Australian Mining & Exploration Companies-News

The Board of Directors of Gawler Gold and Mineral Exploration NL ("Gawler") are pleased to announce that late yesterday the Company executed a Share Sale Agreement with members of the Australon Enterprises group pursuant to which Gawler Gold will, subject to shareholders' approval, acquire a 100 percent interest in the Australon business and, as part of the transaction, issue a number of free options to the existing Gawler shareholders.

An Information Memorandum (the "Memorandum") regarding the details of the transaction is currently being finalised. This Memorandum will include a notice of General Meeting (the "Meeting") at which certain resolutions relating solely to the proposed transaction will be put before the shareholders. It is currently envisaged that the Memorandum should be ready for mailing to all shareholders by no later than September 29, 2000. By law, the Company is then required to provide a notice period of no less than 28 clear days and, as such, the Meeting has been tentatively scheduled to be held in the week beginning Monday, November 6, 2000. All efforts will be made by the Company to shorten this indicative timetable such that the proposed date for the Meeting can be brought forward.

Following the release of the Memorandum to the shareholders, Gawler will request that ASX remove the suspension of the Company's shares, and that the trading of the shares be resumed, as soon as possible.

INTERCONTINENTAL GOLD & MINERALS (31 August 2000)

A general meeting of shareholders of Intercontinental Gold & Minerals will be held at the Sandringham Hotel, 88 Great Eastern Highway, Belmont, Western Australia on Tuesday, 3 October 2000 at 10.00 a.m.

AGENDA
RESOLUTION 1 - RATIFICATION OF SHARE ISSUE TO RAISE CAPITAL
RESOLUTION 2 - AUTHORITY TO MAKE PLACEMENT TO RAISE CAPITAL
RESOLUTION 3 - CHANGE OF NAME AND STATUS AND ADOPTION OF NEW CONSTITUTION
RESOLUTION 4 - RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF A DIRECTOR
RESOLUTION 5 - RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF A DIRECTOR
RESOLUTION 6 - RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF A DIRECTOR

JUBILEE MINES (31 August 2000)

Jubilee is continuing the intensive exploration of the Cosmos Deeps massive nickel sulphide deposit, with four diamond core drill rigs operating around the clock. This announcement provides an update of recent progress.
To the end of August, Jubilee has completed 60 holes (including both primary and sampling wedge holes) for a total of 21,121m. Recent work has mostly concentrated on infill drilling the central part of the deposit to enable geological interpretation of the mineralised zones to be undertaken, and to commence modelling and calculation of the Mineral Resource.
In addition, the Company has also been drill testing the prospective horizon further up-dip to the west. Earlier drilling in this area (JCD109, 110, 111) intersected a felsic porphyry intrusive which was previously interpreted to have terminated the mineralisation.
However, five recently drilled holes have intersected significant massive and breccia nickel sulphide mineralisation on the other (western) side of the felsic intrusive. These results demonstrate that the large widths of high grade mineralisation do continue up-dip to the west and, at this stage, the western mineralised zone remains open. Drill intercepts from these five holes are tabled below, and because of the shallow east-dipping orientation of the mineralised zone, these intercept widths are very close to being true widths.
HOLE NORTH EAST FROM TO WIDTH GRADE
No. (mN) (mE) (m) (m) (m) (% Ni)

JCD119 6944761 260683 630.1 632.25 2.15 12.7
JCD122 6944774 260685 635.9 638.25 2.35 12.8
JCD125 6944662 260674 561.95 569.65 7.70 6.92
JCD128 6944694 260672 574.6 595.0 20.4 8.94
JCD132 6944723 260677 594.05 604.1 10.05 12.6

* Northings and Eastings represent the coordinates of the
intersection point.
At this time, the Cosmos Deeps mineralisation remains open up-dip to the west, down-dip to the east, and along strike to the north and south. Consequently, drilling of the extensions to the Cosmos Deeps mineralisation will continue after the finalisation of the initial Mineral Resource calculation, and it is expected that further resource up-grades will be undertaken in the future.

METEX RESOURCES (31 August 2000)

First pass reconnaissance RAB drilling from one of two RAB traverses completed testing a new gold in soil anomaly delineated by earlier vacuum drilling, has returned encouraging results.
RAB drilling across Target 5H has intersected 8m @ 8.45g/t Au from 20m in BGB033 (including 4m @ 16g/t in the interval 20-24m). These are initial 4m composite values. Individual metre assay results are awaited. The intersection is hosted in a weakly foliated, strongly ferruginous zone in a felsic intrusive. Intersections in adjacent holes include 4m @ 397ppb Au from surface in hole BGB034 and 6m @ 162ppb Au from 24m (to end of hole) in BGB033. All holes are drilled at 60deg to the west.
Target 5H comprises a 400m long zone of gold (defined at the 50ppb Au contour and peaking at 79.3ppb Au) and arsenic anomalism, and is located just to the southeast of the Garden Well deposit (where we have previously delineated a resource of 29,200oz of gold). The results have been returned from an area of northwest striking transfer faults propagating out from the Chatterbox Shear Zone.
The depth of transported cover is less than 5m.

NEW HAMPTON GOLDFIELDS (31 August 2000)

Preliminary Final Report - Summary:

Net profit after tax of $5,351,000 for the year ended 30 June 2000

DETAILS
The profits for the year of $5,351,000, incorporating the results of Big Bell Gold Operations from 1 December 1999, reflects a strong profitability turnaround in the second half of the financial year of $8,466,000. The company recorded an abnormal profit on the divestment of its minerals sands business, amounting to $3,046,000.
Gold production for the year to 30 June 2000, totalled 185,548 ounces at a cash operating cost of $412 per ounce. Forecast production for the current financial year is 350,000 ounces at a cash operating cost of $360 per ounce.
Net assets as at 30 June 2000 amounted to $48.9 million: an increase of $8.4 million on the corresponding figure as at 30 June 1999.

OIL COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA (31 August 2000)

Maintop No.02, a gas exploration well situated approximately 625 metres north-east of Maintop No.01, latitude 25 deg. 40 min. 26.62 sec. south, longitude 148 deg. 22 min. 30.01 sec. east, was spudded at 20:00 hours on August 09, 2000. 245mm surface casing was at 207 metres R.T. 178mm intermediate casing was set at 1405.5 metres R.T.
A total depth of 2122 metres R.T. was reached at 23:30 hours, on August 25, 2000. The well was plugged and suspended.

QCT RESOURCES (31 August 2000)

SUMMARY OF AUDITED RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2000
OVERVIEW

The global coal market is improving
Joint Venture assets are performing strongly
South Blackwater problems have been addressed
The Group has a low cost structure
Improvements in production and sales performance are expected for the current year
Further consolidation of global coal supplies underway

FULL YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

The upward price cycle has commenced
Marketing strategy has improved customer mix
Joint Venture economic reserves have been substantially upgraded
Joint Venture costs have improved
Discriminatory royalty ($20 million p.a. from 1 July 2000) has been removed
Out-of-money hedges are tailing off

QCT Resources (QRL) holds a non-operating 32.37% interest in the Central Queensland Coal Associates (CQCA) and Gregory Joint Ventures and 100% of the South Blackwater coal mining operations in Queensland's Bowen Basin.
The company announced on 24 July 2000 that as at 30 June 2000, QRL's share of Joint Venture resources had increased by 26% to 2,533 million tonnes (1999: 2,017 million tonnes) and its share of the Joint Venture's marketable reserves has increased by 95% to 554 million tonnes (1999: 284 million tonnes).
The Joint Venture assets are the company's key assets and hold significant fundamental and strategic value to QRL. QRL's Joint Venture partners in these assets, The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (BHP) and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd, announced a joint cash offer of A$1.20 per share for all the ordinary shares in QRL on Monday, 28 August 2000.
The company announced on 3 August 2000 that a number of unstable strata incidents had impacted longwall mining of the first C seam block at South Blackwater's Kenmare underground mine. The company has decided since to abandon the Kenmare C seam and return to the more profitable A seam. This decision is reflected in the $41.4 million abnormal write down of the Kenmare C seam assets for the year ended 30 June 2000.
The Board believes that the outlook for the global coal sector is positive, with the sector moving into an upward price cycle. It also believes that QCT is competitively placed to take advantage of this price improvement due to its relatively low operating cost structure.

RANGER MINERALS (31 August 2000)

Final Share Buy-Back Notice - Number of shares bought back 1,384,868 for a total consideration of $2,840,203.

ROC OIL COMPANY (31 August 2000)

Drilling Activity Update:

SALFLEETBY-5 DRILLS INTO NAMURIAN OBJECTIVE;
KYLE NORTHEAST REPORTS GOOD OIL AND GAS SHOWS AND FRACTURES IN CHALK RESERVOIR; AND
IRWES-1 SETS CASING IN MONGOLIA

SANTOS (31 August 2000)

Weekly Drilling Summary :

QUEENSLAND

Roti West 1 - has been cased and suspended as a future Permian gas producer. As reported earlier, th exploration well flowed gas at 132,250 cubic metres per day (4.7 million cubic feet per day) with associated 55 kilolitres (345 barrels) of 61deg API condensate per day from the Permian aged Epsilon Formation over the interval 2295m to 2310m. The test was conducted through a 13mm (0.5") surface choke.
The well reached a total depth of 2545m with 12m progress for the week.

Sarah 1 - Drilling ahead. Current depth is 1609m, with 757m progress the week.

Windigo 2 - Drilling ahead. Current depth and progress for the week is 650m. The well spudded on 30/08/2000.

Kananda 1 - Drilling ahead. Current depth and progress for the week is 919m. The well spudded on 29/08/2000.

Maintop 2 - Maintop 2 has been plugged and abandoned.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Big Lake 67 - Drilling ahead. Current depth is 2577m, with 779m progress for the week.

Meranji 23 - Drilling ahead. Current depth is 2928m, with 1530m progress for the week.

Moomba 119DW - ulling out of hole to run logs. Current measured depth is 2313m, with 1178m progress for the week.

Moomba 123 - Drilling ahead. Current depth and progress for the week is 2109m. The well spudded on 26/08/00.

SONS OF GWALIA (31 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back - 2,943,434.

SUN RESOURCES / APACHE ENERGY / VICTORIA PETROLEUM (31 August 2000)

Operator, Apache Energy Ltd ("Apache") advised Chamois 1 participants that the operator at 0600 hours Thursday, 31 August 2000 had completed running the RDT assessment programme to clarify potential hydrocarbon zones of interest encountered to date.
Interpretation of the results this morning has revealed a 10 to 15 metre hydrocarbon column of Stag type oil in the D.Caddaense Sand Member of the Athol Formation above 900 metres (RT). However, the accumulation is highly restricted because of problems with cross fault seal leakage at the western end of the structure. The indicated volume (to be calculated by the operator) is therefore small and as such the zone does not warrant testing.

YAMARNA GOLDFIELDS (31 August 2000)

Yamarna has withdrawn the Prospectus in relation to the current 1 for 8 entitlement issue. A new Prospectus will be forwarded to shareholders in due course. All monies received will be returned to shareholders forthwith.

AUSTRALIAN PIPELINE TRUST (31 August 2000)

The Australian Pipeline Trust has announced its audited results for the 18 day period from its listing day to 30 June 2000. Operating profit after tax was $2.2 million, compared with $0.9 million forecast in the Australian Pipeline Trust (the Trust) prospectus for the same period. This result was achieved through a combination of increased pipeline revenue due to unusually cold June weather in New South Wales and ACT, coupled with cost containment.

Confirming its status as one of Australia's largest infrastructure companies, the Trust has become a fully weighted constituent member of the ASX 200, ASX 300 and other appropriate ASX share price indices.

AUSTRAL COAL (31 August 2000)

Directors of Austral Coal Limited report an Operating Profit before Tax & Abnormal items of $506,000 on Sales of $28,219,000.

This result reflects:

* the 5% reduction in the average price of coal received under year 2000 contracts compared to 1999,

* the impact of a longwall changeover completed in late June 2000 which restricted production in May and June, and

* relatively low first half shipping volume which is consistent with the normal shipping pattern.

Whilst Directors are disappointed with this result, recognition is given to the company's resolve in maintaining profitability at budget levels despite a 45% reduction over the last three years in the price the Company receives for its coal. Management's efforts in implementing improved operating practices and processes to ensure continued competitiveness was instrumental in delivering a profit result and will position the company well for an upturn in the market.

FLETCHER CHALLENGE (31 August 2000)

Country : New Zealand
Block Area: PML381012
or Prospect
Well Name : MB-7
or Location
Objective : Deviated development well primarily targeting Maui B D1.10L oil reservoir, with multiple secondary oil & gas potential. Deepened to allow access to F-Sand oil reservoir in addition to other objectives.
Current Status : * Ran 4(1/2)" completion.

* Current operation at 06:00 on August 31st, pre- paring to perforate and commence production from the F1.2 oil zone.

Block Area: PML381012
or Prospect
Well Name : MB-6
or Location
Objective : Development well primarily targeting Maui B D1.6 and D1.10 oil reservoirs.
Current Status : * Suspended well with stuck 4(1/2)" liner pending evaluation of side-track or completion options while operations proceed on MB-7.

