastern Ore Zone decline is to be advanced to the next level (RL 119m) to develop extensions to the high grade ore currently being mined and to provide a base for underground diamond drilling of several footwall locations.
• A decision to commence exploration development towards the Parkers Hill copper, silver deposit resulted in the access drive advancing 90 metres of the 190 metres required.
• Further diamond drilling at Parkers Hill returned good copper, silver and, in some holes, gold intercepts. An updated resource estimation is in progress.

TRIBUNE RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Further Exploration Success at Kundana
• Discovery of New Gold Mineralisation at Binduli
• Heads of Agreement Signed Over Cyanide Technology
• Debt Finance with Bank West

UNION CAPITAL (28 APRIL 2001)

Further encouraging assay results have been returned from another seven diamond hoes drilled during the pre-feasibility program currently underway at the Mehdiabad Zinc Project in Central Iran.

Significant sulphide Zn-Pb and overlying oxide mineralization has been intersected on the southern margin and to the south off the currently identified resource along the major Black Hill Fault (holes 7931, 8001, 8005 - see attached plan). Assay results are awaited. Any intervals in excess of the current 4% Zn or 4% Pb cut-offs, will add significantly to the resource totals.

Thick, shallow oxide mineralization has been intersected in the north of the East Ridge area. Assays received for two of these intersections (holes 7912, 7916) are encouraging.

WESTGOLD RESOURCES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

The Company continued to work towards a rationalisation of its projects during the quarter and to seek business opportunities to compliment its existing mining business.

TUCKABIANNA PROJECT
Underground Resources Pty Ltd purchased the Tuckabianna powerhouse and equipment for $80,000.

There are no further outstanding issues with the Tuckabianna project sale.

CASTLE HILL JOINT VENTURE (100% Westgold, Goldfields earning 51%)
Goldfields report that a further seven RC holes for 680 metres were drilled at various prospects at Castle Hill. Significant results (>0.5g/t over a minimum 2 metres) are as follows:

PROSPECT HOLE NO FROM TO INTERVAL GOLD
(m) (m) (m) (g/t Au)

Kiora CHRC463 81 82 1 1.53
CHRC464 45 47 2 2.60
Mick Adams CHRC465 83 87 4 0.97
92 93 1 1.39
CHRC469 33 34 1 3.25
80 84* 4 5.94
Sir Lancelot CHRC468 33 36 3 2.56

* Results still open, not yet received.

The result in CHRC469 at Mick Adams is considered encouraging and additional assays are expected in the new quarter. The Sir Lancelot prospect is a new prospect located to the south of Mick Adams.

An additional six RC holes for 562 metres were drilled on the Chancey Gardener Prospect (GR001-006). Drilling intersected variably altered tonalite. Assay results have not been received to date.

YAMARNA GOLDFIELDS (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Announcement of a 2 for 5 rights issue and private placement
• Laugh.com website formally launched in the USA
• Asarco continues work on the Yamarna Joint Venture Project
• Proposed ASX Listing of De Grey Mining Limited set to proceed. Yamarna to receive De Grey shares of interest in Domain Mining NL.

ZIMBABWE PLATINUM MINES (28 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS FOR ZIMPLATS
The March 2001 quarter has seen five significant and exciting developments for the Company in its objective to become a major independent platinum producer. Following on from the signing of the Framework Agreement with the Government of Zimbabwe, reported in the previous quarterly report, the significant milestones detailed below have been achieved.

• BHP LIMITED'S ZIMBABWE PLATINUM ASSETS ACQUIRED
• ACCEPTABLE FISCAL LEGISLATION FOR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
• OFFTAKE AGREEMENT WITH IMPALA REFINING SERVICES LIMITED SIGNED
• DELTA GOLD LIMITED SOLD 30% OF ZIMPLATS' EQUITY
• STRATEGIC INVESTOR AND PROJECT FINANCIER SECURED
• NGEZI/SMC PROJECT DEVELOPMENT COMMENCES
• EMPOWERMENT SHARE PLACEMENT
• CHANGE IN DIRECTORS AND CHAIRMAN

SEDIMENTARY HOLDINGS (26 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER CRACOW New discovery on the Klondyke Vein System named the Crown; Significant Intersections; CBK027 22.7 metres @ 15 gAu/t CBK009 6.0 metres @ 5.2 gAu/t CBK012 8.35 metres @ 2.3gAu/t CBK021 18.9 metres @ 4.3gAu/t Discovered by drilling through substantial cover rocks, the Crown is located 800 metres northwest of the Royal Shoot.

MACMIN (26 APRIL 2001)

Macmin director Robert McNeil and associates today acquired all remaining shares held by the NPF. The NPF was recently Macmin’s largest shareholder and held at one stage almost 20% of Macmin’s shares.

The NPF has reportedly had substantial financial problems over the past two years and has been selling its holding in Macmin to obtain cash. This selling has put downward pressure on the share price which we believe should now cease.

GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES (26 APRIL 2001)

Genetic Technologies Limited is pleased to announce that Professor Ian Gust AO has agreed to join the Board of Directors of the Company as a non-executive Director effective from today.

Professor Ian Gust MD, BS; DipBact (University of London); FRCPA; FRACP; FTS is one of Australia’s most eminent scientists. He was formerly Director of the Virus Laboratories at Fairfield Hospital Melbourne and Founding Director of The MacFarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research.

Professor Gust is internationally known for his work on hepatitis viruses and blood borne infections. With Professor David Pennington he played a major role in Australia’s rapid and effective response to the threat of AIDS, serving as the Director of the National AIDS Reference Laboratory, the NHMRC special unit for AIDS virology and as the Commonwealth Chief Advisor on the medical and scientific aspect of the disease.

In 1990 he was recruited by CSL Limited to head its R&D Division in the lead up to corporatisation and was part of the executive team which transformed the company into Top 50 company with a market capitalisation in excess of A$5 billion.

He retired as Director of R&D with CSL Limited in February 2000 and is now based at the University of Melbourne in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

Professor Gust also serves as a scientific advisor to Bill and Melinda Gates Children’s Vaccine Program, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and the World Health Organisation. He is a non-executive Director of Promics Pty Limited.

For additional information, click here.

OTTER GOLD MINES (26 APRIL 2001)

Otter Gold Mines Limited as manager of the Tanami Mine Joint Venture (Otter Gold Mines (60%) and AngloGold (40%)) advises that milling operations at the mine resumed yesterday, 25 April 2001, after fuel supplies to the site resumed the previous day.
Otter had announced on 26 March 2001 that milling operations had been suspended due to flooding in the Tanami region of the Northern Territory, which cut road access and prevented transport of fuel to the mine site until 24 April 2001. Mining operations at the site continued throughout the period, stockpiling ore that will now been milled.

TRIAKO RESOURCES (26 APRIL 2001)

MARCH QUARTER - SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS

• An excellent performance at the Mineral Hill Mine resulted in the production of 14,705 ounces of gold and 84 tonnes of copper. This was the highest quarterly output of gold since the mine re-commenced production in September 1995. Gold feed grade averaged 11.5 g/t. High gold grades continued in April.
• The mine cash surplus after capital expenditure and on lease exploration was $3.2 million. Cash operating cost for the quarter after copper credits was $179/oz.
• The Eastern Ore Zone decline is to be advanced to the next level (RL 119m) to develop extensions to the high grade ore currently being mined and to provide a base for underground diamond drilling of several footwall locations.
• A decision to commence exploration development towards the Parkers Hill copper, silver deposit resulted in the access drive advancing 90 metres of the 190 metres required.
• Further diamond drilling at Parkers Hill returned good copper, silver and, in some holes, gold intercepts. An updated resource estimation is in progress.

GTECH INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES (25 APRIL 2001)

Ian A. Dennis, President of Gtech International Resources Limited (GCH.CDNX) announces that the Company has agreed to raise $400,000 by way of the private placement of 4,000,000 units at a price of $0.10 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. One warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share for a term of two years following closing, exercisable at a price of $0.14 per share.

The subscription proceeds from the financing will be used to cover the Company’s corporate and administrative expenses and to provide funds for the investigation and evaluation of potential acquisitions or joint ventures for the Company. The Company has not as yet identified a specific acquisition.

The private placement is subject to acceptance for filing by the Canadian Venture Exchange Inc.

LAKES OIL (24 APRIL 2001)

MACMIN (24 APRIL 2001)

BENDIGO MINING (24 APRIL 2001)

Bendigo announced that UniSuper, a major shareholder in BMNL, has agreed to invest a further $6 million by way of redeemable convertible notes. The money will be utilised to continue the Company's exploration program whilst it seeks to raise up to a further $50 million. This is required to implement BMNL's plan to commence gold production of 90-100,000 ounces gold per annum by the fourth quarter next year. The initial throughput is expected to be 250,000 tonnes per annum and BMNL plans to subsequently ramp up production in two further stages to reach an annual production rate of 1.2 million tonnes per annum to yield 400-500,000 ounces gold annually by 2007.

CUE ENERGY RESOURCES (24 APRIL 2001)

The Anggur-2 well in the Sampang PSC offshore East Java, spudded on 21 April 2001.

ENERGY RESOURCES OF AUSTRALIA (24 APRIL 2001)

Energy Resources of Australia Ltd (ERA) profit after tax for the March quarter was $1.4 million (2000: $3.0 million).
Earnings before interest and tax for the March quarter was $3.1 million (2000: $9.4 million). The decrease in NPAT and EBIT compared to the corresponding period in the previous year reflects the weaker spot price of uranium and reduction in sales tonnes. This is also reflected in a decrease of sales revenue for the nine months to $82.7 million (2000: $116.9 million).

FIRST AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES (24 APRIL 2001)

LAKE LONG FIELD, LAFOURCHE PARISH, SOUTH LOUISIANA STATE LEASE 328 NO 7 WELL

The SL 328 No 7 well, a test of the NW Segment Prospect, commenced drilling on 15 April 2001 and is presently drilling ahead at 6,694 feet after running surface casing to 3,000 feet.

Gas shows have been recorded on mud logs while drilling the 5520 and 5800 sands, the first of thirteen Miocene zones that will be evaluated by this planned deviated well.

Gas readings increased from 20 units to 240 units in the 5520 sand reaching a maximum of 335 units in the 5800 sand. A well drilled in 1949 intersected 15 feet of gas bearing sands at the 5,520-foot sand interval. These sands were not produced at the time due to low gas prices, however, their existence considerably reduces the commercial risk in the No 7 well.

GOLDFIELDS (24 APRIL 2001)

Goldfields refers to the announcement made by it to the ASX on 19 March 2001 regarding a proposal to acquire Allstate Exploration NL's (ASX: ALX) interest in the Beaconsfield Joint Venture for $32 million.

Goldfields wishes to advise that this proposal has been withdrawn.

MARCH QUARTER - SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES

Goldfields achieved its second best quarterly gold production of 159,455 ounces and exceeded last quarter's production by 6,816 ounces. Profit from normal activities for the quarter was $8.0 million and is consistent with achieving a second half result which will be similar to the first half.

PRODUCTION

• Goldfields' gold production for the quarter was 159,455 ounces. For the nine months year to date production was 452,085 ounces and production of approximately 600,000 ounces is anticipated for the full year.
• Cash costs of $293/oz for the quarter, $287/oz for the nine months.
• Total costs of $409/oz for the quarter, $406/oz for the nine months.
• Operationally, all sites maintained steady throughput. Porgera's quarterly production of 181,949 ounces (100% terms) was below 200,000 ounces for the first time in 18 months. Kundana achieved record quarterly gold production of 43,129 ounces and is expected to achieve record gold production for the full year. Paddington delivered a solid performance, maintaining throughput equivalent to 3.4 million tonnes annually and producing 52,172 ounces. Henty maintained its treatment plant throughput well over nameplate rating but gold production, at 20,741 ounces (100% terms), was affected by lower grades.

EXPLORATION

• Deep exploration drilling his commenced at the Kundana mine beneath the Strzelecki, Barkers and South Lode deposits.
• Goldfields executed an option agreement with Solomon Resources on the Randalls and Mt Monger properties.
• Drilling at several prospects in the Temora project area in NSW has intersected promising Au-Cu mineralisation.
• The Mount Julia definition drilling continues to return encouraging results, including one intercept of 5.9 metres at 115.1 g/t Au.

FINANCE

• An unaudited quarterly profit of $8.0 million was achieved. Year to date, profit is $37.1 million, which includes $12.1 million arising from a reduction in corporate tax rates in PNG.
• An average gold price of $561/oz was received for the quarter and $549/oz for the nine months year to date.
• The mark to market valuations of gold and currency hedging were positive $97.9 million and negative $108.5 million respectively.

CORPORATE

• Goldfields has withdrawn its offer to acquire Allstate Explorations NL's 51.51% interest in the Beaconsfield Joint Venture (BJV).

HARDMAN RESOURCES (24 APRIL 2001)

Valid acceptances received for the current Shareholder Entitlement Issue totalled 11,469,840 shares. These acceptances represent approximately 58% of the shares eligible to participate in the Issue.
The shortfall of 8,377,834 shares has been notified to the Underwriter, Intersuisse Ltd, in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement. Hardman Resources NL will advise the Australian Stock Exchange of allotment in due course.

KAGARA ZINC (24 APRIL 2001)

Kagara Zinc Limited (ASX: KZL) is ready to push the button on the development of its Mt Garnet Zinc Project in North Queensland later this year after completing a feasibility study which confirmed the viability of an integrated development with an initial mine life of nine years.

A project go-ahead in that timeframe will enable the Perth-based Company to make the key transition to zinc producer during the first half of 2002, following a nine-month project construction period.

The feasibility study concluded that the Project would generate approximately $105 million life-of-mine cash flow from the Mt Garnet, Surveyor and Dry River South Deposits - with significant additional cash flow likely to be generated from remaining resources at the Balcooma zinc deposit, Balcooma copper deposit and the King Vol deposit.

Mt Garnet, which will be the site for a centrally located treatment facility, and King Vol were part of Kagara's original IPO. Surveyor and Dry River South are part of the Balcooma Project, 120 kilometres to the south-west, which was acquired last year from Lachlan Resources NL.

Kagara's Executive Chairman, Mr Kim Robinson, said the feasibility study was based on a base case production scenario and did not take into account upside from processing additional known resources at Balcooma or the potential for additional exploration success in the region.

LIHIR GOLD (24 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE QUARTER

PRODUCTION

• Gold production for the Quarter was 186,828 ounces, continuing the strong result from the previous Quarter.
• Ore milled during the Quarter of 962,121 tonnes was a record.

COSTS (UNAUDITED)

• Total Cash Costs for the Quarter were US$187/oz; Gross Cash Costs were US$172/oz.

REVENUE

• An average gold price of US$346 was achieved.

RESERVES AND EXPLORATION

• 9,505m were drilled in Lienetz and the Borefields. Assay results for the infill program were encouraging and generally above expectations.
• Additional high grade and high sulphur ore continued to be available in the West Minifle geothermal area of the Phase 3 pit.

OROGEN MINERALS (24 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER

• Revenue from sale of oil was US$27.8 million: Orogen's share of first quarter oil sales from the Kutubu, Gobe and Central Moran Fields was 1.055 million barrels. The average realised oil price was US$26.36/bbl, compared to US$28.37/bbl in the fourth quarter, resulting in total revenue from oil of US$27.8 million.
• Revenue of US$8.9 million from sale of Porgera gold: Orogen's share of first quarter 2001 gold production from the Porgera gold mine was 36,390 ounces. Cash costs remained highly competitive at US$154 per ounce.
• A new Petroleum Development Licence for the Central Moran oil field: The granting of a new Petroleum Development Licence (PDL-5), and the Variation to an existing licence (PDL-2) occurred in February 2001, resulting in the Central Moran Unit taking effect from 1 March 2001. Full field development has now commenced.
• Encouraging discussions with potential equity participants in the Ramu Nickel Project: During the quarter, Orogen and Highlands Pacific met with a number of international resources groups interested in participating in the proposed Ramu Nickel development. Discussions are expected to continue in the second quarter.
• Little progress on the PNG Gas Project: Little progress was made on gas marketing, the most critical outstanding element of the PNG Gas Project, during the first quarter of 2001. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the gas marketing team has been re-structured and marketing activities have resumed.
• Cash balance at the end of the quarter of nearly US$87 million: Due to strong cash-flows and the Central Moran capital re-balancing, Orogen held cash and short-term deposits of US$86.8 million at the end of March, equivalent to approximately A$0.54 per share.

OXIANA RESOURCES (24 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER

SEPON PROJECT - LAOS

• Drilling of the five adjacent gold deposits has been substantially completed. Preliminary resource modelling and mine planning indicate the feasibility of an operation to produce greater than 150,000 oz/a gold for longer than 10 years. Higher grade starter pits will provide the first few years production, hence requiring a smaller throughput plant, lower front-end capital, and assuring strong early cash flows.
• First pass resource evaluation drilling at the Khanong copper deposit has produced spectacular results. Wide intercepts of near surface, high grade copper mineralization confirm the potential for Khanong to be a world class copper deposit. Metallurgical testwork to date points to production of copper cathodes via the low cost leach/SX/EW route.
• Continuing strong results for the gold and copper drilling and Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS) work generally has attracted the interest of a number of parties looking to join the project. Oxiana will evaluate these potential proposals during the current quarter.

PASMINCO (24 APRIL 2001)

The sale of Pasminco Limited's 49% interest in the Ernest Henry copper-gold mine in Queensland to MIM Holdings Limited was completed today.

PIMA MINING (24 APRIL 2001)

The Directors of Pima Mining NL advise that its wholly owned subsidiary SAMAG Limited ("SAMAG") has entered into an Engineering contract with a joint venture between Thiess Pty Ltd and Krupp Uhde GmbH ("TKU").

Under the contract, TKU is to complete a Tender Estimate and Design Engineering ("TEDE") which will form the basis of the lump sum, turn key Engineering Procurement and Construction ("EPC") contract.

The EPC contract will provide SAMAG with a guaranteed maximum price for construction of a magnesium metal and alloy plant.

Under the Engineering contract SAMAG and TKU have agreed on the pathway to the final EPC contract, including margins and contingencies.

RIO TINTO (24 APRIL 2001)

MARCH QUARTER:

Production of all principal commodities was higher in the first quarter of 2001 compared with the same quarter in 2000 following Rio Tinto's various acquisitions over the past twelve months.

• Iron ore production in the quarter was 44 per cent higher than the comparable quarter in 2000 but 11 per cent lower than the high last quarter of 2000. Hamersley Iron in Australia achieved record first quarter production and shipments but winter conditions impacted production at IOC in Canada.
• Coal production was 15 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2000 and one per cent higher than the last quarter of 2000. The 15 per cent increase includes a 40 per cent increase in coal production in Australia, following the recent acquisitions, and a seven per cent increase in US coal production.
• Mined copper production was 16 per cent higher than the comparable quarter in 2000 but down 10 per cent on the last quarter of 2000 primarily due to lower recoveries at Escondida, Chile and lower ore grades at Grasberg, Indonesia.
• Mined gold production was 40 per cent higher than the comparable quarter of 2000 and seven per cent higher than the last quarter of 2000 mainly due to higher grades at Bingham Canyon, US and at Grasberg.
• Primary aluminium metal production was 32 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2000 helped by the acquisition of the Comalco minorities but down slightly on the last quarter of 2000.
• Diamond production was 28 per cent higher than the comparable quarter of 2000 and eight per cent higher than the last quarter of 2000 following the acquisition of Ashton Mining.
• Borates and titanium dioxide feedstock production were both up marginally on the first quarter of 2000. Compared with the last quarter of 2000, borate production was unchanged but titanium dioxide feedstock was down marginally by three per cent.

SHELL AUSTRALIA (24 APRIL 2001)

WEST OIL (24 APRIL 2001)

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM (24 APRIL 2001)

AUIRON ENERGY (23 APRIL 2001)

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STEEL AND ENERGY (SASE) PIG IRON PROJECT (AUY 90% INTEREST)

DEMONSTRATION PLANT OPERATIONS CONTINUED
Following successful completion in January of the ancillary plant modifications foreshadowed in the December 2000 quarter, the second phase of operations commenced in early February. Operating performance continued to better design specifications in parameters that are important for the commercial plant feasibility studies. These included coal and oxygen consumption rates, furnace operating temperature, post combustion ratio and heat transfer efficiencies.

The first sale of a parcel of pig iron was made to a South Australian foundry. The parcel met customer specifications and performed satisfactorily in foundry use.

Subsequent to the end of the quarter the plant was shut down for planned maintenance, equipment modifications and a personnel break. Operations are expected to recommence in early May.

AURORA GOLD (23 APRIL 2001)

Aurora Gold wished to correct any misconceptions arising from a report aired on the ABC on Friday (20 April) regarding its Indonesian mining and exploration operations. The original ABC report said that Aurora was pulling out of Indonesia, blaming political uncertainty and lawlessness, although this was subsequently modified.

Aurora is continuing to successfully operate its flagship Mt Muro gold and silver mine in Kalimantan, which has been the mainstay of its Indonesian operations since 1994.

The Company announced earlier this year (16 February, 2001) that it had placed its Toka Tindung exploration project in North Sulawesi on care and maintenance and decided to sell its 85% interest in view of continuing political and social uncertainties in the region, and the failure of regional authorities to address the issue of illegal mining.

Aurora had already previously written off the carrying value of the Toka Tindung Project during the 31 December 1999 financial year because of the uncertain economic and political environment in Indonesia.

BLIGH OIL & MINERALS (23 APRIL 2001)

Bligh advised that preparations have commenced for the drilling of the Makino-1 exploratory well in PEP 38728, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. The Makino-1 will test a structural closure on trend with and immediately north of the Rimu oil and gas field, in which Bligh holds a 5% interest.

FORRESTANIA GOLD / DALRYMPLE RESOURCES (23 APRIL 2001)

The Operator of the Wildara Joint Venture, Forrestania Gold NL, a wholly owned subsidiary of LionOre Mining International Ltd, (a Toronto listed company) has completed the Air Core programme referred to in the release to the ASX of 18 April 2001. The programme, which consisted of three lines of four holes drilled as scissor holes (in the opposite direction to previous drilling) 20 metres apart was designed to further test the Snapper prospect.

Broad widths of oxide gold mineralisation occurred in 5 holes but the drilling did not intercept further rich gold values similar to those returned from the initial Rotary Air Blast drilling programme, the results of which were released on April 4th 2001.

GTN RESOURCES (23 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

• Sapphire production was above planned levels;
• Profit contributions exceeded budget expectations;
• Commissioning trials for the Weean mine (50% GTN) were undertaken and continuous production is expected to commence from mid April;
• Sapphire market prices remain strong.

LACHLAN RESOURCES (23 APRIL 2001)

The securities of Lachlan Resources will be suspended from quotation from close of trading on Tuesday 24 April 2001, in connection with the selective capital reduction, as approved by shareholders of the Company.

MINERALS CORPORATION (23 APRIL 2001)

Minerals Corporation announced that its Skardon River Kaolin Project has entered into a three year agreement for the distribution of its kaolin products to the Indonesian market with a leading firm experienced in the kaolin industry. Indonesia is a large and expanding exporter of paper products, as well as a major market for kaolin in the ceramics and paint industries.

NAMAKWA DIAMOND COMPANY (23 APRIL 2001)

Namakwa Diamond Company has formally rejected Majestic Resources NL's scrip takeover offer in its Target's Statement, released today, which includes an independent valuation of Namakwa shares of as much as 45% or more above the assessed value of the Majestic Offer.

NORTHERN GOLD (23 APRIL 2001)

MARCH QUARTER:

Due to the annual wet season in the Northern Territory, no field work was possible during the March quarter. The current expectation is that field access will be re-established in late April or early May.

During the quarter, work commenced on a review of the Company's existing mineral resources and of the parameters used in the 1996/97 Feasibility Study for the Burnside Project, including the cost of refurbishing the Burnside treatment plant.

In Northern Gold's wider exploration efforts, a program of data compilation and targeting has commenced over the East Burnside area targeting Enterprise and Union Reef style deposits along the Pine Creek Shear Zone.

During the quarter, the Company received an off-market cash takeover offer from Pilatus Gold Corporation Pty Ltd ("Pilatus"), which is offering to acquire up to 70% of each shareholders' fully and partly paid shares in Northern Gold. Pilatus is offering 13 cents cash for each fully paid share, 5.5 cents cash for each 8 cent partly paid share paid to 0.5 cents, and 0.1 cents cash for each 25 cent partly paid share paid to 0.5 cents. The Board of Northern Gold has reviewed the terms of the takeover offer and has recommended, in the absence of a more beneficial offer, acceptance of the offer by those shareholders wishing to reduce their participation in the future potential of Northern Gold in return for some cash consideration now. The Bidder's Statement from Pilatus has been mailed to shareholders, and the Company's Target's Statement will be dispatched within the next few days.

PACMIN MINING CORPORATION (23 APRIL 2001)

MARCH QUARTER

• PRODUCTION OF 59,968 OUNCES
  Total gold production for the March quarter was 59,968 ounces. Tarmoola production for the quarter was 29,940 ounces, an increase of 6% over the previous quarter. During the quarter, waste stripping of the Tarmoola North 4 cut-back continued and the need to supplement mill feed with low-grade stockpile material was maintained. Consistent quantities of higher grade ore are now being mined and milled as the North 4 cut-back has progressed into the broad ore zone. Production at Tarmoola is therefore expected to increase in the next quarter.
  
  Carosue Dam production for the quarter was 30,028 ounces. Gold production steadily improved during the quarter to an annualised level of over 120,000 ounces at quarter-end. This level of production is in line with feasibility study projections and is expected to be sustained in coming periods.
  
  Record rainfall in late January and February impacted on mining operations at both sites and contributed to lower gold production.
  
  
• CASH OPERATING COSTS
  Total group cash operating costs were A$375/ounce (US$195/ounce). At Tarmoola, cash operating costs of A$450/ounce (US$234/ounce) reflect the treatment of low-grade stockpiled ore, previously forecast reduced ore production, and higher global diesel fuel pricing early in the quarter. Mill throughput was maintained at a high annualised rate of 3.5 million tonnes per year, which enabled the operation's economies of scale to be maintained.
  