* A decision will be made by Monday September 4th as to whether or not to drill a side-track of this well along similar lines to the now completed MB-7 side-track as per above.

HYDROMET CORPORATION (31 August 2000)

The Board of Directors of HydroMet Corporation Limited advises the following two major contracts which provide a significant step forward in the companies future activities.

1. The signing of an $11 Million contract with Rio Tinto, for the treatment, immobilisation and disposal of 15,937 metric tonnes of lead residue. The treatment will be carried out at Hydromet's Unanderra plant, utilising the companies recently developed and NSW EPA approved immobilisation technology. The contract is subject to the successful plant trial of the Stage 1 scaled up operation, currently underway.

2. Signing of an agreement with Chemmet Pty Ltd to acquire a Cobalt/Nickel bearing mining exploration lease (Stanton Prospect) located in the Northern Territory. The lease had previously been explored by Rio Tinto Exploration Ltd.

METEX RESOURCES (31 August 2000)

Metex Resources Limited advises that first pass reconnaissance RAB drilling from one of two RAB traverses completed testing a new gold in soil anomaly delineated by earlier vacuum drilling, has returned encouraging results.

RAB drilling across Target 5H has intersected 8m @ 8.45g/t Au from 20m in BGB033 (including 4m @ 16g/t in the interval 20-24m). These are initial 4m composite values. Individual metre assay results are awaited. The intersection is hosted in a weakly foliated, strongly ferruginous zone in a felsic intrusive. Intersections in adjacent holes include 4m @ 397ppb Au from surface in hole BGB034 and 6m @ 162ppb Au from 24m (to end of hole) in BGB033. All holes are drilled at 60deg to the west.

Target 5H comprises a 400m long zone of gold (defined at the 50ppb Au contour and peaking at 79.3ppb Au) and arsenic anomalism, and is located just to the southeast of the Garden Well deposit (where we have previously delineated a resource of 29,200oz of gold). The results have been returned from an area of northwest striking transfer faults propagating out from the Chatterbox Shear Zone.

The depth of transported cover is less than 5m.

MINCOR RESOURCES (31 August 2000)

* Kincor has received the drill assay results from its Imweru Licence in the Geita Greenstone Belt of Tanzania;

* Two high-grade gold zones have been discovered. Their intersection in multiple drill traverses suggests grade continuity along strike and is considered highly encouraging;

* Numerous other target zones are highlighted for follow-up - 21 of Mincor's 57 drillholes intersected significant mineralisation.

NOVUS PETROLEUM (31 August 2000)

Novus announces that sales of gas from its Wunut gas field in the Brantas PSC (Novus 50%) have doubled to 8 million cubic feet of gas per day (mmcfd) gross.

The Brantas operator, Lapindo, has reached agreement with the gas buyer, PGN, for additional gas sales, currently at a rate of approximately 4 mmcfd. These are in addition to the existing ca 4 mmcfd, which have been on-stream and sold since January 1999. Depending upon market demand, it is possible that further increases could be forthcoming.

The current arrangements extend until January 2001 after which Novus is optimistic that another, longer term, gas sales agreement will be signed.

WMC (31 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back - continued; maximum remaining number of shares to be bought back: 22,853,050

BURDEKIN PACIFIC (31 August 2000)

Netline Technologies International Limited - Burdekin Pacific (BKS) 45%, announced the launch of My E-Fone, an innovative product that delivers free email to mobile phone users as well as the ability to provide all mobile phone users with their own email address and web based mail system.

DIORO EXPLORATION (31 August 2000)

Dioro Exploration NL advise the appointment of Mr Don Boyer as a consultant to the Company. Mr Boyer is a geologist with 30 years experience in the exploration and management of gold and base metal projects in Australia. He has extensive experience in project assessment and feasibility studies.

FLETCHER CHALLENGE ENERGY (31 August 2000)

FINANCIAL RESULTS
YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2000

FINANCIAL

* Total Shareholder Return of 37 per cent for the year
* Net Earnings of $261 million (74 cents per share) - up 375 per cent
* Cash Flow from Operations of $640 million ($1.93 per share) - up 25 per cent

OPERATIONAL

* Discovery of Pohokura - largest exploration success in Fletcher Challenge Energy's history
* Production of 49 mmboe
* ECNZ gas sales contract validity upheld

STRATEGIC

* Decision by Fletcher Challenge Board to dismantle the targeted share structure
* Agreement, subject to Petroz NL shareholder approval, to acquire a minimum 33.7 per cent interest in Petroz NL - enhancing Fletcher
Challenge Energy's regional E&P strategy
* Initial Public Offering of Capstone Turbine Corporation investment (in which we hold 11 per cent)
* Initiation of the "Creating our Company" culture change project

HILLGROVE GOLD (31 August 2000)

Second Quarter Activities Report
HIGHLIGHTS

PRESSURE OXIDATION

The plant continued to operate well during the quarter, with total concentrate throughput some 35% above design capacity. Overall plant availability during this period was 86.5%, as the brick linings of the autoclave and flash vessel were inspected by the supplier in May and other routine maintenance was carried out. The linings were found to be in excellent condition at this inspection.

Gold recovery in the first half of the quarter was in excess of 90%, but subsequently has lowered to approximately 80%. This lower recovery is due to the treatment of previously stockpiled concentrate material, which is quite low in sulphide sulphur and gold grade.

A third thickener was installed in the circuit towards the end of June. This additional thickening stage has virtually eliminated a small solubilised gold loss identified in the overflow solution from the CCD thickeners going to neutralisation. This circuit change now enables the neutralisation solids to be leached in the CIL circuit together with the autoclaved concentrate.

ANTIMONY TRIOXIDE PROCESS

Piloting work has continued for the last quarter while confirming materials of construction for the main plant. Test work to finalise filtration and thickener design has also been completed during this period. Procurement for long lead time plant items has commenced.

The Environmental Impact Statement for the construction of the plant at Hillgrove has been finalised, ready for determination of the Development Application by Local Government during September.

The LMB price for antimony metal (which is the raw material for the majority of Western antimony trioxide production) has recently had a significant increase in price on the London Metal Exchange, rising from US$1,150/tonne to US$1,800/tonne. This increase is reportedly due to a tightening of export controls by the Chinese Government.

MINE DEVELOPMENT

Development of the Metz Decline has continued according to plan, with some 338 metres of decline being completed during the period. Having a total planned length to 9 Level horizon of some 480 metres, this initial phase of the decline will be completed early in the next quarter, followed by level development on the 8 and 9 level horizons.

Meanwhile, development of 7 level has continued on the Syndicate Lode and the initial 7 level Black Lode stopes were commenced, giving three levels now in the stoping phase in this mine.

Mining activity has lately commenced at the new Brackins Spur area, with initial on lode development on the one level horizon being commenced. It is anticipated to commence decline development to 3 level immediately upon completion of the decline activity at Metz.

Further on lode development work has been carried out in the Eleanora Mine from 9 level adit, aimed at accessing ore blocks in the upper part of the mine. Refurbishment of the Garibaldi Hoisting Shaft and winder has been completed and a stage pumping installation installed to enable final dewatering to 11 level.

LAKES OIL (31 August 2000)

Cosmos Gem Ltd decreased its relevant interest in Lakes Oil NL on 18/08/2000, from 58,000,000 ordinary shares ( -%) to 54,415,000 ordinary shares( -%).

For company information, click here

MIM HOLDINGS (31 August 2000)

The Premier of Queensland, the Hon Peter Beattie MLA, on Wednesday, 30 August officially opened the George Fisher and Enterprise mines, marking substantial completion of MIM's $1 billion investment programme at Mount Isa and Townsville.

The investment programme comprised:

* $270 million to develop one of the world's largest zinc-lead-silver deposits at George Fisher, 22 kilometres north of Mount Isa near the existing Hilton mine. George Fisher is expected to become the major zinc-lead-silver ore source for Mount Isa. Trial mining is well under way, and the project is expected to be commissioned in October.

* $370 million development of the Enterprise mine, Mount Isa's new high grade copper ore source which reached commercial production on 1 July last. The mine extends to a depth of 1800 metres and incorporates a new ore handling system which will enable production to reach 3.5 million tonnes of ore a year over the next three years. A refrigeration plant and paste fill plant being constructed on the surface remain to be completed this financial year.

* $243 million expansion and upgrade of the copper smelter to process the outputs of both the Mount Isa mine and MIM's 51% owned Ernest Henry copper-gold mine near Cloncurry. Smelter capacity has been expanded to more than 250 000 tonnes of copper anode a year, with record production of 222 000 tonnes in 1999/2000. An additional $96 million has been spent on gas handling equipment to divert waste copper smelter gas to WMC Fertilizers' sulphuric acid plant to provide feed for fertiliser manufacture.

* $61 million expansion and upgrade of the copper refinery in Townsville to a capacity of 270 000 tonnes a year to enable it to continue refining the increasing total output of the Mount Isa smelter.

MAJESTIC RESOURCES (31 August 2000)

Majestic Resources NL has recovered a monster gem quality diamond from the Pniel Estate in South Africa, potentially the biggest found by an Australian company from an overseas operation.

The Perth company said that a 30 carat diamond had been discovered on its Pniel diamond project near Kimberley.

The diamond, already dubbed the Star of Pniel, is typical of the high value alluvial diamonds found in the Kimberley region.

The "Star" was found during Majestic's final round of evaluation sampling while it develops the Pniel project, which is due to start full operations by the end of the year with a projected production of 15,000 carats of gem diamonds annually.

NORMANDY MINING (31 August 2000)

Resources and Reserves attributable to Normandy increased for the tenth consecutive year - to 53.8 million ounces and 21.8 million ounces respectively.

Reserves at Normandy-managed operations were estimated using a gold price of $450 per ounce (similar to the past three years).

Importantly, the initial inclusion of a Reserve for Boddington Expansion (22 percent of the inventory), was derived from a $425 per ounce pit shell which excluded Inferred category material from the pit design.

SANTOS (31 August 2000)

Santos Ltd, as Operator for the South West Queensland Unit, announces a successful gas exploration well in the Queensland sector of the Cooper/Eromanga Basins.

The exploration well, Roti West 1, flowed gas at 132,250 cubic metres per day (4.7 million cubic feet per day) with 56 kilolitres (345 barrels) of 61deg API condensate per day from reservoir sands in the Permian Epsilon Formation over the interval 2295m - 2310m. The test was conducted through a 13mm (0.5 inch) surface choke and was conducted over only one of the multiple gas bearing reservoirs in the well.

Roti West 1 gas discovery follows the successful Wippo East 1 well which also discovered gas from multiple horizons in the Permian aged Toolachee, Epsilon & Patchawarra Formations.

Roti West 1 is located 30km east of the Ballera Gas Centre and some 10km south east of Wippo East 1.

The well will be cased and suspended as a future gas producer.

PORTMAN (31 August 2000)

Portman Limited is on track to boost the capacity of its Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project in Western Australia to 3.5 million tonnes per annum in 2001 after completing key infrastructure changes and posting a 65% increase in iron ore sales during the six months to June 30, 2000.

The excellent sales performance reflected strong market conditions and the introduction of a number of new customers - providing further impetus for the Perth-based Group's iron ore growth strategy, which aims to lift output to 8 million tonnes per annum over the next 5 years.

PLATSEARCH (31 August 2000)

PROGRESS REPORT

* Drilling is currently in progress, or about to commence, on four PlatSearch projects - Centennial, Tara, Gilgai and Southern Cross.

* New joint venture signed for Southern Cross project

* Rudall and Thunderdome update.

* Substantial joint venture funding for 12 projects close to finalisation

VICTORIA PETROLEUM (31 August 2000)

Victoria Petroleum NL has been advised by Apache Energy Ltd, the Operator for the WA-261-P Joint Venture, that the Chamois-1 exploration well spudded at 1700 hours on 24th August 2000, and at 0600 hours 30 August 2000 WST a cement plug had been set over the lost circulation zone in preparation for wireline testing of the hydrocarbon shows observed during drilling. A decision on further evaluation by coring or testing, and continuing drilling to the intra-Mungaroo objective, will be based on the results of the pending wireline testing program.

The Chamois Prospect has been interpreted from 3D seismic to have potential to contain up to 29 million barrels of oil in multiple target Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic sands, if oil is present. Chamois-1 is interpreted to be on trend and updip to the Oryx-1 Triassic oil discovery 5 kilometres to the north of WA-261-P in the adjacent Apache Energy operated permit WA-209-P containing the 45 million barrel producing Stag Field 15 kilometres to the east.

Well Name: Chamois-1
Basin: Offshore Carnarvon Basin
Permit: WA-261-P
Location: Latitude 20deg 22' 35.80"S
Longitude 116deg 01' 20.20"E
Proposed Total Depth: 1529m
Reservoir Targets: Sandstones of the Lower Cretaceous
M.Australis, Jurassic Athol and Triassic
Mungaroo Formation.
Time of Reporting: 0600 hrs WST
Current Well Depth: 1356 metres

Hydrocarbon Indications:

Hydrocarbon shows were observed while drilling over the interval 772 - 965 metres, and several potential hydrocarbon zones have been identified by the MWD logs.