  In Carosue Dam's first full quarter of production cash operating costs were A$300/ounce (US$156/ounce), in line with expectations.
  
  
• TARMOOLA EXPLORATION - URSUS PROJECT DRILLING
  Follow-up drilling at the Eclipse, Cerebus and Centauri prospects has confirmed a shallow oxide mineralisation over zones up to 600m long and 120m wide. This mineralisation is within 7km of the Tarmoola mine and has the potential to provide moderate-grade oxide mill feed.
  Better results from this drilling include:
  
  USCO135 8m @ 6.15 g/t
  USCO137 6m @ 2.61 g/t
  USCO138 11m @ 2.87 g/t
  USCO140 8m @ 5.59 g/t
  USCO141 9m @ 3.72 g/t
  USCO216 7m @ 2.35 g/t
  
  
• NORTHERN GOLD NL
  During the quarter, PacMin's 51% listed subsidiary Northern Gold NL received an off-market cash takeover offer from Pilatus Gold Corporation Ltd to acquire up to 70% of Northern Gold NL's fully and partly paid shares. PacMin intends, in the absence of a more beneficial offer, to accept for 70% of its shareholding. PacMin will realise cash proceeds of A$6.9 million should the offer be successful.

TAIPAN RESOURCES (23 APRIL 2001)

St Barbara Mines advised pursuant to Listing Rule 3.3 that, as of the close of the Offer period in its off market bid for all of the Ordinary Partly Paid and Ordinary Fully Paid shares in Taipan at 5.00 pm on 18 April 2001, it had a relevant interest in 87.3% of the Ordinary Shares in Taipan, being comprised of 81.3% Ordinary Fully Paid Shares in Taipan and 6.0% Ordinary Partly Paid Taipan shares.

Accordingly, St Barbara advises that it does not intend to proceed with a compulsory acquisition.

TITAN RESOURCES (23 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER:-

• Excellent production continues at Radio Hill.
• Record Lost Time Injury Free period.
• Major regional drilling program due to commence shortly.
• Construction of final BioHeap(TM) pilot plant approaching completion.
• Advanced phase BioHeap(TM) field trials with Inco to be conducted in Canada.
• Purchase of Carr Boyd Rocks Nickel Deposit.

VICTORIA PETROLEUM (23 APRIL 2001)

Victoria Petroleum NL wishes to advise that its wholly owned US subsidiary Victoria Petroleum Inc had executed a drilling contract with Nabors Drilling USA, Inc to use Nabors Rig #473 to drill the Eagle No 1 Horizontal well and the following Kingfisher No 1.

Victoria Petroleum, Inc is the Operator for the Eagle Oil Pool Development Drilling Project.

The Nabors #473 rig will move onto the Eagle No 1 location on April 30, 2001 with drilling operations planned to commence on May 2, 2001.

Eagle No 1 will be the first well in the Eagle Oil Pool Development Project, a horizontal drilling project targeting potential recoverable reserves of up to 24 million barrels of oil and 62 billion cubic feet of gas.

WEST OIL (23 APRIL 2001)

West Oil has placed 4,000,000 shares and 4,000,000 free options with its geoscience and engineering consultants TRO.IKODA at a price of 5 cents each.

Since West Oil's inception IKODA has acted as West Oil's geophysical consultants. The recent merger with TROY has brought a full range of oilfield engineering services under one umbrella.

The working capital raised through this placement will be applied to work on many of West Oil's blocks in the Timor Sea and in particular to assess the potential of the Puffin-5 and Puffin-2 fields in AC/P22.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM (23 APRIL 2001)

WOODSIDE CHAIRMAN'S RESPONSE TO TREASURER'S DECISION

Mr Charles Goode, Chairman of Woodside, today made the following statement:

"The Treasurer announced today that he has decided to prohibit Shell from acquiring further shares in Woodside. This means Shell will be unable to take control of Woodside, either under its current takeover bid or under the revised asset transfer proposal described in the takeover documents.

"In working towards this decision over the last five months, it is clear that the Government has received submissions and representations from a wide cross-section of interested and informed parties, and conducted an extensive review of the issues relevant to the national interest.

"I do not really think that anyone can seriously doubt that this Government encourages and welcomes foreign investment in new developments. Australia is one of the most open countries in the world in this respect. Foreign capital will come into this country if there are profitable opportunities to invest in.

"While globalisation is part of commercial life today, I believe there is a line to be drawn by the Government at some point with respect to the national interest. In the context of retaining an Australian identity within our community and having decisions in relation to key national assets made by Australian citizens, I can well understand the Government's decision.

"While the Government's decision with respect to the national interest may not be popular internationally, I believe it will be understood when viewed in the light of the special circumstances of the particular case................."

AUSTINDO RESOURCES (20 APRIL 2001)

OVERVIEW - MARCH QUARTER:

SEDIMENTARY HOLDINGS (20 APRIL 2001)

CRACOW DISCOVERY

BLIGH OIL & MINERALS (20 APRIL 2001)

TARANAKI BASIN, BLIGH INTEREST 5.00%
Rimu A-3 has been logged and 5(1/2)" casing run to a depth of 3675 metres. Efforts to recover the stuck drilling tools were unsuccessful.

Wireline logs have confirmed approximately 25 metres of oil bearing pay in the Upper Tariki sands. The well will be completed for production testing of the upper Tariki sandstone zone, following which Parker rig 246 will be moved to the Kauri location for the drilling of the Kauri-1 exploratory well. Production testing of the upper Tariki sandstone in both the Rumu A2 and A3 wells will be carried out utilising the ODE workover rig.

CARNARVON PETROLEUM (20 APRIL 2001)

The SW1A Joint Venturers, Pacific Tiger Energy (60%) and Carnarvon Petroleum (40%), announce that as of late on 18 April 2001 the Wichian Buri-North-1 (WB-N1) well was at a total depth of 1,007m and running casing in preparation for production testing.

The well was deepened below the planned total depth of 966m because of encouraging hydrocarbon shows. Unfortunately the wireline logging tool became stuck in the hole precluding acquisition of quantitative logs over the objective section. The tool has now been successfully recovered but hole condition precluded re-running the tool to improve the log quality.

The SW1A Joint Venturers believe that the hydrocarbon shows encountered while drilling provide sufficient encouragement to justify production testing of at least one and possibly two intervals.

Good gas shows up to 12 percent with C1 to C5 readings, fluorescence and cut were obtained over the interval 922 to 1,007m where significant mud losses were also encountered. This interval is interpreted as the F and G sands and was the primary target of the well. The F sands are oil productive at the WB-1 and WB-A1 wells some 1-(1/2) kms to the south.

CENTRAL KALGOORLIE GOLD MINES (20 APRIL 2001)

CKG has agreed to acquire a 15% interest in Redmond Drilling Pty Ltd ("Redmond Drilling") for consideration of $500,000 subject to completion of satisfactory due diligence by CKG on Redmond Drilling and all regulatory approvals. CKG has also agreed to acquire a further 18% of Redmond Drilling (a total interest of 33%), through the issue of 25 million shares and 25 million options exercisable at 20 cents each on or before 31st December 2003, subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence on Redmond Drilling by CKG, approval of CKG shareholders, execution of formal documentation and compliance with the ASX Listing Rules as appropriate.

CITYVIEW CORPORATION (20 APRIL 2001)

SUMMARY - MARCH QUARTER:

OIL & GAS

INDONESIA
CityView was free carried by Medco Energi Corporation throughout the Quarter on its 25% interest in both the Madura and Simenggaris Blocks. Negotiations took place with the respective landowners to acquire the requisite land for road access and campsites for the drilling of the proposed wells.

Sebaya 1: The location for the well has been cleared and paid for. The signing of contracts for field works are due to be completed by the end of April 2001 and work will commence immediately thereafter. Spud-in is scheduled for June with the drill target depth anticipated to be reached within thirty days.

Karasan 1: The purchase of land for the well is still under negotiation and is expected to be completed by next month. Medco plans to drill Karasan 1 back-to-back with Sebaya 1.

Pidawan 1: A price has been agreed with landowners at Pidawan and payment is in process. A dredging tender has been completed and bids are expected by the end of April 2001

PHILIPPINES
CityView was free carried by MMC Exploration & Production (Philippines) Pte Ltd throughout the Quarter on its 2.5% interest in Block SC41. The Operator UNOCAL continued its analysis of the 3D seismic to determine the next well location.

CONSOLIDATED RUTILE (20 APRIL 2001)

Consolidated Rutile Limited has moved to clarify the Company's position on speculation about a possible restart of its 50% owned Sierra Rutile Limited operations.
The CRL Board understands the Sierra Leone Government's desire to re-establish the Country's economy as quickly as possible.
However the Company has not been involved in any discussions with the Government about a resumption of production, nor has CRL made any decision to commit to the mine's reopening.

EQUATORIAL MINING (20 APRIL 2001)

The market was previously advised that Quay Mining Pty Limited ("Quay Mining") lodged compulsory acquisition notices on 13 March 2001 in respect of the outstanding ordinary shares and options over ordinary shares in Equatorial Mining Limited not currently held by Quay Mining.

We understand that persons holding at least 10% of the ordinary shares covered by compulsory acquisition notices have objected to the acquisition before the end of the objection period set out in the compulsory acquisition notices. Quay Mining will advise the regulatory authorities of the exact number as soon as practicable after the end of the objection period. The Company is not aware of the future intentions of Quay Mining in respect of the compulsory acquisition.

HARDMAN RESOURCES (20 APRIL 2001)

Progress Drilling Report-Chinguetti-1 Offshore Mauritania

PROGRESS (24 HOURS TO 14:00 WST 19 APRIL 2001): Current depth 1,537 metres. Drill 17(1/2) inch (445mm) hole from 1,460 to 1,537 metres.

ILUKA RESOURCES (20 APRIL 2001)

The Financial Year ending in December 2000 was another year of progress on a number of fronts for Iluka Resources.

* Earnings before abnormals were up - substantially - for the second year in succession.
* Most operations delivered greater efficiencies.
* We continued to build on our strong position in the world market place.
* A number of senior management appointments strengthened the top management team, and

Iluka looks set to achieve further significant earnings growth in this current financial year.

The result for the year confirmed the business strategies implemented during the past two years.

MOSAIC OIL (20 APRIL 2001)

Initial Production Testing at Downlands East No 1 in the Surat Basin Queensland has been completed and the results indicate a new field gas discovery. Proven and probable recoverable gas reserves of 3.3 Billion cubic feet (BCF) and proven, probable and possible recoverable gas reserves of 6.6 BCF have been estimated.

Mosaic anticipates together with the current workover program at Silver Springs to double Company gas production within the next four months.

Reserves have been calculated by a Qualified Petroleum Engineer with over 15 years experience in the industry who is a member of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE).

Mosaic holds a 71.153% in Downlands East.

NEWCREST MINING (20 APRIL 2001)

Principal Mutual Holding Company decreased its relevant interest in Newcrest Mining Limited on 17/04/2001, from 18,618,205 ordinary shares (7.69%) to 13,108,106 ordinary shares (5.34%).

NORMANDY MINING (20 APRIL 2001)

MARCH QUARTER:

Normandy establishes a strategic alliance with Franco-Nevada, the world's leading gold royalty company, thus gaining a strong position on the rich Carlin Trend in Nevada, USA.

PRODUCTION
- Gold production, 557,531 ounces (565,695ozs) total cash cost, $312 per ounce ($300/oz)
- average realised price, $562 per ounce ($563/oz)
- protracted heavy rainfall hinders operations
- Golden Grove zinc concentrate production
- 32,685 tonnes (41,773t)

DEVELOPMENT
- Boddington Expansion feasibility endorsed by owners
- Yamfo-Sefwi/Area E Mining Leases approved

EXPLORATION
Excellent drilling results from Hougoumont zone at Gossan Hill (Golden Grove)
- including 15m at 31.8% zinc, 2.4% copper, 10.5% lead, 11.9g/t gold and 12.7oz/t silver

FINANCE
- Profit after tax $31.9 million ($32.0M)
- Gearing reduced from 55% to 51.6% (prior to Franco-Nevada transaction)

CORPORATE
- Franco-Nevada strategic alliance remains subject to shareholder approval
- Non-core asset sales continued

(Previous quarter figures bracketed in italics. Australian dollar values are used in this report except where specified, with some key financial figures translated at A$1.00 - US$0.4905.)

PANCONTINENTAL OIL & GAS (20 APRIL 2001)

Pancontinental Oil & Gas NL announceD a one for three entitlement issue to holders of ordinary fully paid shares at an issue price of 4 cents each.

The issue is to raise approximately $1,046,514 to provide funds for further exploration of the company's oil and gas properties and to provide working capital for the day to day operations of the company.

The issue is not underwritten and any shortfall may be placed at the discretion of the Directors within the terms of the Prospectus. Special preference will be given to acceptors who wish to apply for additional shares to round up their holding.

PRESTON RESOURCES (20 APRIL 2001)

Preston's Bulong Operations, located 35 kilometres to the east of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia commenced a scheduled maintenance shutdown in mid-March 2001. It was anticipated that the shutdown would be completed over an 8 day period. Examination of the internals of the high temperature flash vessel revealed the requirement to replace some of the refractory brickwork. This, together with some additional autoclave maintenance requirements, extended the duration of the shutdown to 21 days. The reduced production during this extended period of plant downtime placed significant pressure on the operations cash position. This situation has been rectified by the Company's financiers providing an additional working capital facility. This facility will enable the operations to continue to meet it's planned schedules and commitments following the re-commencement of production.

Re-commissioning of the plant commenced in the first week of April and all circuits are performing well. This has enabled the operation to build up to present output levels of approximately 24 tonnes of nickel per day resulting in some of the best operational performance achieved to date.

PRIMA RESOURCES (20 APRIL 2001)

MARCH QUARTER - HIGHLIGHTS

• Announcement of arrangement with the Austin Research Institute and lodgement of Information Memorandum
• Evaluation of alternatives for exploration tenements

OVERVIEW
On 7th February 2001 the company announced that it had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Austin Research Institute ("ARI") and Ilexus Pty Ltd ("Ilexus") for the development and commercialisation of medical and biotechnology research emanating from ARI. Initially Prima will acquire majority interests in two technologies - stimulation of killer cells to attack cancer cells and novel therapeutic agents for treatment of autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Immune Thrombocytopenia. Prima will also be granted a first and last right of refusal in relation to all projects emanating from the ARI research pipeline.

The agreement is subject to approval of Prima shareholders, compliance with regulatory approvals and the raising of a minimum of $3 million for the initial further development of the first two projects.

The detailed Information Memorandum relating to this announcement will be sent to shareholders soon. This document also consists of a related Notice of General Meeting.

TAIPAN RESOURCES (20 APRIL 2001)

Troy Resources NL decreased its relevant interest in Taipan Resources NL on 18/04/2001, from 51,102,489 ordinary shares (21.86%) to Nil ordinary shares ( Nil%).

TAP OIL (20 APRIL 2001)

AMP Limited decreased its relevant interest in Tap Oil Limited on 18/04/2001, from 12,818,806 ordinary shares (9.43%) to 11,003,232 ordinary shares (8.10%).

WESTERN METALS (20 APRIL 2001)

MARCH QUARTER -HIGHLIGHTS

• Mt Gordon copper cathode production for the March Quarter was 11,455 tonnes. This result represents a 58.6% increase on the previous corresponding period and is the second-highest quarterly production result on record.
• Lennard Shelf operations produced 75,390 tonnes of zinc concentrate containing 43,548 tonnes of zinc metal and 26,694 tonnes of lead concentrate containing 20,247 tonnes of lead metal for the quarter. This result represents a 17.2% increase in zinc concentrate, and a 21.5% increase in lead concentrate production on the previous corresponding period.
• Mr Geoff Wedlock took up his appointment as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Western Metals on 6 March.
• Dr Fred Hess commenced his appointment as General Manager Mt Gordon on 19 March.
• A$11.0M of capital expenditure was approved for equipment replacements to allow Lennard Shelf Operations to produce in excess of 200,000 tonnes of zinc metal in concentrate in fiscal year 2002 (compared to the forecast of 188,000 tonnes in fiscal 2001).

ANACONDA NICKEL (19 APRIL 2001)

Response to ASX Query re share price

The Company is nor aware of any information concerning it that has not been announced. The Company would point out that Glencore International AG has lodged an announcement on April 12, 2001 of Notice of Change of Interest of Substantial Holder in which it notified an increase in its shareholding in the Company from 20.92% to 22.73%.

As requested, we also refer to an article appearing on page 20 of the Australian Financial Review on April 18, 2001, and in particular to the reference to "it is understood that Morgan Stanley has been retained to advise Anaconda on a number of options, including finding a possible bidder for the laterite nickel miner." In this regard, we would note that on March 28, 2001 the Company informed the market, through a release to the Australian Stock Exchange, that a committee of Directors had been appointed to review the Company's strategic and financial alternatives including a possible sale of all or part of the Company.

AQUARIUS PLATINUM (19 APRIL 2001)

TAKEOVER OF KROONDAL PLATINUM MINES LIMITED (KPM)
Following further on market acquisitions of KPM shares, Aquarius now owns 94.2% of KPM. Impala Platinum Limited as the other major shareholder holds 3.8%.

Aquarius intends to delist KPM at the earliest opportunity and will continue to seek 100% ownership.

Kroondal currently produces 160,000 oz PGMs per annum and announced a net profit of ZAR$167.8m (US$21.4 million) for the half year to 31 December 2000.

ORDERS PLACED FOR MARIKANA PLATINUM PROJECT
Orders have been placed with Nordberg of Sweden for the manufacture and delivery of grinding mills for the concentrating plant at Aquarius' second platinum mine, Marikana.

The mills which are on the critical path of the Marikana Platinum Project are scheduled for delivery to site in December 2001.

Marikana is expected to commence production in July 2002 and produced 160,000 oz PGMs per annum.

ANZOIL (19 APRIL 2001)

Anzoil announced that it has finalised the sale of its Hanoi Basin interest.
Maurel & Prom and Anzoil executed an Agreement for the transfer of Anzoil's 60% interest in the Hanoi Basin PSC for US$2.211 million. The consideration is payable in six quarterly instalments, ending 31 July 2002. A meeting of shareholders will be called as soon as is practical to endorse this transaction.

Maurel & Prom wish to continue the exploration and exploitation of the Hanoi Basin, whilst Anzoil is shifting its focus to cashflow oriented projects in the region.

AURORA GOLD (19 APRIL 2001)

SUMMARY - THIRD QUARTER

FINANCE

• Cash on hand of $31.3 million at the end of the quarter after further debt repayment of $3.5M and final tailing dam lift capital of $23M.

MT MURO - KALIMANTAN

• Production of 49,291 gold equivalent ounces, down 20% on December 2000 quarter due to lower grades mined.
• Cash operating cost for the quarter of $475 per gold equivalent ounce sold, up 14% on last quarter due primarily to lower production and AUD depreciation effects.
• Encouraging reconnaissance exploration results from Tumbang Lahung Volcanic Complex.

BEACH PETROLEUM (19 APRIL 2001)

Another gas discovery has been made in the onshore Otway Basin.
Commercially viable quantities of natural gas have been discovered by the Croft-1 well drilled by Beach Petroleum NL and Santos Limited southeast of Warrnambool.

The discovery has been described as "a double bonus" for Beach Petroleum by the Company's Chief Executive, Mr Reg Nelson.
"When completed and connected, the well, in combination with McIntee-1, is expected to bring about 2 million cubic feet of gas per day, total net gas volumes attributable to Beach from discoveries in the region so far this year," Mr Nelson said.

CENTRAL NORSEMAN GOLD CORPORATION (19 APRIL 2001)

MARCH QUARTER - Gold production for the quarter was 26,689 ounces, an increase of 4,018 ounces on the same quarter last year.

ADDITIONAL EXPLORATION
In the Eyre region of the Norseman goldfields, significant results continue to be returned from the Daisy prospect. The best of these include 17 metres @ 13.8 grams per tonne, 10 metres @ 3.3 grams per tonne and 13 metres @ 7.9 grams per tonne. It appears that another shoot is developing to the south with significant mineralisation intersected in the most southern row of drilling. The Daisy resource remains open down plunge and along strike.

Drilling was completed on three soil anomalies identified from the regional soil program. The first two, Ogron and North Leeders returned no significant assays and will not be pursued further. Drilling on the Omega anomaly, which is several hundred metres from Sontaran, intersected a sub-vertical lode in two holes. Assays were 2 metres @ 4.05 grams per tonne and 4 metres @ 2.8 grams per tonne. Future drilling will be focused to the north of this section.

HARDMAN RESOURCES (19 APRIL 2001)

Progress Drilling Rep-Chinguetti-1 Offshore Mauritania - Current depth 1,460 metres. Completed connecting Blow Out Preventers (BOPs) to 20 inch (508mm) casing. Running in hole to commence drilling 17(1/2) inch (445mm) hole.

IGM GROUP (19 APRIL 2001)

The Directors of IGM wish to report that the company is reviewing two gold mining projects in Malaysia and Indonesia respectively, with a view to acquiring a major interest in one or both.

Firstly, the Board is pleased to advise that the company has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysian company, Sumber Lubuk Sdn Bhd, operator of the Lubuk Mandi Opencut Gold Mine in Marang, Terengganu to investigate the acquisition of not less than a 50% interest in the mine, which is currently in production.

The second project, which the company has actively pursued, is the North Lanut Project of PT Newmont Mongondow Mining (Newmont) at Kotamobagu in the central portion of North Sulawesi at Kotamobagu.

IGM has lodged a proposal with in principal details of its offer to acquire the Heap Leach Project, which involves a Contract of Work (COW) covering 119,300 ha on which US$6.9 million has been spent to the end of September 2000.

KIDSTON GOLD MINES (19 APRIL 2001)

MARCH QUARTER -

FINANCIAL RESULTS
Net profit for the first quarter of 2001 was $13.95 million (or 11.2 cents per share) compared with a profit of $0.43 million (or 0.3 cents per share) in the first quarter of 2000.

The average spot gold price (London pm fix) was $495 for the quarter however Kidston's strong hedging program meant that the average gold price earned was $606.

MINING AND PRODUCTION

Gold production in the March 2001 quarter was 64,260 ounces, a 6% increase on the 60,558 ounces produced in the corresponding period of 2000. The increase was primarily due to the higher grade.

The mill performed well processing 1.7 million tonnes (Mt) during the March quarter. This is 0.15 Mt less than the corresponding period last year due mainly to crusher maintenance.
Mill head grade reflected the high-grade ore now being accessed in the Eldridge Pit and averaged 1.34 grams of gold per tonne for the March quarter. This compares favourably with 1.25 grams per tonne during the corresponding period in 2000.

Gold recovery increased substantially to 87% for the quarter, compared with 80% for the corresponding period of 2000, due mainly to the higher grades.

Tonnes mined during the March quarter totaled 2.3 million tonnes, a significant decrease compared with 4.6 million tonnes for the corresponding period for 2000, due mainly to the expected reduced stripping of Eldridge Pit.

EXPLORATION
No further targets are envisaged for the future.

MIM HOLDINGS (19 APRIL 2001)

Deutsche Australia Limited became a substantial shareholder in MIM Holdings Limited on 17/04/2001 with a relevant interest in the issued share capital of 95,636,075 ordinary shares (5.50%)snd 512,000 ordinary shares in which a derivative interest is held (0.03%).

NORMANDY NFM (19 APRIL 2001)

OVERVIEW - MARCH QUARTER

• Profit after tax $15.6 million (unaudited), up 4 percent
• Mine production 105,386 ounces (116,438 ounces)
• Protracted heavy rainfall hinders operations
• Gold sales - 105,775 ounces (116,612 ounces)
• Cash margin - $304 per ounce ($289 per ounce)
  - net average realised gold price $555 per ounce ($544 per ounce)
  - total cash cost $251 per ounce ($255 per ounce)
• No debt, cash and bullion at 31 March 2001
  - $34.3 million (unaudited), up $11.5 million
• Hedge book
  - mark-to-market value $12.9 million (unrealised)
  - positions decline by 99,267 ounces (no new or replacement contracts established)
• RC drilling upgrades Ripcord prospect

Note: Previous quarter figures in brackets. Australian dollars, unless specified otherwise.

NORMANDY MT LEYSHON (19 APRIL 2001)

OVERVIEW - MARCH QUARTER

• Profit after tax - $15.6 million (unaudited), up 4 percent
• Mine production - 105,386 ounces (116,438 ounces)
• Protracted heavy rainfall hinders operations
• Gold sales - 105,775 ounces (116,672 ounces)
• Cash margin - $304 per ounce ($289 per ounce)
  - net average realised gold price $555 per ounce ($544 per ounce)
  - total cash cost $251 per ounce ($255 per ounce)
• No debt, cash and bullion at 31 March 2001 - $34.3 million (unaudited), up $11.5 million
• Hedge book
  - mark-to-market value $12.9 million (unrealised)
  - positions decline by 99,267 ounces (no new or replacement contracts established)
• RC drilling upgrades Ripcord prospect

Note: Previous quarter figures italicised in brackets. Australian dollars, unless specified otherwise.

OIL COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA (19 APRIL 2001)

Lilyvale No 3, the last well of a three well coal seam methane exploration coring programme, is situated approximately 5 kilometres south-south-west of GSQ Emerald NS 44, latitude 23 deg 20 min 43.13 sec south, longitude 148 deg 18 min 02.96 sec east. The well was spudded at 16:50 hours on April 11, 2001. At 06:00 hours today the rig was at a depth of 97 metres RT and waiting on cement to set around the surface casing. 168mm surface casing was set at 96.8 metres RT. Progress for the week was 97 metres.

The primary targets of the well are the coals of the German Creek Formation proposed total depth of the well is 468 metres RT.

PHOENIX MINING (19 APRIL 2001)

Phoenix announced the conditional sale of the company's five exploration licences in the West Musgrave region to ReLODE Ltd.
The sale is conditional upon ReLODE Ltd becoming listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) by no later than 31st August 2001.

The consideration will be between $300,000 and $400,000 depending on the timing of Relode's listing on the ASX.