Operations last period:

Set cement plug at 1311-1231m to cure losses. Pull out of hole and prepare for wireline testing (RDT) program.

Operations next 24 hours:

Carry out wireline testing program. Forward operations will be based on the results of the wireline testing.

Victoria Petroleum NL considers the prospects for oil and gas exploration in WA-261-P are encouraging in view of the hydrocarbon discoveries in the immediate area and the prolific production from the Carnarvon Basin in general, Australia's premier petroleum province.

WMC (31 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back - continued; maximum remaining number of shares to be bought back: 23,053,050

ASHANTI GOLDFIELDS COMPANY (30 August 2000)

The following executive director of the Company was granted options on 28 August, 2000 to acquire ordinary shares of the Company at an exercise price of US$2.55 per share which results in the total number of shares over which he holds options as shown below:

OPTIONS GRANTED ON 28/09/2000 TOTAL OPTIONS GRANTED TO DATE

S Venkatakrishnan,
Chief Financial Officer 50,000 50,000

The options granted on 28 August 2000 will be exercisable during the period 28 August, 2003 to 27 August 2010.

BATTLE MOUNTAIN GOLD (30 August 2000)

BATTLE MOUNTAIN GOLD COMPANY RECORD DATE FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

A new record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of the planned special meeting and to vote at such meeting regarding the pending merger between Battle Mountain Gold Company and Newmont Mining Corporation has been set for September 8, 2000.

The actual date for the special meeting has not yet been set and will be notified accordingly.

GOLDFIELDS (30 August 2000)

Preliminary Final Report
OVERVIEW

A full year profit after tax of $26.3 million with no abnormal items is announced for 1999/2000. This is an increase of 22% on the equivalent profit after tax achieved in 1998/1999. Earnings per share in 1999/2000 rose by 74% to 16.0 cents compared with 9.2 cents in the previous year. The Directors have declared an increased dividend of 5 cents per share, fully franked (4 cents in 1998/1999) for shareholders of record on 27 September, 2000. This dividend will be mailed on 25 October, 2000.

During the year, Goldfields has pursued a strategy of rationalisation centred on its Kundana and Paddington operations north of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. In July 1999, a mining tenement immediately to the south of the Kundana mine lease was purchased from Homestake Mining Ltd. The Moonbeam open pit has since been established on that tenement. In May, 2000 Goldfields successfully completed a bid for Gilt-Edged Mining NL, a junior gold exploration company which had reported a resource of 938,000 ounces of gold in the East Kundana Joint Venture's tenements to the south and contiguous with the Kundana mine leases. Drilling has since identified the high grade Raleigh deposit with characteristics similar to the Strzelecki deposit which is the current main source of high-grade ore to the Kundana processing plant. A reserve of 111,000 ounces has already been identified at Raleigh on ground held 100% by Goldfields. The mineralisation has been traced a further 280 metres south on the East Kundana JV tenements with thick high-grade intercepts reported. The deposit remains open to the south and at depth. The confidence in defining a +500,000 ounce resource at Raleigh has been enhanced by the recently reported drilling results. Goldfields was successful in its recent tender for the 49% of the Mungari West Joint Venture, which includes the White Foil deposit with 915,000 ounces in resource. Discussions are underway with our JV partner, Mines & Resources Australia NL, aimed at an early development of White Foil.

North of Paddington, further drilling on the Aphrodite prospect has increased inferred resources to approximately 900,000 ounces. However, the depth and refractory nature of this orebody means it is not yet a viable ore source for Paddington. Further drilling is in progress aimed at increasing the size of this resource.

Exploration at the Henty Mine in Tasmania was also successful during the year. Underground drilling into the Mount Julia inferred resource area (178,000 ounces) has extended the previous resource envelope at least 150 metres to the north and provided intercepts of greater width and higher grades than obtained from earlier surface drilling.

On 28 June, 2000 Goldfields Kalgoorlie Limited (GKL) shareholders voted in favour of a selective capital reduction of the minority holdings. GKL was delisted on 9 August and is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Goldfields, giving Goldfields a clean corporate structure for the first time.

OTTER GOLD MINES (30 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary
Number of securities issued:
31,621,600
Issue price:
NZ 39 cents
Purpose of the issue
* Working capital
* Capital expenditure
* Exploration expenditure

OTTER GOLD MINES (30 August 2000)

* Otter Gold is to make a renounceable rights offer to shareholders and "2003" option holders, offering two (2) fully paid ordinary shares for each five (5) existing securities at an issue price of NZ39 cents per share. A total of NZ$11.8 million will be raised, (net of underwriting costs) from the issue of 31.6 million shares.

* The offer is fully underwritten by the Mid-East Minerals Limited group ("MEM"). MEM, which is controlled by the Guinness Peat Group plc, is substantial shareholder (19.9%) in Otter Gold.

* The issue price of NZ39 cents per share has been set at an attractive discount to current market to encourage participation by security holders. The offer is renounceable should security holders wish to sell some or all of their rights to the new shares.

* The prospectus and entitlement forms will be despatched to those security holders registered as at 22 September 2000, with the offer closing on 27 October 2000.

NORMANDY MINING (30 August 2000)

The three principal businesses of Normandy Industrial Minerals Limited - Commercial Minerals, Omya Southern and Larvik Pigment - have been sold.

NORMANDY MINING (30 August 2000)

Preliminary Final Report
OVERVIEW

PROFIT

- After tax and before abnormals, $138.4 million, up 36 percent
- Return on average capital employed, 8.1 percent
- Net abnormal writedowns $420.7 million
- Total operating contribution, $496.3 million

FINAL DIVIDEND

- 3.5 cents per share maintained, 44 percent franked
- $61.3 million distribution, payable 20 September 2000
- Total dividend for the year 6.0 cents per share, a distribution
to shareholders of $104.8 million ($102.6M)

BALANCE SHEET

- Net debt $1,307 million
- Cash $245 million, corporate and overdraft credit lines $569 million
- Net debt to net debt and equity, 57 percent

GOLD

- Consolidated contribution $426 million, up 10 percent
- Attributable sales 1.985 million ounces (1.669Moz)
- Cash margin $259 per ounce ($267/oz)
- Net realised price $563 per ounce ($596/oz)
- Total cash cost $304 per ounce ($329/oz)
- Improved contribution from Pajingo and Tanami Operations
- All mines delivered a positive margin over the spot gold price

NON-GOLD

- Zinc (Golden Grove) operating contribution, $49.8 million ($27.0M)
- Payable zinc sales, 204 million pounds (212Mlb)
- Realised zinc price, 80.2 cents per pound (69.0c/lb)
- Industrial Minerals operating contribution, $21.1 million ($24.6M)

PASMINCO (30 August 2000)

Preliminary Final Report

Pasminco recorded a profit after tax and abnormal items of $23.4 million for the 2000 year, an increase of $31.7 million from 1999's result, which was an $8.3 million loss. The result included an abnormal loss of $11.6 million relating to the impact of the change in Australia's corporate tax rate from 36% to 30% on the Group's carried forward tax losses. There were no abnormal items in 1999.

Despite the return to profit Directors consider it more prudent to apply cash flow to debt reduction, and have decided therefore not to declare a final dividend in respect of the 2000 year.

Higher production and sales volumes were achieved, including record production levels at the Company's Hobart, Clarksville and Port Pirie smelters, and costs were lower overall. However, this was partly offset by lower sales premiums and higher financing costs.

Results benefited significantly from higher zinc prices and the stronger Australian dollar/Dutch guilder exchange rate, offset by lower lead prices. The Group also benefited from tax credits arising from start-up of the Century mine. The average realised Australian/US dollar exchange rate was virtually unchanged year on year.

SYDNEY GAS COMPANY (30 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Options over unissued ordinary shares
Number of securities issued:
1,070,000
Issue price:
NZ 39 cents
Purpose of the issue
Issued where the company's employee incentive plan

TAP OIL (30 August 2000)

PRELIMINARY RESULT - PROFIT UP BY 338%

Tap Oil NL has announced its preliminary results for the year ended 30 June 2000 revealing a net profit after tax and abnormal items of $8 million, 338% up on the previous year.

This profit result was achieved on revenues of $23.3 million, up 42% on last year, largely as a result of better than forecast oil prices and oil and gas sales. The current year's result included a gain of $1.7 million as a result of changes to the tax rate compared to an exploration write off of $2.6 million in the previous year due to exploration write-offs.

BALANCE SHEET - ZERO NET DEBT

The result also showed Tap's balance sheet to be in good shape with zero net debt at year-end. In particular, the Company has some $5.5 million cash on hand in excess of its borrowings at year-end.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS - MORE PRODUCTION TO BE ON LINE SOON

Tap has a number of new oil developments in progress including Gipsy, North Gipsy and the Simpson Oil Fields. These developments are expected to be on production early next year and will materially increase current liquids production rates and hence will position the Company for a strong profit next year also. Further, a development decision is due to be made on the Woollybutt Oil Field early next year.

DISCOVERIES - LINDA SHOWING PROMISE

Tap has had an extremely aggressive drilling programme this year with 22 wells drilled. This level of activity rates the Company as one of the most active in the sector and has delivered a number of meaningful discoveries, the most recent being Linda which is looking extremely promising at this stage.

Discoveries during the year also included North Gipsy and Simpson, which as stated above are planned to be on production in early 2001 and gas discoveries Corvus and Prometheus.

OIL AND GAS RESERVES - UP 100% SINCE LISTING

The aggressive drilling programme has resulted in an increase in barrels equivalent reserves net of production by 40% an last year and 100% since listing in September 1996.

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL CARBON (30 August 2000)

Notice is hereby given of an Extraordinary General Meeting of Australian International Carbon Limited to be held on Tuesday, 26 September 2000, commencing at 10.00am at CBD Rydges Perth Hotel, Cnr Hay & King Streets Perth.

AUSTRALIAN GAS LIGHT COMPANY (30 August 2000)

AGL's Managing Director Mr Len Bleasel, and Chairman of ACTEW Mr Jim Service have signed final agreements to create the planned joint venture between AGL and ACTEW, the ACT Government owned utility. The new business will become Australia's first multi utility, with interests in electricity and gas networks and energy retailing businesses, water and sewerage services and data transmission.

The new venture will have assets of approximately $800 million. Financial close is anticipated to occur in the next 6 weeks.

Effectively the arrangements will merge AGL's Canberra region natural gas network and marketing business with the ACTEW owned electricity network and marketing business. The Joint Venture will be made up of 2 equal partnerships between AGL and ACTEW, together with a number of service arrangements from AGL to the Joint Venture for the operation of the gas parts of the businesses.

The joint venture will own and operate all the energy networks and a combined electricity and gas marketing business. The water and sewerage assets will remain in the hands of the Government but will be operated by the new Joint Venture.

ALLEGIANCE MINING (30 August 2000)

Mr David Deitz has been appointed a Director of Allegiance Mining NL; and

Mr Stephen John Dick has been appointed as an additional Company Secretary of Allegiance Mining NL, Mr David Deitz has resigned as Company Secretary.

ALLSTATE EXPLORATIONS (30 August 2000)

The Beaconsfield Mine Joint Venture ("BMJV"), in which Allstate Explorations NL holds a 51.51% interest and which it manages, has lodged two insurance claims in respect of losses it has suffered to date in the construction and operation of its bioxidation plant at the Beaconsfield Mine, Tasmania.

(a) The first claim is for up to $2,400,000, on the underwriters of the BMJV'S Contract Works/Advanced Consequential Loss insurance policy, for the losses BMJV suffered from the reduced rate of gold recovery from ore processed at the Beaconsfield Mine between January and March 2000, due to mechanical failures in the bioxidation circuit.

(b) The second claim is for up to $16.643 million in respect of damages arising from delay in commissioning the plant to date.

The insurers have yet to respond to either claim.

ANACONDA NICKEL / GOLDFIELDS (30 August 2000)

Goldfields Limited and Anaconda Nickel Limited have announced that agreement has been reached on a Regional Development Alliance between the two companies in the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia.

Under this agreement, Anaconda has agreed to grant to Goldfields the rights to explore and mine for precious metals on tenements controlled by Anaconda. Similarly, Goldfields has agreed to grant to Anaconda the rights to explore and mine for base metals on tenements controlled by Goldfields.

AUSTRALIAN OIL & GAS CORPORATION (30 August 2000)

PRELIMINARY FINAL STATEMENT

RESULT

AOG's operations for the year resulted in a loss of $3.9 million compared to a net operating profit after abnormal items and income tax of $9.4 million (20 cents per stock unit), for the previous year.

The result was achieved on revenue of $69 million, a reduction of 34% from the previous year's revenue of $105 million.

DIVIDEND

The Directors do not recommend the declaration of a final dividend and therefore no dividend will be paid for the year. The total dividends declared for the previous year amounted to 10 cents per stock unit, unfranked.

OPERATIONS

AOG Operations - AOG's major subsidiary, Oil Drilling and Exploration Limited (ODE), is Australia's leading onshore drilling contractor, drilling for oil, gas, geothermal energy and coal scam methane in Australia and overseas. ODE also provides ancillary services such as workovers of existing wells, the supply of oilfield equipment and the provision of drilling crews for other rig owners.

ASHTON MINING (30 August 2000)

BACKGROUND

Ashton has been exploring in Mauritania since 1995 and was the first explorer to be granted diamond exploration licences in the country. Together with its joint venture partner, Ashton now controls mineral licences totalling 180,000 square kilometres. Mauritania has a stable political and social environment, and the Mauritanian government is very supportive of mineral exploration.

Ashton's exploration in Mauritania is conducted under a joint venture agreement with Dia Met Minerals Limited. Ashton owns 100% interest in all mineral licences and Dia Met has an option to acquire up to a 49% interest through sole funding of $US10.0 million in exploration expenditure. Ashton is operator and manager of the joint venture.

DISCOVERY

An airborne geophysical survey was conducted over a number of the licences in the first quarter of this year. The drilling of priority geophysical targets commenced in late May and was completed in July.

A vertical reverse circulation drill hole was located at target MAQ-1 intersected kimberlite at 50 metres depth after penetrating poorly consolidated sandy overburden and continued in kimberlite until drilling was suspended at 150 metres depth. Some samples from this hole were tested by Ashton's Perth laboratory in early August and returned encouraging results.

The 23 fragments in the +0.8mm fraction of sample A23025 are considered to he derived from at least 2 discrete diamonds, the largest of which consisted of 3 parts weighing in excess of 1.7 cts in aggregate.

The second series of samples confirm the presence of diamonds in the MAQ-1 kimberlite. The variability between the results is interpreted as a consequence of the inherent variability in diamond content associated with the complex geology of kimberlite pipes.

The results are considered very encouraging. These results are the first detailed analysis of a diamondiferous kimberlite in Mauritania and indicate that this pipe has a population of larger sized diamonds.

Geophysical data, together with drill hole information, suggests that MAQ-1 is a pipe-like volcanic intrusion of approximately 8 hectares in size. Additional definition drilling and larger scale samples will be required to accurately determine pipe dimensions, diamond grade and diamond value.

In response to these encouraging results, Ashton and joint venture partner Dia Met have decided to initiate additional drilling at MAQ-1. The drill is being remobilised to the site and the hole will be repeated in order to further substantiate the results from the first hole. Additional step-out holes will be drilled to obtain more information. Subsequent results will be reported as soon as they become available.

ASHTON MINING (30 August 2000)

Ashton Mining Limited has announced that drilling at the Maqteir licence in northern Mauritania has intersected diamondiferous kimberlite. Processing of selected drill samples has recovered 78 diamonds and diamond fragments weighing 2.86 carats.

This is believed to be the first fully-documented diamondiferous kimberlite discovered in Mauritania. Although only early results, they form a strong basis on which to proceed to the next stage of the exploration and drilling program.

The Maqteir licence is held by Ashton in joint venture with Dia Met Minerals of Canada.

ASHTON MINING (30 August 2000)

Ashton Mining Limited has noted recent announcement from Rio Tinto Limited that it intends to make a cash offer of $1.85 a share for Ashton, with a scrip alternative. Ashton has been seeking alternative offers and welcomes this bid by Rio Tinto.

Ashton Chief Executive Doug Bailey said Ashton shareholders should continue to take no action in relation to their Ashton shares at this time.

Ashton's largest shareholder, Malaysia Mining Corporation Berhad, which has a 49.9% shareholding, has entered into a pre-acceptance agreement with Rio Tinto in respect of 19.9% of Ashton's issued capital.

Rio Tinto Limited is offering:

* A$1.85 in cash for each Ashton share held; or
* one Rio Tinto Limited share for every l5 Ashton shares held; or
* one Rio Tinto plc share for every l5 Ashton shares held; or
* any combination of the above.

Rio Tinto's offer represents a full and fair price for Ashton. Rio Tinto's cash offer represents a premium of 98% to the weighted average price for Ashton shares over the three months prior to the De Beers' offer. The Rio Tinto Limited and the Rio Tinto plc scrip alternatives are respectively at a 99% and a 121% premium.

AMX RESOURCES (30 August 2000)

PROSPECTUS

This Prospectus seeks to raise A$22,000,000 by offering for subscription 88,000,000 Shares at an issue price of 25 cents each, payable in full on application.

The minimum subscription for the Issue is $15,000,000. In accordance with Section 723(2) of the Corporations Law, the Company will allot no Shares until the minimum subscription has been subscribed. No oversubscriptions will be accepted.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE ISSUE

The Company proposes to apply the proceeds of the Issue to:

* the acquisition of TRWS;
* the implementation of the ANS and TRWS business plans;
* the Australian operations initial roll-out; and
* finance and transaction costs.

The issue, which is not underwritten, is subject to approval of a general meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held on 11 September 2000.

BLIGH OIL & MINERALS (30 August 2000)

PEP 38719, TARANAKI BASIN, NEW ZEALAND

Bligh Oil & Minerals NL advises that the Rimu B-1 appraisal well is currently drilling ahead at a depth of 4040 metres. The proposed total depth of the well has been revised to 4600 metres. To this point, the well has encountered fairly complex structural geology, typical of thrust belt features, and has encountered several hydrocarbon show zones, in reservoir rock of highly variable quality.
The commercial significance of these show zones, and their position in the geological column, will not be known in more detail until electric logs are run at total depth.

The Rimu B-1 is being drilled 2.4 kilometres south-southeast of the Rimu A-1 discovery well, which tested 1600 barrels of oil per day and 5 million cubic feet of gas per day from perforations in the Tariki formation at a depth of 3607-3647 metres. The well is designed to test a subordinate fault block on the southern end of the Rimu feature, to gain additional information on the areal extent of the Tariki pay sands, and the possible height of the pay column. It is defined as a long range step-out or appraisal well, which will also provide valuable information with respect to the major Kauri structure, to the south.

BLACK RANGE MINERALS (30 August 2000)

Black Range Minerals Ltd has received applications to subscribe for 14 million shares from a number of North American and Australian investors placed at a price of 26 cents through Sydney stockbrokers, Tricom Equities Limited.

These funds will be used to support ongoing activity in preparation for development of the Syerston Nickel Cobalt Platinum Project including:

* appointment of the Project EPCM engineers,
* negotiation of Joint Venture equity participation,
* arrangement of Build Own Operation (BOO) contracts for infrastructure and utilities

This work is necessary as a precursor to Black Range initiating construction work on site by the end of 1st quarter next year.
Presentation of bids from engineers is taking place in Sydney this week. Westpac Corporate Finance is progressing well with establishment of BOO positions. Strong interest has been shown in participation in the Project, particularly from entities in the international cobalt industry.

CONTACT ENERGY (30 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back - continued; maximum remaining number of shares to be bought back: 16,516,650

DUKETON GOLDFIELDS (30 August 2000)

The Company advises that the shareholders meeting was held Tuesday, 29 August at the Sydney IVF Conference Room, Level 2, 4 O'Connell Street, Sydney today at 11.00 am.

All seven items of Ordinary were approved and the one item of Special Business was approved by shareholders.

The Company advises that following the shareholder approval received at the meeting, Duketon has exercised its Second Option under the Call Option Deed to acquire the balance of shares in GeneType AG from the GeneType Shareholders as detailed in the Notice of Meeting sent to Shareholders on 24 July 2000.

The name of the company will also be changed to Genetic Technologies Limited.

For further information, click here

EASTERN ALUMINIUM (30 August 2000)

Alcoa of Australia Limited increased its relevant interest in Eastern Aluminium Limited on 28/08/2000, from 88,687,072 ordinary shares (80.70%) to 88,772,305 ordinary shares (80.78%).

ELECTROMETALS TECHNOLOGIES / WESTERN METALS (30 August 2000)

Electrometals announces the signing of an agreement with Western Metals Limited for the supply of a cobalt and copper recovery circuit at the Mt Gordon copper project in Queensland.

The Mount Gordon project currently utilises a modern solvent extraction/electrowinning (SX-EW) plant to produce cathode copper from the ore mined at Mt Gordon. However the plant is not able to recover the significant cobalt values which are now being lost into the tailings. Electrometals has designed an innovative circuit combining the EMEW technology with an ion exchange resin technology developed by IBC Advanced Technologies Inc in Salt Lake City, Utah. This circuit promises to recover the cobalt, as well as some copper and nickel (separately from the cobalt) in an efficient manner. At current cobalt prices, the capital costs of the project would be recovered in less than 18 months. Given that Mt Gordon is planned to continue in operation for more than 5 years, this represents an excellent rate of return.

For further information, click here

EMPIRE OIL & GAS (30 August 2000)

Empire Oil & Gas NL, pursuant to a Placement Prospectus dated 18 August 2000, has placed 6,000,000 shares with clients of D&D-Tolhurst at 10 cents per share to raise a gross $600,000.

Attached to the shares are 3,000,000 free options exercisable at 20 cents per share on or before 31 December 2002.

The Placement issue was closed on 29 August 2000 fully subscribed. The shares and options will be allotted on or about 1 September 2000 with application then being made for these Shares and Options to be granted official quotation by the ASX.

The funds raised are to be used to assist the Company in meeting the planned Year 2000 oil and gas exploration programme. The funds in particular will be used to expedite the commissioning of the Rough Range 1B Extended Production Test ) facility in EP 41 (Part 3) Exmouth, Western Australia.

EMPEROR MINES (30 August 2000)

In reference to an article in Fiji media on the activities of Emperor Mines Limited's Fiji subsidiary, Emperor Gold Mining Company Ltd. The article makes certain allegations which should be clarified.

Two of the four sections, Philip Shaft and Decline which are the operation's lowest grade production sections, are currently performing less than plan, however these fluctuations are within normal levels experienced at the mine.

Planning indicates that these areas are expected to return positive results in the near term. Strong cash flows from the other two sections, Smith Shaft and R1, are providing the majority of the necessary funds to withstand this expected short-term variability.

If the Philip and Decline sections however do not return positive results in the short term, production from these sections will be suspended, and consequently job losses will regrettably be avoidable.

Historically during these periods of fluctuation, the company arranges short term financing, enabling non-performing sections to maintain full production until they return to their planned economic results.

Due to events related to the recent political activity in Fiji, the company's ability to source this short term financing has been made more difficult. Therefore, Emperor has instituted cost reduction initiatives, which will assist in maintaining full production.

GREATER PACIFIC GOLD (30 August 2000)

On the 14th of July Croesus Mining NL announced that it had encountered significant gold yields at its "Giles Prospect" near Davyhurst. This mineralisation has been interpreted to sit on a major structure that can be traced for over 8 kilometres to the north of the prospect and on the 4th of August the Company reported additional high grade results at shallow depth from further reverse circulation (RC) drilling at Giles Prospect that has extended the mineralisation zone north and south. Of particular significance was an intercept of 19m @ 17.4 g/t that extends the high-grade zone a further 50 metres north than previously known.

In addition Croesus also reported in their August announcement that they had encountered extensive gold anomalism from rotary air blast (RAB) drilling in the Mulline area that is located 5 kilometres to the north of Giles Prospect. This area has returned substantial near surface and bedrock gold results from two separate zones and follow up RC is planned.

Both the Giles and Mulline prospects are situated on tenements where Greater Pacific hold a "Royalty Deed" that entitles it to a 6 % right for all production exceeding 100,000 ounces of gold.

GIANTS REEF MINING (30 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary shares fully paid 30/06/2004 options
Number of securities issued:
67,665,676 ordinary shares
69,915,676 30/06/2004 options
Issue price:
Shares - 4.0 cents per share
Options - issued free
Purpose of the issue
Proceeds to be used for general working capital and in particular a drilling programme

For company information, click here

HARDMAN RESOURCES (30 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary
Number of securities issued:
720,090
Issue price:
20 cents
Purpose of the issue
Exercise of options

INTERMIN RESOURCES (30 August 2000)

* In a prospectus dated 26 July 2000, HeartLink Ltd offered 16,270,603 ordinary shares at 20 cents each, and 16,270,603 options at an issue price of 1 cent each, to raise a total of $3,416,827. Provision was made for over subscription of up to 5,000,000 shares and options. The issue is underwritten by Hogan and Partners.

* Intermin shareholders were offered a priority 1 for 5 pro - rata entitlement to subscribe for shares, and this priority ended Tuesday 29 August oversubscribed.

* The directors advise that over-subscriptions from the general public are now being registered.

* In accordance with the HeartLink prospectus, the offer will close on or before 1 September 2000, with ASX listing shortly thereafter.

* Intermin directors are delighted with the strong demand for HeartLink shares, as Intermin will retain approximately 25% of the newly - listed HeartLink Ltd.

LAKES OIL (30 August 2000)

GIPPSLAND
Lakes Oil advises that it has called for tenders to drill two exploration wells in PEP 157, onshore Gippsland Basin (formerly PEP 137), hopefully before Christmas. The wells are to be named "Trifon No. 1" and "Gangell No. 1". The proposed Trifon No. 1 well is located approximately 1.6 kilometres south of North Seaspray No. 3 which flowed gas to surface when drilled by Lakes Oil earlier this year. The Trifon Prospect is a "deeper" play than North Seaspray No. 3 and has resulted from a geological assessment of the three previous North Seaspray wells which has recently been undertaken by the Company.