RIO TINTO (19 APRIL 2001)

Rio Tinto announced that it will not be extending its offer for the Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Income Fund when the current offer expires on April 21, 2001.

SONS OF GWALIA (19 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER:

GOLD

• Increased gold production of 119,516 fine ounces for the quarter including record gold production of 53,826 fine ounces from the Sons of Gwalia Mine.
• A significant supergene gold discovery at Hercules, close to the Marvel Loch Mine in the Southern Cross region.
• The drilling programme at the Gwalia Deeps Project completed during the quarter with results confirming and extending resource potential.

ADVANCED MINERALS

• Another record quarter for both tantalum production and sales from the Greenbushes and Wodgina Mines.
• A new reserve and resource estimate for the Wodgina Tantalum Mine doubles the previous resource base to approximately 60 million lbs.
• The Company's total tantalum reserve and resource base at the Greenbushes and Wodgina Mines now exceeds 150 million lbs. This represents in excess of 50% of the world's known tantalum resources.
• Significantly increased mineral sands resources from ongoing exploration from the Murray Basin Joint Venture. The Wemen plant produces its first product and has been commissioned on time and on budget.
• Expansion programmes at the Wodgina and Greenbushes Tantalum Mines are progressing on time and on budget.
• Greenbushes Mine underground project approved and development contracts awarded.

FINANCIAL

• Record tantalum production and sales and strong quarterly gold production underpin the previous forecast for increased second half earnings.

SYDNEY GAS COMPANY (19 APRIL 2001)

The Company has agreed to place 3,989,090 fully paid ordinary shares at 55 cents each to raise $2,194,000 to fund working capital and the drilling and completion of additional wells in the Johndilo area in PEL 2. Each share allotted will have one attaching option exercisable at $1.00 on or before 30 September 2002.

TAIPAN RESOURCES (19 APRIL 2001)

St Barbara advised that its bid for Ordinary Fully Paid and Partly Paid Taipan shares closed at 5.00 pm on 18 April, 2001.

TAP OIL (19 APRIL 2001)

Perpetual Trustees Australia Limited ceased to be a substantial shareholder in Tap Oil Limited on 18/04/2001.

VICTORIA PETROLEUM / LAKES OIL (19 APRIL 2001)

Victoria Petroleum NL wishes to advise that Tri-Valley Oil & Gas Co announced on Wednesday April 17, 2001 that a significant gas field may have been discovered by Sunrise-Mayel No 1, 9 kilometres east of Victoria Petroleum NL and partners' Kingfisher Prospect.

The Tri-Valley Oil & Gas Co release indicates significant in-place gas potential of up to 3 TCF for the Monterey/McClure formation following the recent drilling of the Sunrise-Mayel No 1 well.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM (19 APRIL 2001)

MAJOR CONTRACT AWARDED FOR LNG EXPANSION PROJECT
Woodside Energy Ltd, on behalf of the North West Shelf Venture Participants, has signed a contract for Engineering, Procurement and Construction management associated with the expansion of its LNG operations on the Burrup Peninsula, Western Australia.

The contract, worth about A$280 million, was awarded to the Kellogg Joint Venture, which comprises Halliburton Australia (a Kellogg Brown & Root company), Hatch-Kaiser Engineers, Clough Engineering and JGC Corporation.

The Kellogg Joint Venture combines international and Australian expertise in what is one of the nation's most important resource development projects.

The A$1.6 billion expansion project is estimated to provide a major boost to Western Australian exports, with significant flow-on effects elsewhere in the economy. About 9000 direct and indirect jobs across Australia are expected to be created during the peak construction period.

AQUILA RESOURCES (18 APRIL 2001)

Further to its announcement on 12 April 2001, Aquila Resources Limited (Aquila) wishes to advise that it is awaiting legal advice on its position under the agreement with Pasminco Limited (Pasminco) to purchase Pasminco's interest in the Ernest Henry Mine. Aquila has sought advice on whether that agreement has been validly terminated and, if so, its rights in respect of breaches of the agreement prior to termination. A further announcement will be issued as soon as that advice is to hand.

Aquila also advises that Pasminco has foreshadowed a claim against Aquila in respect of a fall in Pasminco's share price of "approximately 20 cents" on 30 March 2001 and volume of shares traded on that day being "approximately 10 times normal volumes", resulting, Pasminco alleges, from an ASX announcement made by Aquila on that date with respect to payment of the termination fee due under the Ernest Henry transaction.

ARC ENERGY (18 APRIL 2001)

SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES - THIRD QUARTER

The Company's considerable technical and corporate efforts over the last year are now bearing fruit, with work during the quarter focussed on finalising a very high impact, four to five well exploration and development program. This program of high potential wells provides shareholders with exposure to a potential upside that is very unusual for a company of ARC's size.

HIGHLIGHTS DURING THE QUARTER INCLUDED:

• Confirmation of a location and a 1 June 2001 target spud date for the Yardarino 5 appraisal and development well targeting a structure with the potential to hold up to 65 PJ of gas. The location has been confirmed by a very intensive technical due diligence including the reprocessing and pre-stack depth migration of the 3D seismic data covering the Yardarino Field.
• The commitment by AmSOL to the next phase of the Dongara oil leg appraisal program with a workover of the existing Dongara 10 production well to restore oil production planned to commence shortly. Depending on the results of this workover an appraisal well for both the oil leg and possible additional gas reserves of the Dongara Field may be drilled later in 2001 or early 2002.
• Confirmation of the drilling of an exploration well in the Hovea region to the south of Dongara as the first well in the Origin farmin program. It is currently planned that this well will be drilled after the Yardarino 5 well using the same rig.
• The Cliff Head 1 well to be drilled in the WA-286-P permit offshore from Dongara in late 2001/early 2002. The well will be drilled with the Ensco 56 jackup rig under an assignment agreement with Apache Energy.
• Substantial progress was made on the farmout of the Sleeper Prospect in AC/P27. Dependent on the farmout being finalised, drilling is anticipated in late 2001.
• Shareholders approved a placement of up to 50,000,000 shares to raise additional working capital at an extraordinary general meeting on 3 April 2001. A decision on the timing, pricing, and amount of any capital raising will be made once the timing of the upcoming drilling program has been finalised.

As clarification, the Chairman also reiterated at the meeting that, as set out in the notice of meeting, any shares issued to directors under the placement authority must be at the same price and under the same conditions as the issue to all other shareholders. My shares applied for by directors must also be issued by 3 May 2001.

AUSTRALIAN WORLDWIDE EXPLORATION (18 APRIL 2001)

AWE advised on behalf of its a wholly owned subsidiary AWE Argentina Pty Limited that operations at the Los Barreales-1 well in CNQ-16 in the Neuquen Basin, Argentina are evaluating the shows previously observed in the Quintuco Formation .

As at 2000 hrs on 17 April, the well had drilled to a total depth of 3280m and wireline logs had been run. Only minor shows were recorded in the deeper primary objective and it is interpreted to be water bearing. Progress for the week was 415m.

MOLOPO AUSTRALIA (18 APRIL 2001)

The 'Lilyvale 3' coalbed methane exploration core hole was spudded on April 17th.
The well is located in the northern section of ATP564P in Queensland's Bowen Basin.
This is the last of five coalbed methane holes being drilled by Molopo and its 50% joint venture partner, Oil Company of Australia, in ATP564P. Two coalbed methane production test holes in the southern section of ATP564P have been drilled and await fracture stimulation.
Molopo will report preliminary results from all five holes as they become available.

NEWCREST MINING (18 APRIL 2001)

Perpetual Trustees Australia Limited increased its relevant interest in Newcrest Mining Limited on 17/04/2001, from 16,228,842 ordinary shares (6.62%) to 22,896,718 ordinary shares (9.33%).

Deutsche Australia Limited changed its relevant interest in Newcrest Mining Limited on 12/04/2001, from 14,389,613 ordinary shares (5.94%) to 17,653,446 ordinary shares (7.29%); also from 635,000 ordinary shares in which a derivative interest is held (0.26%) to Nil ordinary shares in which a derivative interest is held (Nil%).

PALADIN RESOURCES (18 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - THIRD QUARTER

• Supplementary Prospectus for ST Synergy released advising significant sales achievements
• Anticipated upturn in uranium market in short to mid term augers well for development of Paladin uranium assets, particularly Kayelekera.
• Paladin elects to hold its position in Netcare at the light to a 15% equity until Netcare achieves its stated business objectives

RIO TINTO (18 APRIL 2001)

Rio Tinto and Boliden have completed the sale of the Norzink zinc smelter in Norway to Outokumpu for US$180 million cash.
Rio Tinto and Boliden each owned 50% of Norzink.

SANTOS (18 APRIL 2001)

Santos Limited, as Operator for PEP 154 is pleased to announce its third new field discovery in the Victorian section of the Otway Basin in 2001.

The exploration wildcat well Croft 1 has intersected a 60 metres gross gas column in the Cretaceous Waarre Sandstone over the interval 2025 metres to 2085 metres. Wireline logs are currently being evaluated and indications are of 34 metres net gas pay. After completion of wireline logs Croft 1 will be cased and suspended as a future gas producer. The well reached a total depth of 2529 metres.

TAP OIL (18 APRIL 2001)

Linda-2 Discovery Update - Since the last report dated 17 April 2001, a wireline logging programme has been completed and hydrocarbon samples/pressure data collected from numerous locations over the intersected column.
This data demonstrates that a 40.5 metre hydrocarbon column was intersected comprising gas and condensate (ie light oil). A gas-water contact was intersected at a depth of 2,773.5 metres MD.

Indications of oil shows reported previously are now interpreted to be due to the wet (condensate/light oil) nature of the hydrocarbons encountered.

Perpetual Trustees Australia Limited decreased its relevant interest in Tap Oil Limited on 17/04/2001, from 8,717,756 ordinary shares (6.42%) to 7,294,349 ordinary shares (5.37%).

TECTONIC RESOURCES (18 APRIL 2001)

Resource Estimate for Trilogy Deposit

An Indicated Resource estimate of 4.30 million tonnes containing 52,500 tonnes of copper metal, 149,000 ounces of gold, 7.76 million ounces of silver, 76,400 tonnes of lead metal and 51,500 tonnes of zinc metal. This equates approximately to a 7g/t gold equivalent resource grade at current metal prices and exchange rates.

The resource comprises:
- A sulphide copper-gold-silver resource to a vertical depth of 200m of 3.55 million tonnes at 1.48% copper, 0.97g/t gold and 46g/t silver.

- Within the copper-gold-silver sulphide resource, 940,000 tonnes of the contained tonnes also contain 7.04% lead and 4.86% zinc.

- An additional 120,000 tonnes of lead-zinc mineralisation at 8.66% lead, 5.02% zinc and 113g/t silver outside the copper-gold-silver resource envelope.

- An oxide gold resource of 380,000 tonnes at 2.85g/t gold and 75g/t silver.

- An oxide silver resource of 240,000 tonnes at 148g/t silver and 0.51g/t gold.

Of the total resource, about 95% is less than 150 metres from surface.

Significant potential exists to increase the size of the resource by additional drilling along strike to the north and down dip between 100m and 200m vertical depth.

US FEDERAL RESERVE (18 APRIL 2001)

The US Fed lowered official interest rates a further 0.5% - resulting in significant rises in the Dow and Nasdaq.

VICTORIA PETROLEUM (18 APRIL 2001)

Victoria Petroleum NL wishes to advise that Participation Letter Agreements subject to relevant board approvals have been entered into in principle with Sun Resources NL, Lakes Oil NL and private American interests to fund the drilling of Kingfisher No 1 on the Kingfisher Prospect in June 2001, immediately following the completion of drilling operations at the Eagle No 1 horizontal well in the Eagle Oil Pool Development Project, planned to commence May 1, 2001.

The Kingfisher Prospect is a multiple target structural trap defined by seismic and well control and modelled off similar oil and gas field producing horizon analogues in the San Joaquin Basin with cumulative reserves of 740 million barrels of oil and 1.8 trillion cubic feet of gas.

LAKES OIL (17 APRIL 2001)

Kingfisher Prospect Calfiornia USA

For details, click here.

MACMIN (17 APRIL 2001)

P R O S P E C T U S - 1 for 5 non renounceable entitlements issue at 1.5 cents per option payable upon application to raise approximately $770,000. Each option will entitle the holder to subscribe for one share at a price of 12 cents per share on or before 20 September 2005.

For details, click here.

ALCASTON MINING (17 APRIL 2001)

Alcaston has appointed Craig Mackay to the position of Exploration Manager, based in Melbourne.
He will hold responsibility for the company's existing exploration projects for diamonds, base metals and gold in Victoria and Western Australia as well as new exploration project acquisition and generation throughout Australia.

AUSTRALASIAN GOLD MINES (17 APRIL 2001)

Australasian Gold Mines finalised its new tantalum venture with US-based electronics giant KEMET Corporation, settling the $14.6 million transaction to establish the Perth-based Company as a significant force in the global tantalum business.

The settlement marks the launch of Tantalum Australia, a newly established joint venture company in which KEMET has injected $10 million to acquire a 50% interest alongside Australasian, and the completion of a $4.6 million placement by Australasian to KEMET. It follows shareholder approval for the transaction, which was obtained earlier this week.