The proposed Gangell No. 1 well, which will be drilled further south towards the coast, is a separate structure and is located approximately 2.5 kilometres from North Seaspray No. 3. This well also results from our re-interpretation of the data gathered from the wells previously drilled in the nearby vicinity.

The proposed wells are expected to cost approximately $1m each. Preliminary discussions have taken place with several major companies to ascertain whether they are interested in participating in the wells by sharing the costs. Discussions are continuing and no decision has yet been made as to the percentage interests which may be available, or indeed if a farm-out will eventually take place at all.

Both of the wells will test what Lakes Oil believes are large alluvial fans located at a depth of approximately 1,500 metres. Should these fans contain hydrocarbons, they have the potential to be of major significance to Lakes Oil and will represent a major breakthrough in energy supply for Victoria. As previously advised, the pipelines carrying both oil and gas from the offshore Bass Strait fields to the processing plant at Longford traverse or are close to both the Trifon and Gangell structures.

UNITED STATES

Lakes Oil also wishes to advise that it has entered into discussions with Victoria Petroleum N.L. whereby Lakes Oil may earn a 20% interest in Victoria’s "Eagle" prospect located in California, USA.

The Eagle Prospect is seismically interpreted to have the potential to contain up to 40 million barrels of oil and 88 billion cubic feet of gas, if oil and gas are present. The Eagle Prospect is considered to be relatively low risk, as a well drilled during the mid 1980’s on the southern edge of the Eagle Prospect flowed oil and gas at a cumulative rate of up to 325 barrels of oil and one million cubic feet of gas per day. The well planned for the Eagle Prospect will be offsetting this initial well where the discovery was made.

The Eagle well is scheduled for drilling during December 2000, following farmout.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Lakes Oil will also have an approximate 10% interest in an Otway Basin well named "McNamara Deep" which is scheduled to be drilled by Origin Energy during January/February 2001 in PEL 72, South Australia. The location of this well is close to Katnook infrastructure and will be awaited with interest. The maximum target size of the prospect is of the order of 115 BCF of gas, should gas be present.

In all, Lakes Oil expects to participate in the drilling of 4 wells between November 2000 and February 2001. For additional information, click here.

LAKES OIL (30 August 2000)

The Board of Directors of Lakes Oil NL advise that all resolutions were carried from the General Meeting of Members which was held at 10.00 am Tuesday 29 August.

For company information, click here.

MIM HOLDINGS (30 August 2000)

The Company advise that the Annual General Meeting of this Company will be held on Tuesday 31 October 2000 at 10.00 am at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Cnr Merivale and Glenelg Streets, South Brisbane.

At this meeting an election of directors will take place.

MINERAL COMMODITIES / GOLDFIELDS (30 August 2000)

Mineral Commodities Ltd announces that settlement of the sale of the company's 49 per cent interest in the Mungari West Joint Venture (White Foil) to the Goldfields Limited Group has been finalized.

NORTH (30 August 2000)

Rio Tinto Investments Two Pty Limited's (RTI) offer for North closed Monday 28 August.

Rio Tinto advises that:
* the RTI and its associates have a relevant interest in 97.73% of the ordinary shares in North; and

* that compulsory acquisition commenced with the filing and dispatch of compulsory acquisition notices on 18 August 2000.

NORMANDY NFM (30 August 2000)

Normandy Mining Limited increased its relevant interest in Normandy NFM Limited on 25/08/2000, from 64,654,253 ordinary shares (84.86%) to 66,629,754 ordinary shares (87.45%).

PHOENIX MINING (30 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Fully paid ordinary shares
Number of securities issued:
(a) 3,100,000 (Placement)
(b) 988 (Option Conversions)
Issue price:
(a) 12 cents per share
(b) 20 cents per share
Purpose of the issue
Placement and Exercise of options - Funds will be applied towards working capital

PILBARA MINES (30 August 2000)

Pilbara Mines Ltd (Pilbara) 95% owned subsidiary, Request DSL Pty Ltd (Request DSL), advises that it has signed a Facilities Access Agreement (FAA) with Telstra on the commercial terms and conditions governing access to Telstra's nation-wide network of telephone exchanges.

This is the first stage in enabling Request DSL to install DSL networking equipment in Telstra exchanges as part of a national broadband network rollout plan.

PORTMAN (30 August 2000)

Thiess Pty Ltd decreased its relevant interest in Portman Limited on 29/08/2000, from 27,147,169 ordinary shares (15.38%) to 23,147,169 ordinary shares (13.11%).

QUADRANT AUSTRALIA (30 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Options
Number of securities issued:
19,000,000
Issue price:
Nil
Purpose of the issue
Directors and Consultants Options

RANGER MINERALS (30 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back - continued; maximum remaining number of shares to be bought back: 343,150

SABRE RESOURCES (30 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary fully paid shares
Number of securities issued:
20,000
Issue price:
38 cents per share value
Purpose of the issue
Issued in payment for professional services provided to company.

SONS OF GWALIA (30 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back - continued; maximum remaining number of shares to be bought back: 2,948,409

STRIKER RESOURCES (30 August 2000)

ASHMORE DIAMOND PROJECT

The company advises that the new heavy media separation (HMS) plant built by Bateman Limited in South Africa has arrived on site at Ashmore. Erection of the new plant and modifications to the existing washing circuit will take approximately 3 weeks to complete.

The plant is capable of increasing throughput to 15 tonnes of concentrate per hour to the HMS and the plant will run on a double shift basis. The maximum screen size has been increased from 10mm to 25mm allowing the capacity to recover larger diamonds than previously possible.

Earthmoving equipment has been on site for 3 weeks and the excavation of 68,000 tonnes of kimberlite from Ashmore 1, 2 and 4 pipes is on schedule for completion in late September. Material is currently being stockpiled for processing.

Near surface kimberlite extracted in 1999 has been passed through the existing plant and both reject material from the HMS and oversize from the trommel have been stockpiled for reprocessing through the new plant for further diamond recovery and audit. The objective for the 2000 field season is to examine kimberlite at the deeper levels, 25-30m from surface. Material processed to date has included heavily contaminated near surface ore blocks and some less contaminated material at deeper levels.

EXPLORATION

DRILLING PROGRAM

Drilling commenced this week with the first target being the Banksia gravity/EM Anomaly, some 3km south of the Ashmore Pipes. The rig will then move to the Seppelt Project area.

The total program is 4,000 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling and is expected to take 4 weeks to complete. Drill samples will be transported to Perth for processing and observation. Results will be reported as they become available.

STRAITS RESOURCES (30 August 2000)

The Company advises that 125,000 options issued pursuant to the company's Executive Share Option Plan expired on 27th August 2000.

TRITON CORPORATION (30 August 2000)

Minivale Pty Ltd ceased to be a substantial shareholder in Triton Corporation Limited on 25/08/2000.

UNION CAPITAL (30 August 2000)

As at 25th August 2000 Union Capital Limited will be moving to:

Interim Technology House
Suite 1, Level 3
200 Creek Street
Brisbane, Qld
Australia

Postal Address:

PO Box 728
Spring Hill, Qld, 4004

New Phone Numbers:

Phone: +61 7 3833 3833
Fax: +61 7 3833 3888

VICTORIA PETROLEUM (30 August 2000)

Victoria Petroleum NL has been advised by Apache Energy Ltd, the Operator for the WA-261-P Joint Venture, that the Chamois-1 exploration well spudded at 1700 hours on 24th March 2000, and at 0600 hours 29 August 2000 WST is attempting to cure circulation losses at 1,356 metres.

The Chamois Prospect has been interpreted from 3D seismic to have potential to contain up to 29 million barrels of oil in multiple target Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic sands, if oil is present. Chamois-1 is interpreted to be on trend and updip to the Oryx-1 Triassic oil discovery 5 kilometres to the north of WA-261-P in the adjacent Apache Energy operated permit WA-209-P containing the 45 million barrel producing Stag Field 15 kilometres to the east.

Chamois-1 is programmed for a Total Depth of 1,529 metres, and is expected to take 6 days to drill from spud.

VICTORIA PETROLEUM (30 August 2000)

Operator, Apache Energy Ltd advised Chamois 1 participants that Chamois 1 at 0600 hours Tuesday, 29 August 2000 was at 1,356 metres (RT) and current activity is attempting to cure large circulation losses before resuming normal drilling and logging operations.

The Mungaroo Formation target has yet to be penetrated by the drilling. Analysis of the MWD logs late yesterday suggest zones of hydrocarbon interest are present in Jurassic Formation sands that warrant assessment by the RDT logging tool. If the RDT tool results are positive consideration would be given to sidetracking to core and to run liner and testing.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM (30 August 2000)

Woodside Petroleum Ltd, Operator of the WA-5-L Joint Venture, reports that the Castor-1 exploration well located in the Carnarvon Basin was spudded at 1900 hrs WST on 24 August 2000. On 29 August 2000 the operation was pulling out of hole to run casing. The hole depth was 2362 metres.

The Sedco 702 drill rig is drilling the well. The location is approximately 2.5 kilometres north of the Dixon Field. Water depth at the location is 89 metres and planned total depth is 3661 metres.

AUSMELT (29 August 2000)

Ausmelt Limited announces the signing of a new agreement with Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), the world's largest primary producer of platinum group metals. Amplats is to install an Ausmelt Technology smelter at its Rustenberg complex for the conversion of nickel matte containing Platinum Group Metals.

The new plant will be installed at a total cost of around 1.4 billion South African Rand (A$350 million). Ausmelt has executed a contract with Amplats, for A$ 5.9 million, covering engineering and supply of the core equipment including lances, lance cleaning devices and lance seals. A further contract covering the licensing of Ausmelt's patented technology and entitling Ausmelt to a substantial license fee will be finalised later this week. Hatch (Africa) is managing the project for Amplats and will provide the balance of the engineering.

ASHANTI GOLDFIELDS COMPANY (29 August 2000)

Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited has completed the on-sale of certain assets of Teberebie Goldfields Limited to Gold Fields Ghana Limited, as announced when Ashanti acquired the Teberebie mine on 19 June through its acquisition of Pioneer Goldfields Limited from the Pioneer Group Inc.

The assets sold include the Teberebie north pit, a gyratory crusher and associated fixed and mobile equipment for which Ashanti has received a cash payment of US$5 million. For the entire property, Ashanti paid Pioneer US$5 million cash and will pay the US$13.8 million balance over the next five years.

BHP / MITSUBISHI / QCT RESOURCES (29 August 2000)

BHP and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd have announced a joint cash offer of A$1.20 per share for all of the ordinary shares in QCT Resources (QRL). The offer has been made by MetCoal Holdings, a company jointly owned by BHP and Mitsubishi.

The $830 million offer will confirm BHP's dominance in Australia's coking coal industry and the price of $1.20 per share is a 30 per cent increase on prices in July and a 22 per cent premium on QRL's closing on Friday.

Shareholders of QRL are advised to take no action in relation to the BHP/ Mitsubishi takeover offer until QRL's Directors have issued their formal recommendation regarding the offer.

QRL's Directors will review the Bidder's statement received from MetCoal, and any other offer that may emerge, and will ensure that shareholders have ample time to make a decision in respect of the offer(s).

BHP (29 August 2000)

BHP has announced it had agreed to acquire a 4.95 per cent interest in the Genesis Field in the deep water Gulf of Mexico from Petrofina Delaware Inc, a subsidiary of TotalFinaElf S A.

BHP's share of gross recoverable reserves is estimated to be 6.7 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe). Further, under the terms of the agreement, BHP is entitled to net operating revenue from its equity interest from 1 January 2000. The Company's share of production is expected to average 3 000/boe per day for the first few years.

Genesis is located in Green Canyon Blocks 160, 161 and 205, approximately 137km (85 miles) from the Louisiana coast. Water depth at the platform is 790m (2600ft). Other joint venture participants in the field are Chevron (56.67% and operator) and Exxon Mobil (38.38%).

BHP (29 August 2000)

BHP has announced further results from the Atlantis 2 appraisal well confirming a major oil accumulation with a multi-hundred million barrel resource potential.

Atlantis 2, located in the Atwater Foldbelt ultra deepwater area of the Gulf of Mexico, encountered further oil bearing sands with net pay in excess of 61m (200ft). The oil zone, together with the oil-bearing sands reported in July this year, gives a total net pay of over 153m. (500ft).

BULLION MINERALS (29 August 2000)

PROSPECTUS

An issue of 15,000, ordinary shares at an issue price of 20 cents each and 15,000,000 free attaching options. The Issue is fully underwritten and the purpose of the Issue is to raise sufficient funds for:-

(a) Exploration of the tenements detailed in this Prospectus.
(b) Investigation, acquisition and exploration of additional tenements, yet to be identified, which may be considered by the Directors to have special merit.
(c) Providing the costs of the Issue, working capital and meeting administration costs.