Tantalum Australia will own and fund the development of Australasian's existing tantalum assets in Australia and seek new project opportunities on a global basis.

Australasian's placement to KEMET is of 18.29 million shares at $0.25 per share, giving it a 10% fully diluted stake in the Company.

AUSTRALIAN SANDSTONE INDUSTRIES (17 APRIL 2001)

Australian Sandstone Industries announced that it has successfully entered into an agreement to supply a minimum 1,200 cubic metres of sandstone dimensional blocks and approximately 4,000 square metres of sandstone slabs to one of the largest stone factories in Taiwan within next 12 months. This value of this agreement is worth over $1.2 million in total.

This new agreement will add onto the already strong demand for ASI sandstone products from other Asia Pacific countries such as Mainland China, Singapore and Japan, which further confirms ASI leadership in supplying sandstone products to the region.

DRILLING PROGRAM
ASI has engaged Amberland Exploration to start drilling within the Exploration Permit for Mining (EPM No 11005), which occupies an area of some 3.3 km x 1.85 km with the current mining lease ML 50016 (ASI's Montgomery Quarry) situated adjacent to the Northern border of EPM 11005.

The purpose of this drilling program is to identify and prove the potentially significant quantity of high-grade quality sandstone reserves that have not been confirmed previously in the area covered by EPM No 11005.

The samples collected from the drilling program will be tested and analysed by Professor Jochen Kassan from Whistler Research (a Sedimentology Consulting firm), who will present a comprehensive report within 2 months, from the completion of drilling, to conclude the drilling results and define the proven or probable reserves around the area.

BEACH PETROLEUM (17 APRIL 2001)

Beach reports that Croft-1, in the Otway Basin Exploration Permit PEP 154, has reached a total depth of 2,529 metres. The operation at 0600 hours (EST) on 17 April, 2001 was pulling out of hole prior to running a drill stem test in the Eumerella Formation.

Preliminary interpretation of wireline logs indicate a net hydrocarbon column within the Waarre Sandstone of approximately 35 metres. Gas shows were also encountered while drilling through the Eumerella Formation and will be further evaluated by the forthcoming drill stem test.

Following completion of the drill stem test, it is planned to case Croft-1 for future completion as a gas production well. The drilling rig will then move to the Lavers-1 location, approximately 7km to the northeast of Croft.

CUE ENERGY RESOURCES (17 APRIL 2001)

The Anggur Utara-1 well is being plugged and abandoned after running logs at a total depth of 1110 metres. These logs and those run earlier at a depth of 800 metres indicate that there are no gas zones
of commercial significance in the well.
After plugging and abandoning Anggur Utara-1 the drilling vessel will move to drill Anggur-2, a replacement well for Anggur-1.

FIRST AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES (17 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

• Quarterly sales reach a new record (AUD$1,772,016) bringing to five the number of consecutive quarters of growth in revenues.
• Barge Rig moves on to Lake Long location and spuds the low risk high upside 3-D defined\NW Segment prospect.
• Future gas production planned from two wells drilled in Louisiana during the March quarter.
• Operations commence on Eagle Oil Pool.

AUSTRALIA

• Planning continues toward drilling offshore Carnarvon Basin Banjo Prospect(EP397)

GEOGRAPHE RESOURCES (17 APRIL 2001)

Geographe Resources received notice from Messers Vincent Smith and Bryan Hughes of Norgard Clohessy that Resources Trading Systems Pty Ltd has appointed them as administrators of Resources Trading Systems Pty Ltd.

Geographe holds a 13% interest in Resources Trading Systems Pty Ltd, at a cost of $1,125,000. Geographe has also advanced $90,000 to Resources Trading Systems Pty Ltd, being an interest bearing loan secured over assets of that Company.

HARDMAN RESOURCES (17 APRIL 2001)

Progress drilling rep for Chinguetti-1 Offshore Mauritania

PROGRESS (LAST 4 DAYS):
Completed cementing of 20 inch (508mm) casing at 1,460 metres depth.
Detected fault in Blow Out Preventers ("BOPs") and undertook repairs. Made up drill string in preparation for drilling 17(1/2) inch (445mm) hole. Commenced running BOP to connect to 20 inch casing.

CURRENT OPERATION:
Continue running BOPs. (1400 hours WST 16 April 2001)

KANOWNA LIGHTS (17 APRIL 2001)

Third Quarter Activities Report

ARTHUR RIVER/BERYL HILL PROSPECT
The Company can earn up to a 100% interest in the Arthur River/Beryl Hill Prospect. During the quarter the Company collected 63 twenty-kilogram samples from fifty-seven trenches excavated across creeks at a nominal spacing of eighty meters. The samples are being concentrated by Nagrom and assayed by SGS for tantalum, niobium and tin. Results are expected early in the next quarter. Previously some 1.5 tonnes of tantalite has been recovered by limited alluvial processing on a portion of one creek.

The Company is actively seeking an alluvial plant in the expectation that the bulk sampling will return commercial tantalite grades.

PILGANGOORA
The company has entered into an agreement with Prima Resources NL and Fieldcorp Pty Ltd for the acquisition of the Pilgangoora tantalite tailings deposits, gravity separation plant and associated camp facilities, which are located 100kms southeast of Port Hedland in Western Australia. The agreement is conditional upon:

1. Applications for General Purpose leases G45/258, 45/259, 45/260 and 45/261 being approved and granted;

2. The approval by the Department of Minerals and Energy of a mining plan for the treatment of the tailings and

3. The approval of the Minister of Minerals and Energy in Western Australia for the transfer of the tenements to Kanowna Lights Limited.

The Company through Auger drilling and bulk sampling has established that there is an estimated 400,000 BCM of treatable sands that contain an estimated 42,000 lbs of Ta(2)O(5). Between 1947 and the present, the Pilgangoora deposits have produced an estimated 190 tonnes of tantalite.

PANCONTINENTAL OIL & GAS (17 APRIL 2001)

The Board of Pancontinental Oil & Gas NL announced that they have placed 2,250,000 ordinary fully paid shares at an issue price of 4 cents each through a private placement to non-associated parties.
The funds raised will provide working capital for the continuing operations of the Company.

PERSEVERANCE CORPORATION (17 APRIL 2001)

Perseverance announced the successful conclusion of the 3 for 2 renounceable rights issue at 7 cents per share announced on 12 February 2001 that raised $5.74 million before expenses.
The proceeds of the rights issue will be primarily used to fund a deep drilling programme to assess the down-plunge continuity of the high grade sulphide mineralisation known to exist at Fosterville and if warranted, complete a pre-feasibility study for a large scale, long life mining operation.

PORTMAN (17 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER:

CORPORATE

• Listed on London's Alternate Investment Market ("AIM") on 29 January 2001.
• 5.9 million shares bought back in Share Buyback programme.

KOOLYANOBBING IRON ORE PROJECT

• Continued strong growth in sales to Asian market.
• Esperance port development proceeding to schedule. Capesize berth under construction.
• First new "E" type iron ore wagons in commissioning.
• Price increases for lump and fine ore on international market.
• Annualised production increased to over 3Mtpy rate.
• Exploration programme completed at Mt Jackson and Windarling. Resource estimation and mine planning phase commenced.
• Expressions of interest received for northern tenement mine and infrastructure development.

COCKATOO ISLAND IRON ORE PROJECT

• Year to date shipments totalling 296,320 tonnes.
• First phase production (1.5Mt) fully committed to customers.
• Evaluation of mining extension subject of feasibility study.

TAP OIL (17 APRIL 2001)

Progress Report - Linda-2 Discovery - As at 6.00am today, the well has drilled ahead to 2,927 metres measured depth ("MD").

The top of the Biggada sandstone was intersected at a depth of 2,734 metres MD. High gas readings were observed on intersecting the top of the reservoir similar to those recorded in the Linda-1 discovery well. A total of 81 metres of Biggada sandstone was intersected with the base of the reservoir tagged at 2,815 metres MD.

Cores were cut over a 77 metre interval from 2,738 metres MD to 2,815 metres MD to enable detailed analysis of the reservoir interval. Oil and gas shows were recorded throughout the cored reservoir interval and strong oil shows with up to 100% fluorescence were recorded between 2,782 metres MD and 2,796 metres MD.

FORWARD PLAN
Wireline logs (including pressure analysis and fluid sampling) will be run to evaluate the nature of the hydrocarbon shows and determine reservoir properties.

Following analysis of the logs a decision will be made whether to flow test the well.

Reserves estimate-Simpson/Sth Plato/Gibson oil discoveries
The operator of the Harriet Joint Venture, Apache Energy Limited, has released its reserve estimate for the recent Simpson, South Plato and Gibson oil discoveries made in January and February this year.

The proven and probable reserves estimates are:
OIL GAS TOTAL
(mmbbls) (PJ) (mmboe)

Simpson, South Plato & Gibson 24.5 4.8 25.4

This Operator's reserve estimates have been reviewed by Mark Pogson who is a competent person (as defined by the ASX) to make a statement on reserves.

TAP COMMENT
The abovementioned reserves are determined from the recent well program, namely Tanami-4, Tanami-5, Simpson-1, Simpson-2, Gibson-1 and South Plato-1, with four of those five wells being successful.

The additional reserves continue to demonstrate the prospectivity of the Harriet fields. Prior to these wells being drilled, the remaining Harriet oil and condensate field proven and probable reserves were approximately 13 mmbbls and this has now increased to approximately 37.5 mmbls, a 188% increase. Further, in Tap's opinion, the Simpson-2 well was likely drilled or little off structure and accordingly there is scope for yet more reserves to be added in due course.

The drilling program was based on reprocessed 3D seismic, which has also identified numerous other prospects in the proximity for drilling in the near future.

Tap anticipates that Simpson development will produce first oil in the fourth quarter of this year at a rate of in excess of 20,000 bbl/d with the Gibson and South Plato fields being tied in early 2002.

These discoveries are high value oil, due to the proximity of the Varanus Island production hub (the Simpson Field is only two kilometres away).

WMC (17 APRIL 2001)

The Capital Group Companies Inc increased its relevant interest in Wmc Limited on 11/04/2001, from 79,572,042 ordinary shares (7.24%) to 91,144,990 ordinary shares (8.29%).

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM (17 APRIL 2001)

MAURITANIA, AREA B
CHINGUETTI-1
Woodside Petroleum Ltd, Operator of the Mauritania, Area B Joint Venture, reports that the Chinguetti-1 exploration well, located offshore Mauritania, was today completing the running of the marine riser and blow out preventers, after setting 20 inch casing at a depth 1452 metres.

All reported depths are referenced to the rig rotary table.

Woodside's interest in Area B is 35%. Other participants are British Borneo International Limited (ENI/AGIP) (35%), Hardman Petroleum (Mauritania) Pty Ltd (18.6 %), Fusion Oil and Gas NL (6.0%), Planet Oil (Mauritania) Limited (3.0%), Elixir Corporation Pty Ltd (2.4%).

WA-270-P
TAYRA-1
Woodside Petroleum Ltd, Operator of the WA-270-P Joint Venture, reports that the Tayra-1 well reached a total depth of 2907 metres on 17 April 2001.
No hydrocarbons were encountered and the well is currently being prepared to be plugged and abandoned.
All reported depths are referenced to the rig rotary table.
Woodside's interest in WA-270-P is 80%. The other participant is Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Ltd (20%).

AUSTRALIAN GAS LIGHT COMPANY (16 APRIL 2001)

From 1 January 2002 every home and business in New South Wales will be able to select their own supplier for both natural gas and electricity. From that date AGL will be offering to supply both natural gas and electricity as well as other products and services to a much larger market than at present.

OXIANA RESOURCES (16 APRIL 2001)

Latest assays received for the Khanong copper resource drilling continue to report outstanding results. Wide thicknesses of near surface high grade copper mineralisation further high light the world class potential of the deposit.

Some of the better results from the latest 26 holes (KHN093-KHN118) include:

* KHN093 50m @ 5.8% Cu from 25m
* KHN094 41m @ 8.1% Cu from 23m
* KHN097 26m @ 8.5% Cu from 19m
* KHNl0l 28m @ 6.8% Cu from 39m
* KHN105 71m @ 4.2% Cu from 14m
* KHN106 24m @ 3.7% Cu from 61m
* KHN116 38m @ 6.9% Cu from 39m
Including 21m @ 11.2% Cu from 54m
* KHNl17 15m @ 12.6% Cu from 46m
All holes are vertical RC (reverse circulation) except hole KHN094 which is RC angled - 80/160. Mineralised intervals approximates true thickness. Ore grade copper assay technique is total digest, flame AAS; grades are weighted averages of 1 metre sample intervals using a 0.5% lower cut and no top cut.
These result confirm the existence of westerly extensions to the high grade chalcocite and oxide copper zones which were previously interpreted to be closed off.

SELWYN MINES (16 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - THIRD QUARTER

PRODUCTION

• Ore treatment rate increased 30% to 175,826 tonnes from the December quarter. Annualised treatment rate of 700,000 per annum achieved.
• Concentrate production up 15% to 16,509 tonnes.
• Copper production up 15% to 4,541 tonnes while gold production was down 11% to 5,622 ounces.

EXPLORATION

• A new Mt Elliott resource estimate demonstrates that the exploration activities over the past six months have essentially maintained the resource at the same levels as estimated in August 2000.
• Exploration drilling at the SWAN Project has confirmed the development of two separate mineralised zones that have vertical continuity of greater than 200 metres.

SELWYN TWIN RIDGES PROJECT

• The Scoping Study results are expected to be released on the 1st May 2001.

CORPORATE

• Debt reduction of $2 million through repayment and conversion of notes.

QUEENSLAND GAS COMPANY (11 APRIL 2001)

QUEENSLAND GAS COMPANY COMPLETES LAWTON No. 1

The Directors of Queensland Gas Company Limited (QGC) are pleased to announce that the company’s eleventh well Lawton No. 1, has been completed as a potential coalbed methane producer. Lawton No 1 intersected a substantial 30.3 metres of coal within the seams of the upper Walloon Coal Measures.

Testing of the well during drilling produced gas at a rate of more than 10 000 cubic feet per day (approximately 285 cubic metres per day) and water production of 320 barrels per day. These results are typical of the initial flows from coal bed methane wells drilled in the Powder River Basin in the USA. After dewatering, these wells produce significant gas flow rates.

QUEENSLAND GAS COMPANY’S BERWYNDALE NO. 1 WELL SPUDS

The Directors of Queensland Gas Company Limited (QGC) are pleased to announce that the company’s twelfth well, Berwyndale No. 1 spudded at 0800 hours on Saturday 7 April 2001.

The well is located approximately 17 kilometres southeast of the township of Miles in the Surat Basin in Queensland, and approximately 16 kilometres northwest of QGC’s Argyle field.

Berwyndale No. 1 is programmed to be drilled to a total depth of approximately 470 metres and is located within Authority to Prospect for Petroleum No. 632P. This well will earn QGC a 30% interest in the Walloon Coal Measures in Authority to Prospect No. 632P, a second well to be drilled at a later date will increase QGC’s interest to 50%. At 1700 hours on 10 april 2001 the well was preparing to set 6 5/8" casing at 245 metres.

Interests in the Walloon Coal Measures in ATP 632P when QGC earns its 30% will be:

Queensland Gas Company Limited	=	30%
Icon Energy Limited	=	70%

For additional information, including maps, click here.

GOLDEN CROSS RESOURCES (11 APRIL 2001)

GCR Acquires Adelong Gold Project

BEMAX RESOURCES (11 APRIL 2001)

Feasibility work is gathering pace on Queensland based mineral sands group, BeMaX Resources NL’s (ASX: BMX) Ginkgo deposit in the Murray Basin, with a major bulk sampling program set to commence shortly. At the same time, the company announced that it was on track to announce a resource estimate for its promising new Snapper discovery.

BeMaX announced today (Tuesday) that all statutory approvals had been received to commence excavation of a trial pit to remove 145,000 bank cubic metres of material and extract a 100-tonne bulk sample of mineralised sands as part of the Company’s Ginkgo Feasibility Study.

This includes recently concluded negotiations with native title claimants representing the Barkandji people to enable the trial pit to proceed.

BeMaX is in the throes of a $6 million bankable feasibility study of the 252 million tonne Ginkgo deposit, which it expects will form the basis of a significant mineral sands mining and processing operation.

For details, click here.

HERALD RESOURCES (11 APRIL 2001)

DAIRI ZINC/LEAD PROJECT	Project Interests:
EXCELLENT PRELIMINARY DRILL RESULTS	IAX	80%
	PT Aneka Tambang	20%

Herald's 71% owned subsidiary, International Annax Ventures Inc. (IAX) reports as follows:

Diamond drill hole SOP46D, the first hole of the 2001 program at the Dairi Project's Anjing Hitam zinc-lead zone, has obtained a massive sulphide intersection over an interval of 15.31 metres. Based on comparison to massive sulphide intersections in 21 previously drilled holes within the Anjing Hitam zone, the grade of the hole SOP46D is visually estimated to be in the order of 20-25% combined zinc and lead. Assays are awaited.

Hole	North	East	Dip/ Azimuth (mag.)	From (m)	To (m)	Width (m)	Zinc + Lead (%)	Description
SOP46D	9475	5255	82º/069º	385.34	400.65	15.31	Not yet assayed	MMH

MMH = Main Mineralised Horizon

Drill stem deviation, often experienced in deep drilling, has resulted in the intercept being made only about 30 metres NE of a massive sulphide intersection in hole SOP43D which assayed 13.2% zinc and 7.7% lead over an 8.8 metre interval.

Drill hole SOP47D has commenced from the same site as hole SOP46D, and has been aligned to attempt to intersect the massive sulphide target zone at about 100 metres grid east.
The new regional autonomy system introduced into Indonesia as of 1 January 2001, appears to be working well, with excellent support and co-operation being forthcoming from the Dairi Regent (Bupati).

For details, click here.

MINERAL DEPOSITS (11 APRIL 2001)

HIGHLIGHTS - MARCH QUARTER :

For details, click here.

ACCLAIM EXPLORATION (11 APRIL 2001)

Acclaim announced that it has entered into an agreement granting a first right of refusal over the 40% equity interest in Hinckley Range Pty Ltd that it does not currently own. Hinckley Range Pty Ltd is the holder of the Wingellina Nickel/Cobalt Project.
The consideration for the grant of the first right of refusal, which is for a period of 6 months, is $240,000 payable in monthly instalments over a five month period.

BLIGH OIL & MINERALS (11 APRIL 2001)

NEW ZEALAND - PEP38719, Taranaki Basin, Bligh Interest: 5.00%
Bligh reports that the Rimu A-3 is at a depth of 3900m. The current operation is fishing stuck drilling tools, prior to drilling ahead to evaluate the lower Tariki section.

CAPRAL ALUMINIUM (11 APRIL 2001)

Maple-Brown Abbott Ltd ceased to be a substantial shareholder in Capral Aluminium Limited on 02/04/2001.

CENTAMIN EGYPT (11 APRIL 2001)

Centamin Egypt Limited announced the results of assays from the new high grade zone, intersected by Hole SDDH169 in the footwall of the main AMUN Zone orebody at the Sukari Gold Project in Egypt.

• 14.25m averaging 94.43g/t (3.04oz/t) Au (242.75m - 257.00m)
  including: 3.50m averaging 335.llg/t (10.78oz/t) Au (242.75 - 246.25m)

This new high grade zone is significant in that after a review of all holes drilled to date, it shows that all previous holes have stopped in the footwall short of the new zone. Drilling is now focussed on testing the continuity of this zone, both north and south. The close spaced drilling (25m) over the 600m long AMUN main zone has proven up consistency and continuity of the mineralisation. It is expected that this new zone will behave in a similar fashion and will extend all along the footwall of the AMUN main zone.

MAJESTIC RESOURCES (11 APRIL 2001)

The international market for quality diamonds remains strong, Majestic Resources NL said today, after the sale of its second parcel of gems in Antwerp.

Majestic's sale, through its Antwerp-based marketing expert, attracted more bidders than the strongly-supported first auction.
Diamonds sold in this round of sales fetched slightly more than $1 million.

MINERALS CORPORATION (11 APRIL 2001)

Minerals Corporation Limited announced a private placement of 6,818,183 fully paid ordinary shares at an issue price of 22 cents per share to raise $1.5 million for the further development of its Skardon River Kaolin Project.

MONTO MINERALS (11 APRIL 2001)

On 5 March 2001, Monto Minerals NL (Monto Minerals) announced that it was entering into negotiations with Multiplex Constructions (Qld) Pty Ltd (Multiplex) for a Development Heads of Agreement in relation to the development of the Goondicum Crater Ilmenite and Titano-Magnetite Project. The announcement advised that key commercial terms were yet to be agreed.

Following review of the draft Development Heads of Agreement, the Board of Monto Minerals has formed the view that it will not be possible to reach agreement on key terms within an acceptable timeframe.

Accordingly, Monto Minerals has today advised Multiplex that it does not intend to continue negotiations in relation to the Development Heads of Agreement.

OXIANA RESOURCES (11 APRIL 2001)

Oxiana Resources has arranged a $1,500,000 convertible note facility with two of its shareholders. The issue of the notes is subject to Shareholder approval and this will be sought at the 2001 Annual General Meeting.
The notes expire 10/4/2002 and are convertible at face value at any time into Oxiana ordinary shares at 14c per share. An attaching option with an exercise price of 25c and an expiry date of 30 September 2002 will be allotted with each share.
The notes bear interest at the rate of 7.5% pa.
The funds will be used to continue the Sepon Bankable Feasibility Study and for working capital purposes.

TALON RESOURCES (11 APRIL 2001)

The Company is proceeding with a placement of up to 8,000,000 new fully paid ordinary shares at a price of $0.08 per share to raise up to $640,000.

WMC (11 APRIL 2001)

First Quarter Activities Report - Summary:

COPPER AND URANIUM
In early February Olympic Dam produced its one millionth tonne of refined copper. The milestone was reached just over 12 years after production began.

Olympic Dam continued its strong performance during the quarter, producing above nameplate capacity at 52,809 tonnes of refined copper. During the quarter a record 29,341 ounces of gold was produced. Planned shutdowns in the Uranium plant meant uranium oxide production was slightly lower then the previous quarter. Superior plant recoveries averaging 95 per cent were a highlight for the quarter.

The Olympic Dam Plant Optimisation feasibility study is nearing completion. It has been decided to expand in two stages, with stage 1 to achieve 235,000 tonnes a year of refined copper. A second feasibility study will provide additional details for the second stage optimisation.

ALUMINA
Our share of alumina production for the first quarter of 2001 was slightly down on the previous quarter at 1.2 million tonnes. The lower production is due to the suspension of production at St Croix at the end of January and the announcement in February of the reduction in production at Point Comfort. The reduction at Point Comfort is in response to decreased internal and external demand for alumina. Future production levels at Point Comfort will be based on supply commitments.

Aluminium production was in line with the previous quarter at 36,096 tonnes.

NICKEL
Major planned maintenance shutdowns at all operation led to lower production of concentrate, matte and metal during the quarter.

Key components of the refinery expansion to 67,000 tonnes a year capacity were installed during the March maintenance shutdown. Installation is scheduled to be completed and commissioning underway by mid year.

During the quarter we announced the purchase of the Yakabindie nickel project from Rio Tinto. The project adjoins our North Six Mile deposit near Mount Keith and significantly increases our nickel resources.

We are considering expanding our milling capacity at Mount Keith and a prefeasibility study is underway. Incorporating the Yakabindie and North Six mile leases could increase output and increase mine life to more than 25 years.

Pilot plant trails are underway to assess the potential for application of Mt Keith recovery improvements at Leinster. Early results have been encouraging.

At Kambalda, the sale of the Miitel mine to a joint venture led by Mincor Resources NL was concluded and the first ore was delivered to the concentrator in March. We have also entered into a long term lease of land containing Otter Juan and Coronet North mines to Kambalda based mining company GBF Pty Ltd. The arrangement includes a long-term nickel purchase agreement. The sale of the final package in the Widgemooltha nickel dome containing the Wannaway mine is continuing.

GOLD
Total gold production was 210,022 ounces, marginally down on the previous quarter.

Heap Leach production at St Ives is progressing well with commissioning successfully completed. This contributed 10,676 ounces for the quarter. Pre-production stripping is continuing at Waroonga Pit (Agnew Gold Operations) and Argo (St Ives), with both mines scheduled to deliver their first feed next quarter.

Discussions on various alternatives for realizing value including merger opportunities continues.

GOLD EXPLORATION
Extensional drilling at Agnew Gold Operation has proved successful with extensions to known mineralisation, or confirmation of new mineralisation, occurring at Crusader, Redeemer and EMU underground.

FERTILIZERS
Production for the quarter was 187,364 tonnes or 77 per cent of nameplate, with March production of 67,000 tonnes reaching 80 per cent of nameplate capacity.

The ammonia plant has produced continuously and efficiently since December.

INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS
In Australia, production of lump talc was in line with budget and met market requirements.

The new talc mill continues to produce to order with the exception of the D100 product that is temporarily being sourced from Europe.

The sale of WMC's interest in Mondo Minerals is awaiting regulatory approval.

EXPLORATION
Exploration continued in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China and Peru.

After reviewing its global exploration commitments, WMC will close its Jakarta satellite exploration office during the second quarter. With the wind down of its only exploration project in French Guiana, WMC will also be closing its Cayenne exploration office.

Unaudited cash expenditure on grass roots exploration during the quarter was $14,247,366 million. Of this amount, $5,800,168 million was spent in Australia and the remaining $8,447,198 million was spent overseas.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM (11 APRIL 2001)

Woodside Petroleum Ltd, Operator of the Mauritania, Area B Joint Venture, reports that the Chinguetti-1 exploration well, located offshore Mauritania, was spudded on 8 April 2001. The well is currently drilling in a 26 inch hole at a depth of 1309 metres.

AUSTINDO RESOURCES (10 APRIL 2001)

The Company advises that Mr. Bruce Watson has tendered his resignation as a Director of the Company with immediate effect.
The Company wishes to express its gratitude to Mr. Watson for his significant contribution to the Board over the last 3 years.

For more information on Austindo, click here.