BULLION MINERALS (29 August 2000)

Bullion Minerals Limited has applied for admission to the official list of Australian Stock Exchange Limited and for quotation of its securities. It has been given a provisional ASX code. Provision of an ASX code and publication of the following information does not mean that the entity will be admitted or that its securities will be quoted.

CONTACT ENERGY (29 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back - continued; maximum remaining number of shares to be bought back: 16,916,650

DEFIANCE MINING (29 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
(a) Fully paid ordinary shares (Ordinary Shares)
(b) Options to acquire fully paid ordinary shares (Options)
Number of securities issued:
(a) 15,750,000 Ordinary Shares
(b) 11,812,000 Options
Issue price:
15,750,000 Shares to be issued at 3.2 cents each with 11,812,000 attaching Options
Purpose of the issue
To raise additional working capital

EAGLE BAY RESOURCES (29 August 2000)

At the request of the directors of Harbin Liumao Carbon Technical and Development Company Ltd, China (HLC), negotiations to form a joint venture to re-open the Uley mine have been suspended. HLC have stated their reasons to be their continued reservations over additional cost to access water and the Australian restrictions on bringing HLC workers from China to work on the project in Australia.

In the midst of these negotiations with HLC, world graphite prices have increased 10% and a native title claim on the Uley retention licence tenements is being progressed, all of which has added uncertainties to the Uley Project.

The directors are now considering how to resolve the native title claim and will maintain the current care and maintenance status of the Uley Graphite Mine.

FRASER RANGE HOLDINGS (29 August 2000)

The Directors advise that Messrs David Herlihy, Noel Bracks and Michael Kelly have been appointed to the Board.

GOLDSEARCH / INDEPENDENCE GOLD / RANGER MINERALS (29 August 2000)

Goldsearch Limited has signed a letter of agreement with Independence Gold NL and Ranger Minerals Ltd to participate, under a joint venture agreement, in the exploration, development and mining of tenements held by Goldsearch. The agreement is subject to the approval of Goldsearch shareholders and does not include the Mt Kelly project. A date for a general meeting to obtain shareholder approval for the agreement will be advised in a subsequent announcement.

HITEC ENERGY (29 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ord
Number of securities issued:
25,000,000
Issue price:
9 Cents
Purpose of the issue
To complete the funding of a bankable feasibility study for the HiTec Manganese Project and to provide working capital.

HERITAGE GOLD NZ (29 August 2000)

Heritage Gold NZ Limited advises that at the Annual Meeting of shareholders held Monday, 28 August, all 9 resolutions were passed by the requisite majorities.

ILUKA RESOURCES (29 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Odinary shares
Number of securities issued:
4,000
Issue price:
4,000 @ $3.94
Purpose of the issue
4,000 shares issued pursuant to the exercise of 4,000 options issued under the Iluka Resources Employee Incentive Options Scheme

MIM HOLDINGS (29 August 2000)

Preliminary Final Report
MAIN POINTS:

* Net profit after outside equity interests was $166.6 million.

* MIM's share after tax profit, before abnormal items, was $111.8 million, a turnaround of $150 million from the previous year. The group's copper-gold, zinc-lead-silver and coal product streams increased earnings before interest and tax.

* Key production factors:

* Lower unit production costs at Mount Isa copper as mining costs were reduced and smelting/refining output increased.

* Operating improvements at the coal operations reduced costs offsetting lower coal prices.

* Scheduled lower grades and increased mill maintenance at Alumbrera reduced production and consequently sales, offsetting gains from improved copper and gold prices.

* Below plan smelter utilisation at Avonmouth resulting from poor reliability of associated plant and equipment and a premature furnace refractory failure - repaired in August 2000. A comprehensive programme has been initiated at Avonmouth aimed at improving plant reliability.

* Increased sales revenue - largely through increased sales of lead and coking coal, which more than offset lower prices for those commodities, and higher prices for copper and zinc.

* Improved cashflow from operating activities.

* Capital expenditure reduced as major projects are concluding.

* Debt reduced, in spite of the weaker A$.

* Interest cover increased.

* Increased dividend.

MONEY MINING (29 August 2000)

TO BE RENAMED RAMBORA TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED ACN 009 173 611

The fully underwritten issue of 25,000,000 Shares at an issue price of $0.22 each payable in full on application together with 25,000,000 free attaching Options to raise $5,500,000; and for the offer to all shareholders of Satcom Pty Ltd for the acquisition of their Satcom shares on the terms and conditions set out in this Prospectus. Underwritten by Findlay & Co Stockbrokers Limited.

MONEY MINING (29 August 2000)

Money Mining is moving into e-commerce with the announcement of an all-scrip bid for B2B outfit Satcom. Trading of the Company's shares have been suspended since March pending the acquisition.

NORTH (29 August 2000)

Rio Tinto Investments Two Pty Ltd increased its relevant interest in North Limited on 25/08/2000, from 708,151,313 ordinary shares (95.34%) to 721,866,341 ordinary shares (97.18%).

PLACER DOME INC (29 August 2000)

The exchange rate used to calculate the payment of dividend No 48 in Australian currency to shareholders with Australian addresses of record will be:

US $1 = AUS $1.6863

Accordingly the dividend rate per share in Australian dollars will be $.084315.

PILBARA MINES (29 August 2000)

INFORMATION UPDATE

TEUTONIC BORE PROJECT

* The Pre-Feasibility study into treating surface resources at TeutonicBore to produce copper, zinc, silver and gold is progressing well withpreliminary metallurgical flotation and Activox leach tests completed.Excellent recoveries of base and precious metals in concentrate productionand base metals in the Activox leach heach have been achieved. Thepreliminary operating cost and revenue balance is positive, with thecapital costs currently being assessed. A detailed analysis withrecommendations is nearing completion and should be available within 10days.

* Exploration air-core drilling south of the Teutonic Bore mine commencedlate in June 2000, delayed by un-seasonal wet weather. A total of 14,500metres were completed in 179 holes. A number of zones of anomalous goldand base metal mineralisation were intersected, below transportedoverburden, in areas of no or limited previous drilling. Follow upsampling is currently being completed to determine the significance ofthese results. Data is currently being reviewed and further results areawaited, prior to further drilling.

* Pilbara have been approached by a major mining company regarding apossible joint venture into base metal exploration on the Teutonic Boreproject. Pilbara will continue discussions.

* The above progress is in line with Pilbara's stated objectives to develop the surface resources at Teutonic Bore and to discover further economic base and precious metal mineralisation within Pilbara's projectarea.

QUEENSLAND GAS COMPANY (29 August 2000)

Thiess Pty Ltd became a substantial shareholder in Queensland Gas Company Limited on 28/08/2000 with a relevant interest in the issued share capital of 6,000,000 ordinary shares (7.5%).

GFK Investments Pty Ltd, Javea Pty Ltd, Robert Michael Bell and Pamela Joan Bell each became a substantial shareholder in Queensland Gas Company Limited on 23/08/2000 with a relevant interest as below:

GFK Investments Pty Ltd 20,750,000 ordinary shares (25.9%)
Javea Pty Ltd 20,750,000 ordinary shares (25.9%)
Robert Michael Bell 20,750,000 ordinary shares (25.9%)
Pamela Joan Bell 20,775,000 ordinary shares (26.0%)

Norman Joseph Zillman became a substantial shareholder in Queensland Gas Company Limited on 23/08/2000 with a relevant interest in the issued share capital of 18,250,000 ordinary shares (22.8%).

This information is based on a total number of securities of 80,000,000.

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REDFIRE RESOURCES (29 August 2000)

The Company advises that Mr Tim Clifton has resigned as a Director of Redfire Resources Ltd.

SANTOS LIMITED (29 August 2000)

BHP and Mitsubishi have announced a joint takeover offer for QCT Resources Ltd at a price of A$1.20 per share.

Santos owns 250.4 million shares in QCT Resources Limited, representing 36.4% of QCT Resources Limited's issued capital.

At Santos' Annual General Meeting on 5 May 2000 the Company indicated that Santos has had its investment in QCT Resources Limited under review for some time and considers it non-core to Santos' future. The Company also stated that it will only proceed to take action on its investment in QCT Resources Limited if it is confident of achieving fair value for Santos shareholders.

Consistent with this objective Santos appointed Deutsche Bank to consider alternative means of realising the investment in QCT Resources Limited. As part of the investigation there have been ongoing discussions with a number of parties regarding Santos' investment in QCT Resources Limited.

The Board of Santos has not made any decision on the proposed offer from BHP and Mitsubishi. The Board will consider the offer in due course.

SONS OF GWALIA (29 August 2000)

PRELIMINARY FINAL REPORT FOR THE 199912000 FINANCIAL YEAR

$58.3 MILLION RECORD PROFIT FOR SONS OF GWALIA LTD

Sons of Gwalia Ltd ha announced a record consolidated operating profit after tax and prior to abnormal items for the 199912000 financial year of $58.31 million.

The Company said that the 7 per cent increase over the previous year's result was the eighth successive year of increased after tax pre-abnormal profit.

The consolidated operating profit, after tax and including an abnormal profit of $1.278 million, was $59.59 million, a 113 per cent increase over the previous post abnormal profit.

STRIKE MINING (29 August 2000)

Strike Mining NL (soon to be named Select-Tel Limited) advises that planning is on foot to dispose of the Company's mining interests by the issue of shares in the Company's subsidiary, Strike Exploration Pty Ltd (which holds all the mineral exploration tenements) to existing shareholder of the Company on a pro rata basis, subject to approval of shareholders at a General Meeting to be called in the near future.

The issue price of 20c per share issued in terms of the prospectus dated 6 June 2000 did not take into account the value of existing mining assets. In valuing their shares in the Company, shareholders are advised to take into consideration the possible receipt of shares in the company holding all the mineral exploration assets previously controlled by Strike Mining NL through its subsidiary. This company will be developed into a new mining company.

SUN RESOURCES (29 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary fully paid shares
Number of securities issued:
9,500,000
Issue price:
12 cents
Purpose of the issue
The purpose of the issue is to raise funds for:
(i) Further exploration of the company's petroleum properties;
(ii) Investigation, acquisition and exploration of additional prospects which are considered by the directors to have special merit;
(iii) Providing additional working capital and meeting administration costs of the company and its subsidiaries

SUN RESOURCES (29 August 2000)

The Chamois Prospect, a NW tilted upthrown fault block structure on the western side of a prominent NE trending regional fault, is being tested by a 1,529 metre deep well. Target reservoirs are the Lower Cretaceous M Australis Sandstone, specific sand members of the Lower Jurassic Athol Sandstone, and the middle Triassic, S Quadrifidus Sandstone of the Mungaroo Formation. Target reserves are up to 29 million barrels of oil recoverable in the Athol and Mungaroo objectives. From the 3D seismic a small hydrocarbon accumulation (gas?) is probable in the M Australis, but at this stage a potential resource estimate has not been made by the Operator. The Chamois Prospect is a look-a-like to the Oryx Prospect oil discovery made recently by Apache on the same regional fault structures some 10 kilometres to the northeast in WA-209-P.

VICTORIA PETROLEUM (29 August 2000)

The Chamois-1 exploration well spudded at 1700 hours on 24th March 2000, and at 0600 hours 28 August 2000 WST is drilling ahead at 1,033 metres.

The Chamois Prospect has been interpreted from 3D seismic to have potential to contain up to 29 million barrels of oil in multiple target Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic sands, if oil is present. Chamois-1 is interpreted to be on trend and updip to the Oryx-1 Triassic oil discovery 5 kilometres to the north of WA-261-P in the adjacent Apache Energy operated permit WA-209-P containing the 45 million barrel producing Stag Field 15 kilometres to the east.

Chamois-1 is programmed for a Total Depth of 1,529 metres, and is expected to take 6 days to drill from spud.

Well Name: Chamois-1
Basin: Offshore Carnarvon Basin
Permit: WA-261-P
Location: Latitude 20 deg 22 feet 35.80 inch S
Longitude 116 deg 01 feet 20.20 inch E
Proposed Total Depth: 1529m
Reservoir Targets: Sandstones of the Lower Cretaceous M.Australis, Jurassic Athol and Triassic Mungaroo Formation.
Time of Reporting: 0600 hrs WST
Current Well Depth: 1033.5 metres.
Hydrocarbon Indications: Hydrocarbon fluorescence has been observed over the M Australis and Jurassic Athol Formation targets, over the interval 772 - 965 metres.

Details are:

772.0 to 810.0m in SILTY CLAYSTONE and SILTSTONE: 10% to 45% dull to moderately bright yellowish green patchy to rarely pinpoint direct fluorescence, slow to moderate blooming cut, moderate white to pale green solvent fluorescence, moderately thick, moderately bright bluish yellow residual ring.

810.0 to 840.Om in GREENSAND and SANDSTONE: 5% to 10% dull greenish yellow pinpoint direct fluorescence, very slow bleeding cut, moderate translucent bluish white solvent fluorescence, very thin, moderately bright greenish white residual ring.

840.0 to 885.Om in SILTY CLAYSTONE: Trace to 5% moderately bright pinpoint to occasionally patchy greenish yellow direct fluorescence, very weak, slow blooming cut, dull translucent pale green solvent fluorescence, thin moderately bright greenish white residual ring.