MACMIN (10 APRIL 2001)

Macmin Ltd has been advised by the Department of Natural Resources and Mines that Mining Lease 50161 was approved and subsequently granted by the Governor in Council on 5 April 2001.

The lease covers 399.7 hectares of freehold land over the Twin Hills silver deposit in southeast Queensland. The term of the lease is 15 years.

As announced on 23 March 2001, negotiations are advancing with BankWest for financing of the construction component of the mine development. A recently completed Feasibility Study outlined a staged development of the reserves and resources. Mining will be via an open pit with agglomerated heap leach and dump leach techniques being used to extract the silver and gold from the ore.

The granting of the lease signals a significant milestone in the evolution of the company as it moves toward becoming a silver producer.

For more information, click here.

ANACONDA NICKEL (10 APRIL 2001)

The substantial improvement in operating performance of Murrin Murrin (70% of design for the month of March) has delivered a continued reduction in unit operating costs.
Unit Operating costs per pound of Nickel (after credits) fell in March to US$1.32 which is slightly better than expectations.

BEACH PETROLEUM (10 APRIL 2001)

Beach announced encouraging gas shows from the Croft-1 well in the Victorian section of the Otway Basin.
The exploration wildcat well Croft-1 has intersected good gas shows in the Cretaceous Waarre Sandstone over the interval 2,014m to 2,114m.
The Croft-1 well is located approximately 7km to the south of the recent McIntee-1 gas discovery.

BHP (10 APRIL 2001)

BHP and Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd (Esso) have signed a long-term supply agreement with Duke Energy International (Duke Energy) enabling the introduction of natural gas to Tasmania.
The supply agreement will provide substantial underpinning volumes for the pipeline for up to 15 years starting in 2002. The signing follows an initial Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between Duke Energy, BHP and Esso in July 1999.

DEFIANCE MINING (10 APRIL 2001)

Shareholders of Defiance Mining gave the go-ahead for the company to reinvent itself as a major healthcare IT player via the acquisition of Medical Monitors, a Sydney based IT specialist poised to capture a significant slice of the burgeoning US consumer market for blood pressure monitoring.

EXCO RESOURCES (10 APRIL 2001)

SUMMARY - Third Quarter Activities Report

• Exco reached agreement for a proposed merger with a privately owned WA-based exploration group - adding to its portfolio eight new exploration projects with world-class potential for nickel, copper and platinum-palladium.
• MIM granted the exclusive right to conduct exploration activities over the E1 copper-gold deposits for a period of six months. Within this timeframe MIM has an exclusive right to negotiate with Exco if it wishes to acquire the deposits.
• Exco executed the Soldiers Cap re-alignment and farm-in agreement whereby BHP will transfer the Soldiers Cap project to Exco in exchange for BHP being granted the rights to explore specific parts of the project.
• BHP commenced a detailed magnetic survey over the southern central portion of the Soldiers Cap project. Drilling is scheduled to commence at Soldiers Cap in late April.

FIRST AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES (10 APRIL 2001)

First Australian Resources has resolved to undertake a pro rata entitlement issue that will raise approximately $537,481 (before associated expenses).
The Company is making a pro rats non-renounceable offer of one (1) Option at a price of $0.02 for every four Ordinary Shares held at 5:00pm (WST) on 3 May, 2001 (the "Record Date").
Each Option granted will entitle the Optionholder to subscribe for one (1) Ordinary Share. The Options are exercisable at a price of $0.14 each, if exercised on or before 31 July 2002 or $0.20 if exercised between 1 August 2002 and 31 July 2003, the option expiry date.

GYMPIE GOLD (10 APRIL 2001)

THIRD QUARTER - SUMMARY

GYMPIE ELDORADO GOLD GROWING RAPIDLY

• Record production of 13,179 ozs and strong growth outlook. Monkland Mine cash operating costs averaged $A288/oz for an operating margin of $A232/oz ($US114/oz) which is a 74% higher margin than for the previous corresponding quarter.
• Mine plans for the new large Stockwork 6A orebody completed, underpinning the operation at an annual average 10g/t for 3 years or more. This is one of the country's highest-grade gold mines.
• Recent exploration drill-intercepts include 7 metres at 21g/t and 12 metres at 17.5g/t gold on a newly discovered, large gold orebody within the Monkland Mine.
• Lewis Mine construction is on schedule and the large Rands Dyke Stockwork has been discovered, including one drill intercept of 18 metres at 8.1g/t close to the decline. Such increasing exploration success is profoundly transforming the future scale of mine and mill production at Gympie.

SOUTHLAND COAL STARTS PRODUCTION AS COAL PRICES RISE

• Leading contractor Thiess Mining Pty Ltd was appointed to replace Colrok after it went into voluntary administration on 10 January. Thiess is now restarting production following a $4.5 million remediation program.
• While little coal was produced for the quarter during this remediation program by Thiess, mine production over the next two years is planned at 3.2 million tonnes. Installed mine capacity exceeds 2 million tonnes per annum and production rates will build up steadily.
• Customers continue to show strong support with most of the next 12 months production already allocated at prices more than 20% higher than the past 12 months. The coal market is particularly strong with excess export demand from Japan, Korea, India, Taiwan, Europe and also domestically.

GROUP FINANCIALS

• Have hedged 50% of 6 years' gold sales at $A526/oz, assuming only 100,000 ozs per annum and hedged planned coal sales for the next 10 months at $US:$A exchange rates averaging US63 cents.
• In the coming financial year, operations are expected to contribute $40 million, which will be reinvested or used to reduce borrowings. This annual operating contribution is the equivalent of 60% of the Company's current market capitalisation of $67 million.
• The group owes no money to previous coal contractor Colrok or its associated entities and has lodged damages claims for $39 million and received counter-claims for $21 million.
• Liabilities are 30% of asset book value.

HARDMAN RESOURCES (10 APRIL 2001)

The Chinguetti-1 well will test the prospect now named Khede (formerly referred to as Lead 1). This consists of stacked Tertiary sandstone targets draped over a salt diapir in a water depth of 791 metres. The primary target is interpreted at an approximate depth of 2,365 to 2,500 metres. Proposed total depth (TD) is 2,620 metres.
Note: All reported depths (except water depth) are referenced to the rig rotary table.

Progress 72 hours): Complete setting anchors. Drilling of 12(1/4) inch (311mm) pilot hole commenced on 6 April 2001. Pilot hole drilled to 1,460 metres without incident. Moved rig approx 70 metres to primary well location. Spud Chinguetti-1 well on 8 April 2001. Drill 36 inch (914mm) hole to 886 metres.

Current Operation:
(1400 hours WST 8 April 2001) Pulling out of hole to run and cement 30 inch (762mm) casing.

Geology & Hydrocarbon Shows: No geological data to be reported due to joint venture confidentiality. Hydrocarbon shows will only be reported after wireline logs have been run and evaluated for that hole size section.

Forward Programme: Run and cement 30 inch(762mm) casing at approx 886 metres. Drill 26 inch (660mm) to approx 1,455 metres, run and cement 20 inch (508mm) casing.

MATRIX METALS (10 APRIL 2001)

Matrix secured its role as one of Australia's emerging copper producers following overwhelming shareholder approval for Summo Minerals Corporation (Summo) to acquire 48 percent of the Company's capital and provide a A$3.25 million loan facility.

The approval allows Summo to acquire Murchison United NL's and Majestic Resources NL's shares in Matrix for a net consideration of 23.8 cents per share to become a 48 percent shareholder.

MOLOPO AUSTRALIA (10 APRIL 2001)

The latest update of the company's coalbed methane (CBM) drilling operations in Queensland and NSW.

ATP564P, BOWEN BASIN, QUEENSLAND
The "Mungi # 1" CBM production test well was spudded on April 6th. The well is situated in the southern portion of ATP564P in Queensland's Bowen Basin.

The "Mungi # 1" well is being drilled within 2km of the existing Gladstone gas pipeline.

Molopo is earning a 50% interest in Authority to Prospect 564P, with an option to earn a 50% interest in the undeveloped northern portion of the adjoining Production Lease 94.

PEL426, CLARENCE MORETON BASIN, NORTHERN NSW
The "Molopo Tullymorgan 1" CBM exploration core hole, was spudded on April 8th and should reach target depth of 1,050 metres in approximately 4 weeks. The well is located near Grafton in northern NSW.

This hole is targeting CBM in the Walloon Coal Measures and conventional gas in the quartz sandstones of the underlying Koukandowie Formation. Molopo is earning a 61.82% participating interest in PEL 426 and the adjoining PEL 13 by funding its pro-rata 61.82% share of the fully cored hole.

NATURAL GAS AUSTRALIA (10 APRIL 2001)

NGA has given notice to Shell Development Australia Pty Ltd ("Shell") and Osaka Gas that it has accepted Shell's offer to purchase the 25% interest in NT/P47 and NT/P48 by pre-empting the sale of those interests by Shell.
The purchase of this further interest will increase NGA's interest in the substantial Evans Shoal Gasfield in the Australian Sector of the Timor Sea to up to 40% interest.
The Evans Shoal Gasfield is located 305km north of Darwin.

NEWCREST MINING (10 APRIL 2001)

National Australia Bank Limited Group increased its relevant interest in Newcrest Mining Limited on 02/04/2001, from 13,042,407 ordinary shares (5.39%) to 15,729,823 ordinary shares (6.5%).

NEW HAMPTON GOLDFIELDS (10 APRIL 2001)

Harmony Gold (Australia) Pty Limited increased its relevant interest in New Hampton Goldfields Limited on 06/04/2001, from 179,320,592 ordinary shares approx (87.45%) to 187,986,477 ordinary shares approx (91.67%).

PANCONTINENTAL OIL & GAS (10 APRIL 2001)

Commencement of drilling of Pancontinentals 38.22% Waingaromia 2 exploration well has been delayed to late April/early May from the planned spud date of late March/early April. The operator of the joint venture, Indo-Pacific Energy (NZ) Limited has advised that the unseasonal rains in the region has delayed site preparation and road access works.

ROC OIL (10 APRIL 2001)

The Kyle Oil Field, located in Block 29/2c in the UK North Sea, commenced production at 2.30am on Saturday 7 April 2001 (UK time). Production is expected to stabilise at a rate in excess of 16,000 BOPD (net ROC: >2,000 BOPD). The oil is being processed, together with oil production from the Curlew Field, by the Maersk Curlew Floating Production Storage and Off-loading (FSPO) facility which is located approximately 18 km to the south of Kyle. Gas will be transported through the SEGAL system. Initial Kyle production is from two wells and the Joint Venture plans to drill a further one or two wells during the balance of 2001.

SANTOS (10 APRIL 2001)

Santos Limited has entered into agreements with Natural Gas Australia Limited ("NGA"), which will enable it to obtain up to a 40% economic interest in the substantial Evans Shoal gas field in the Timor Sea.

The field contains estimated recoverable dry gas of approximately 6.6 trillion cubic feet (TCF) and is one of four major Timor Sea fields, which have combined resource potential of over 20 TCF.

THUNDELARRA EXPLORATION (10 APRIL 2001)

BHP has completed the processing of the data from the Falcon Airborne Gravity ("Falcon") survey flown over Thundelarra's Phillips Range diamond project in the Central Kimberley of Western Australia. The survey covered approximately 144 square kilometres of the 925 square kilometre project area.

The Falcon data was integrated with all other geophysical datasets and in the order of 50 anomalies have been identified for ground verification. Confirmed high priority targets will be drill tested. One of these occurs in the vicinity of the unexplained Taurus indicator anomaly, an area covered by 5-10 metres of transported sands and stream deposits.

The Falcon survey has clearly defined both the Aries Kimberlite and the A4 kimberlite discovered by Thundelarra during the 2000 field season and highlights the real possibility that a "cluster" of diamondiferous kimberlite pipes may be present.

BHP has advised Thundelarra that they are currently designing an exploration program and that exploration activities will begin towards the end of April 2001 and drilling of the priority anomalies is scheduled to commence during May, weather and access permitting.

ICON ENERGY (7 APRIL 2001)

Activity Up-date

USA

Icon announces that the deep drilling rig contracted from Grey Wolf, Louisiana will move onto the Victory Financial # 1 location the week beginning 23rd April, 2001. This has been brought forward several weeks and the shallow drilling due to commence in April will be delayed a few weeks. The drilling operation is so complex that it is difficult to start both programmes simultaneously. The Victory Financial # 1 location preparation is well advanced and will be completed in time for the rig arrival. A further announcement will be made when the rig is released from the well presently being drilled for another operator.

AUSTRALIA

In Queensland, Argyle # 4 has been completed as a gas producer in ATP 620P. This is the last of the five wells drilled in the area which have proven the presence of gas in all wells. An evaluation programme and feasibility study is now under way. The rig commenced drilling Berwyndale # 1 in ATP 632P where Icon holds a 50% working interest in the permit with Queensland Gas Company. QGC will operate the drilling programme under the farmout agreement with Icon, wherein QGC will drill the first of two wells in the permit to earn a 50% working interest at no cost to Icon.

Berwyndale #1 is located approximately 16 kilometres northwest of Argyle #1 and 17 kilometres southwest of the township of Miles.

Interests in this well are:-

Icon Energy Limited	50.0%
Queensland Gas Company Limited	50.0% (Operator)