885.0 to 900.0m in SANDSTONE (Trace to 20%): moderately bright to bright patchy to pinpoint yellowish white direct fluorescence, slow blooming cut, moderately bright bluish white solvent fluorescence, thin bright yellowish white residual ring.

900.0 to 965.0m in CALCAREOUS SILTSTONE, SILTY CLAYSTONE and minor SANDSTONE: Trace to 25%: moderately dull yellowish white to greenish yellow direct fluorescence, very slow, very weak bleeding cut, moderately dull translucent bluish white solvent fluorescence, moderately bright greenish yellow residual ring.

Note: Trace shows below 945.0 mRT are probably cavings.

Operations last period: Drill to 732m. Run and cement 244mm casing to
732m. Drill ahead in 216mm hole to 1033m.

Operations next 24 hours: Drill 216mm hole towards objective intra-Mungaroo sands at approximately 1479 metres. Victoria Petroleum NL considers the prospects for oil and gas exploration in WA-261-P are encouraging in view of the hydrocarbon discoveries in the immediate area and the prolific production from the Carnarvon Basin in general, Australia's premier petroleum province.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM (29 August 2000)

Zurich Australia Group Limited ceased to be a substantial shareholder in Woodside Petroleum Limited on 10/07/2000.

QUEENSLAND GAS COMPANY (25 August 2000)

COMMENCEMENT OF OFFICIAL QUOTATION

Queensland Gas Company Limited was admitted to the official list of Australian Stock Exchange Limited on Thursday, 24/08/2000.

Official quotation of the following securities will commence on Monday, 28 August 2000.
61,500,000 fully paid ordinary shares
ASX CODE: QGC

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AMX RESOURCES (25 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE - To issue up to 88 million shares @ 25 cents/share.

AUSTRALIAN GAS LIGHT COMPANY (25 August 2000)

Referring to speculation about the future of AGL's energy distribution networks, Managing Director Mr Len Bleasel said "the Company was still reviewing the various possibilities of how to realise the full value of its assets and confirmed that no decision had been made at this stage. This is in keeping with the announcement made in December 1999 that all the Company's assets would be reviewed during year 2000."

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 17 October 2000.

ANVIL MINING (25 August 2000)

Golden Star Resources Ltd, announces that it has signed a letter of intent with Barnato Exploration Limited and Western Areas Limited to acquire a 90% interest in the Prestea gold project in Ghana by purchasing a 90% interest in Barnex Prestea Limited. The Prestea property is located immediately south of the Bogoso mine, in which Golden Star acquired a 70% interest in September 1999.

AUSMELT LIMITED / AURION ENERGY (25 August 2000)

Ausmelt is pleased to note the listing of AuIron Energy Limited (ASX code: AUY) on the Alternative Investment Market in London.
Ausmelt is the largest shareholder in AuIron with 30 million shares and 7.5 million options (exercise price 45 cents).

AUSTRALIAN WORLDWIDE EXPLORATION (25 August 2000)

AWE advises that the operating loss for the financial year was $3,922,000 and that no dividend has been paid or declared in respect of the financial year.
AWE advises that the Annual General Meeting will be held on 23 November.

CALTEX AUSTRALIA (25 August 2000)

HIGHLIGHTS OF FIRST HALF

* Profit up 16%

* Sales volumes up 6.7%

* Retail non-fuel income up $5.7m up 4l%

MAJOR FEATURES

* Half year net profit after tax of $41.1 million, up $5.7 million from $35.4 million in the corresponding 1999 period.

* Earnings per share were 15.2 cents per share (cps) compared with 13.1 cents per share for the corresponding prior period.

* Return on shareholders' equity was at the rate of 8.1 % per annum up from 7.3% in the first half of 1999.

* An interim dividend of 10 cps fully franked has been declared compared with 8 cps in first half of 1999. Record date is 8 September, with the dividend payable on 15 September 2000.

* Trading profit was impacted by the rising oil price offset by strong market competition. The average refining margin was US$2.80 per barrel compared with US$1.78 per barrel for corresponding period.

* Sales volumes and market share up compared to same period 1999.

* The convenience store network grew to 142 outlets with retail non-fuel income totalling $19.6m, up $5.7m on first half 1999. Average per store sales increased by 8.7% compared to first half 1999.

* The supermarket expansion is progressing through local government approval process. Bondi and Rose Bay supermarkets are well established and South Yarra has opened in July 2000. Three more stores are anticipated by year-end.

* The company's Nice 'n Easy(TM) brand positioning continued with a successful advertising campaign being run over several months.

CALTEX AUSTRALIA (25 August 2000)

Caltex Australia has announced an improved half-year net profit after tax of $41.1 million, up $5.7 million from $35.4 million for the same period last year. Earnings per share were 15.2 cents, 2.1 cents per share more than the corresponding period last year.

Directors declared an interim fully franked dividend for the six months to June 2000 of $27 million, or 10 cents per share. This compares with a dividend of 8 cents per share for the first half of 1999. The record date is 8 September, with the dividend payable an 15 September.

CENTRAL KALGOORLIE GOLD MINES (25 August 2000)

Mr Anthony Ho has resigned from the position of Company Secretary.
Ms Julie-Anne Wolseley has been appointed to the position of Company Secretary.

CONTACT ENERGY (25 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back - continued; maximum remaining number of shares to be bought back: 17,298,690

DELTA GOLD (25 August 2000)

In the March 2000 Part A Statement for the takeover of Ross Mining, Delta Gold forecast a net profit after tax for the 1999/2000 financial year of approximately $34 million and, subject to achievement of that earnings forecast, an intention to distribute a final dividend of nine cents per share. In June 2000, political and social unrest in Solomon Islands and economic conditions in Zimbabwe led to the suspension of operations at the Gold Ridge and Eureka mines.

While the changed circumstances have had only a limited impact on operating profit for 1999/2000, Delta's Directors have determined that abnormal and extraordinary writedowns will be necessary because of the prevailing uncertainties in Solomon Islands and Zimbabwe. This will result in a significant loss after these writedowns. Although final accounts are still being prepared and audited, the aggregate of net abnormal and extraordinary losses is expected to be in the range of $130 million to $150 million. As a consequence, Directors have determined that a final dividend in respect of the 1999/2000 financial year will not be paid.

DIORO EXPLORATION (25 August 2000)

Dioro wishes to advise that it has made an announcement toAustralian Stock Exchange Limited (ASX) on 15 August 2000 in respect of a claim over a portion of its Mungarri East joint venture tenements. The announcement is set out in the annexures to this Supplementary Prospectus and the full text is set out in this Supplementary Prospectus for the information of shareholders. The announcement made is as follows:
"Dioro has been informed that Goldfields Exploration Pty Ltd asserts claims both in its own name and in the name of Gilt Edge Mining NL over a portion of tenements the subject of the Mines and Resources Australia Pty Ltd and Dioro Joint Venture in the Lake Kopai Region to the south of Kundana.
Dioro emphasises that the asserted tenement claim does not extend to the Joint Venture Frog's Leg target located on mining lease 15/688, a granted tenement held by this Joint Venture.
The claims made by Goldfields Exploration are in relation to a portion of Mining Lease applications 15/1187-1188 applied for by Mines and Resources and Dioro.
Dioro has requested Mines and Resources Australia Pty Ltd to confirm the validity of the Joint Venture Tenements in the light of the asserted claims and is awaiting a reply from Mines and Resources.

DRILLSEARCH ENERGY (25 August 2000)

CIRCUMPACIFIC ENERGY CORPORATION - LAMBERT GAS WELL, ALBERTA, CANADA
PROGRESS REPORT NO. 3

(Drillsearch Energy NL owns 55% of Circumpacific Energy Corporation.
Circumpacific is listed on CDNX Listing Code: CER)

Drillsearch Energy NL advises progress by its Canadian subsidiary, Circumpacific Energy Corporation, in drilling of the Lambert well, Alberta, Canada.

WELL NAME:

TLM Oiltech Lambert 5-4-52-22 W5M.

AREA LOCATION:

Lambert approximately 180 km west of Edmonton, Calgary, Canada

REPORT:

The operator, Talisman Energy Inc, reported at 4.00 pm, 24th August, 2000, (AEST), that the well had reached a depth of 3,275 metres. After surveys the well was drilling ahead.

Progress since the last report on 15th August, 2000, totalled 1,111 metres. The well was still ahead of the proposed drilling schedule and it is proposed that intermediate casing be set at around 3,700 metres.

PROPOSED TOTAL WELL DEPTH:

4,799 metres. Anticipating to terminate in the Cambrian system.

FEDERATION RESOURCES (25 August 2000)

Mr John Fraser, managing director of the Company, has exercised his full entitlement of 991,891 options that are due to expire 31 August 2000.
The exercise of the options entitles Mr John Fraser one ordinary share for every one option exercised.

GIANTS REEF (25 August 2000)

Giants Reef commenced an 18 month drilling programme on the 8th of August 2000 to test in the order of 24 geological and geophysical targets. Three targets have been drilled with one hole in each to date, namely Troy Shallows, Macedon and Thrace. The Company advises that very encouraging mineralisation was found at two of the three prospects drilled.

Percussion/diamond hole THRD002, drilled to test the Thrace magnetic anomaly, intersected a mineralised zone containing hematite, carbonate, chalchopyrite, quartz and chlorite. This zone contains an 11 metre interval assaying 16.5 grams gold per tonne commencing at a depth of 254 metres, including 2 metres at 90 grams per tonne. Five metres averaging 1.26% copper commencing at a depth of 253 metres was also intersected.

Geophysical data suggests that this intersection is adjacent to a larger and untested magnetic ironstone body. A down-hole magnetic survey will be carried out in a couplef of weeks to pin-point the main target for subsequent drilling.

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HENRY WALKER ELTIN GROUP (25 August 2000)

Henry Walker Eltin (HWE) and BHP Iron Ore announced they have agreed to the terms to allow extension of the mining contract for BHP's Yandi mine, 120 km north of Newman, in Western Australia.

The companies described the 28 month extension as a "win-win" outcome that will deliver further cost savings and productivity improvements at the Yandi mining operations.

The agreement follows a six month process of negotiations and benchmarking by BHP and HWE to identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency gains at the mine. The revised arrangements will result in mining and processing rates that will see the Yandi operation remain globally competitive.

Henry Walker Eltin reports a strong start to the new year with the securing of contracts valued at approximately $400 million. The additional contracts have taken the company's contracting work on hand to $1870 million, the highest level yet achieved by the company.
Chief Executive Officer Richard Ryan said that the order book success had followed the trend of improving tendering activity levels that had been apparent since December 1999.
"The business climate for contracting, particularly contract mining, improved steadily over the course of the six months to 30 June 2000. We're delighted to be able to begin the 2001 year with further order book growth and good enquiry levels.
"The new work and extensions follow on from a record order book performance in 2000 and highlight that there is a healthy level of work available and flowing through to contractors such as Henry Walker Eltin."
The major element of the addition to the order book since year end was a 28-month extension to the company's contract with BHP for operation of the Yandi iron ore mine.
The other major additions to the order book included:

a civil engineering contract, valued at approximately $11 million, with the City of Melbourne for the development of new riverside park
a $30 million civil engineering contract in Jamaica.

HORIZON MINING (25 August 2000)

The new company name is Horizon Mining Limited (changed from N.L.).

ILUKA RESOURCES (25 August 2000)

SUMMARY

Iluka Resources Limited profit for the first half of 2000 has increased by 59%, compared to earnings for the first six months of 1999.

Operating profit after tax to June 30 was $45.6 million, a rise of $16.9 million on the equivalent result for 1999.

The Company's performance reflected the benefits of extensive restructuring and efficiency improvements at Iluka's mining and processing operations during the past 18 months. Whilst profit after tax rose 59%, sales revenue increased by 11% (adjusted for the disposal of Thalanga copper operations).

Most of the profit increase was generated by the titanium minerals and zircon operations.

Group earnings for the first half were boosted by a higher than usual number of shipments from Australia - a reflection of the rising demand for the Company's major titanium minerals and zircon products.

KAGARA ZINC (25 August 2000)

Outcome of resolutions at the GM were :

ORDINARY RESOLUTIONS:
1. To issue shares to Perilya Ltd - Passed
2. To issue shares and convertible note to Perilya Ltd - Passed
7. Placement of shares - Passed

SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS:

3. To issue options to MJ Ashley - Passed
4. To issue options to K Robinson - Passed
5. To issue options to JA Treacy - Passed
6. To issue options to MDJ Cozijn - Passed

KANOWNA LIGHTS (25 August 2000)

A General Meeting of the Company will be held at CWA House, Level 3, 1174 Hay Street, West Perth at 10.00am on 28th September 2000.

KIMBERLEY DIAMOND COMPANY (25 August 2000)

WHITTLE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
PROSPECTUS
For the issue of up to 19,000,000 ordinary shares at 25 cents each together with 6,333,333 free attaching options to raise up to $4,750,000.

KIMBERLEY DIAMOND COMPANY (25 August 2000)

KDC advised that its Prospectus dated 6 June 2000 to raise up to $3,655,953 has closed, fully subscribed.

MARLBOROUGH RESOURCES (25 August 2000)

Marlborough has resolved to call an amount of two point seven (2.7) cents per quoted MBGCA part-paid share issued by the Company. These MBGCA shares, paid to 2.3 cents, were issued on 4 May 1999.
This will raise an amount of $588,343 assuming that all shareholders pay the call when due.
The funds raised in this part call will be used to further develop the Ardlethan Project and also provide working capital to further the Company's other tenements and interests.

MINERAL COMMODITIES (25 August 2000)

Notice of an extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of Mineral Commodities Ltd to be held at 9.30 am on Friday 29 September 2000 at Level 12, 565 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria.

The EGM has been requisitioned by Zurich Bay Holdings Pty Ltd (Zurich) a holder of approximately 6% of the Company's total issued shares.

NORTH LIMITED (25 August 2000)

The securities of North Limited will be suspended from Official Quotation at the close of trading on Friday 25 August 2000.

OMEGA OIL (25 August 2000)

Omega advises that the operating profit for the financial year was $220,224 and that no dividend has been paid or declared in respect of the financial year.
The Company advises that the Annual General Meeting will be held on 23 November.

PHOENIX MINING (25 August 2000)

The tests by BRANZ have now successfully been completed, apart from the "Weathering" and "Fungal and Algae Growth" tests which, by their nature, will take longer to complete. However Phoenix is very confident that these results will also be satisfactory.

PORTMAN (25 August 2000)

Thiess Pty Ltd changed its relevant interest in Portman Limited on 29/06/2000, from 27,631,715 ordinary shares (15.27%) to 27,147,169 ordinary shares (15.38%).

QUEENSLAND GAS COMPANY (25 August 2000)

Participating Organisations were advised on 24 August in Circular No 458/2000 that the industry classification allocated to Queensland Gas Company Limited was Energy - 041(Oil/Gas Producer).

Standard & Poors have advised that the industry classification for the Company is to be changed to Energy - 042(Oil/Gas Explorer). This change will become effective on Monday, 28 August 2000.

For company information, click here

RANGER MINERALS (25 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back : 362,150

SONS OF GWALIA (25 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back : 2,960,253.

STANDARD & POORS INDICES (25 August 2000)

Conditional upon shareholder approval of the following 2 mergers at meetings to be held on Friday, 25th August. Standard & Poor's Australian Index Operations will initiate after the close of business on Tuesday, August 29, 2000, the following changes in the S&P/ASX 200, S&P/ASX 300 and Share Price indices:

Conditional upon shareholder approval, Paladin Industrial Trust (ASX:PID) is to be removed from all Indices that it participates in pursuant to its merger with Industrial Investment Trust (ASX:IIT) effective the start of trading Wednesday the 30th August, 2000.

The resulting new units of Industrial Investment Trust (ASX:IITN) will replace Paladin Industrial Trust (ASX:PID) in the S&P/ASX 300.

Conditional upon shareholder approval, Paladin Commercial Trust (ASX:PDC) is to be removed from all Indices that it participates in pursuant to its merger with Commercial Investment Trust (ASX:CIT) effective the start of trading Wednesday the 30th August, 2000.

Australian Pipeline Trust (ASX:APA) will replace Paladin Commercial Trust (ASX:PDC) in the S&P/ASX 200, S&P/ASX 300 and Share Price indices.

SUN RESOURCES (25 August 2000)

Operator, Apache Energy Ltd advised Chamois 1 participants that the Ron Tappmeyer arrived on location early Thursday and at 1700 hours WST Chamois 1 was spudded. At 0600 hours Friday, 25 August 2000 Chamois 1 was at 353 metres and preparing to run 340mm casing.

The Chamois Prospect, a NW tilted upthrown fault block structure on the western side of a prominent NE trending regional fault, will be tested by a 1,529 metre deep well. Target reservoirs are the Lower Cretaceous M Australis Sandstone, specific sand members of the Lower Jurassic Athol Sandstone, and the middle Triassic S Quadrifidus Sandstone of the Mungaroo Formation. Target reserves are up to 28.6 million barrels of oil recoverable in the Athol and Mungaroo objectives. From the 3D seismic a small hydrocarbon accumulation (gas?) is probable in the M Australis, but at this stage a potential resource estimate has not been made by the Operator. The Chamois Prospect is a look-a-like to the Oryx Prospect oil discovery made recently by Apache on the same regional fault structures some 10 kilometres to the northeast in WA-209-P.

TRIAKO (25 August 2000)

2000 Preliminary Final Report

The Company has announced that for the year ended 30 June 2000 the Company made an operating profit after tax and abnormal items of $6.142 million and generated cash from operations of $2.583 million.

The Mineral Hill Mine in NSW produced 32,179 ounces of gold and 785 tonnes of copper in concentrates with a unit cash cost of gold production at $264/ounce after copper credits. Total resources at the Mineral Hill Mine are currently 915,600 tonnes at 4.1g/t gold and 0.4% copper containing 121,000 ounces of gold and 3,660 tonnes of copper. A new decline has now commenced into the high grade Ashes deposit and drilling and development continue to extend the mine resources.

Highlights

Record profit of $6.142 million
Strong production of 32,179 ounces
Cash operating cost of $264/ounce
Buka and Ausmelt increased value
Cash retained for the pursuit of further investment opportunities

TUART RESOURCES (25 August 2000)

Tuart's registered office is now located at Level 2, 23 Ventnor Avenue, West Perth, Western Australia effective 25 August 2000.

VICTORIA PETROLEUM / APACHE ENERGY (25 August 2000)

Victoria Petroleum has been advised by Apache Energy Ltd, the Operator for the WA-261-P Joint Venture, that the Chamois-1 exploration well spudded at 1700 hours on 24th March 2000, and at 0600 hours 25 August 2000 WST is preparing to run 13(3/8)" surface casing at 353 metres.
The Chamois Prospect has been interpreted from 3D seismic to have potential to contain up to 29 million barrels of oil in multiple target Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic sands, if oil is present. Chamois-1 is interpreted to be on trend and updip to the Oryx-1 Triassic oil discovery 5 kilometres to the north of WA-261-P in the adjacent Apache Energy operated permit WA-209-P containing the 45 million barrel producing Stag Field 15 kilometres to the east.
Chamois-1 is programmed for a Total Depth of 1,529 metres, and is expected to take 6 days to drill.

AGL (25 August 2000)

In a forthcoming float worth $3 billion, 164 year old blue-chip company, AGL is to hive off its gas and electricity networks before June 2001. In a move not seen in the Company's history to date, the float would recognise the unrealised value of their prime income producing assets, including NSW gas distribution system, ETSA retail electricity network in SA and the Victorian AGL Electricity.

The move was made when the Company delivered a 19.8 per cent jump in net profit to $249 million, and assisted by $201 million from the float of 70 per cent of APT.

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL CARBON (25 August 2000)

Range Resources Limited decreased its relevant interest in Australian International Carbon Limited on 27/07/2000, from 2,197,381 ordinary shares (10.96%) to 2,504,856 ordinary shares(5.6%).

ASHTON MINING (25 August 2000)

Malaysia Mining Corporation Berhad increased its relevant interest in Ashton Mining Limited on 05/07/2000, from 160,180,888 ordinary shares (47.53%) to 160,930,888 ordinary shares(49.92%).

AUIRON ENERGY (25 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary Fully Paid
Number of securities issued:
26,150,000
Issue price:
25 pence (GB) AUD 0.65
Purpose of the issue
Continued funding of the SASE Project

CONTACT ENERGY (25 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back - 17,698,690.

CROESUS MINING (25 August 2000)

Positive results from exploration drilling and pre feasibility studies have led to a decision to complete a final feasibility study aimed at commencing mining and treatment operations at the Davyhurst Gold project located 120km north west of Kalgoorlie.

Mineral resource estimates and mining studies for the Giles, Golden Eagle and Lights of Israel deposits at Davyhurst indicate that 157,000 ounces of gold can be produced at a cash cost of $260 per ounce. This is projected to generate a $34 million operating surplus in the first year of production at Davyhurst.

CROESUS MINING (25 August 2000)

Reverse Circulation drilling at the Golden Eagle deposit has intersected the main ore shoot 100m along strike from the previous known position. Intercepts of 8m @ 9.32g/t and 11m @ 2.49g/t gold confirm the good continuity and grade of this ore system.

This down plunge extension offers excellent scope for profitable mine development via underground methods from the base of the proposed open pit. RC drilling is currently underway at Golden Eagle.

The Golden Eagle deposit has a diluted Indicated resource of 743,000 tonnes @ 2.9g/t gold (68,800 ounces). Infill and stepout drilling has produced the following excellent results:

GERC 127 8m @ 9.32 g/t gold from 139m
GERC 128 11m @ 2.49 g/t gold from 138m
GERC 129 5m @ 14.01 g/t gold from 61m
GERC 130 14m @ 7.67 g/t gold from 102m

CROESUS MINING (25 August 2000)

RAB drilling at Mulline, six kilometres north of the Giles deposit, has intersected significant gold mineralisation along the interpreted extension of the Giles shear.

Hole MERB 182 reported 9m @ 27.2g/t gold from 37m in weathered basalt. RAB lines 100m to the north and south of this hole also reported anomalous results above 1g/t gold. RC and further RAB drilling has commenced to test the potential of this area for a Giles style deposit.

The RAB drilling also identified significant laterite mineralisation at surface with grades up to 1.85g/t gold reported from a depth of 1m providing good potential for the delineation of a substantial laterite gold resource.

DOME RESOURCES (25 August 2000)

The company announces the following changes to the officers of the company:

* Resignation of Secretary and Public Officer - David Riekie

* Appointment of Secretary and Public Officer - Julian Tamby-Rajah

EASTERN ALUMINIUM (25 August 2000)

Effective1 September 2000, the company's principal administrative office will be located in the offices of Alcoa of Australia, Level 5, 99 King Street, Melbourne, 3000, telephone 9270 6300, facsimile 9270 6355.

FLETCHER CHALLENGE (25 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Fletcher Challenge Energy
Number of securities issued:
132,035
Issue price:
72,205 at $3.76 each, 600 at $4.75 each, 19,230 at $5.71 each, and 40,000 at $6.66 each
Purpose of the issue
Employee Share Option Scheme

GOLDEN VALLEY MINES (25 August 2000)

Golden Valley Mines NL advises that it has now received the remaining results (holes GTO13b and GTO14) from its recent drilling programme carried out on the Tumpangpitu Prospect, forming part of the Bukit Hijau Joint Venture, Indonesia.

The 6 month work programme completed in conjunction with and funded by Placer Dome Inc culminated in the drilling of 10 holes for a total of 2,134.9m. Encouraging results were obtained from 5 holes, including the most recently completed holes, GTO13b and GTO14.

Holes GT010, GT012 and GT014 are contained within a mineralized horizon, to date varying in thickness from 10 to approximately 50m, and interpreted to be up to 1,000m long. The indicated area of mineralisation has the potential for a substantial oxide resource down to 150m to 200m below surface. There is potential for additional oxide resources around GT011, which has an interpreted strike length of approx 500m, and also around GT005 (65.0m @ 2.22g/t Au, 14.5g/t Ag) which was drilled last year.

INTERMIN RESOURCES (25 August 2000)

The Company advises that the Resolution proposed at Thursday's General Meeting of Shareholders was passed unanimously.

Passage of the Resolution will allow distribution of HeartLink Limited shares to Intermin shareholders in the forthcoming capital raising by HeartLink Limited.

KIMBERLEY DIAMOND COMPANY (25 August 2000)

The Prospectus for Whittle Technology Limited was lodged with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission earlier this month and will be posted to all Kimberley shareholders this week.

Kimberley shareholders who subscribed to Kimberley's recent rights issue will receive a priority allocation to Whittle Technology Limited on the basis of one Whittle share at $0.25 (plus a free attaching option for every three Whittle shares) for every right subscribed for in the pro rata renounceable rights issue.

Whittle is offering up to 19,000,000 shares at $0.25 each together with 6,333,333 free attaching options to raise up to $4.75 million. The Whittle issue will close on 6 October 2000 or at such earlier or other date as the directors decide.

MATRIX OIL (25 August 2000)

Phillip Royston Davies decreased its relevant interest in Matrix Oil NL on 21/01/2000, from 34,000,000 fully paid ordinary shares (14.75%) to 26,000,000 fully paid ordinary shares (10.06%).

MATRIX OIL (25 August 2000)

Phillip Royston Davies became a substantial shareholder in Matrix Oil NL on 02/12/1999 with a relevant interest in the issued share capital of 34,000,000 fully paid shares (14.75%).

This information is based on a total number of securities of 34,000,000.

MICHELAGO (25 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Fully paid Ordinary Shares
Number of securities issued:
40,000,000
Issue price:
3.2 cents per share
Purpose of the issue
To raise additional working capital

MT LYELL MINING COMPANY (25 August 2000)

TO BE RENAMED ORIEL COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED

PROSPECTUS

For the offer of 80 million ordinary shares at 20 cents each, together with one free attaching option for every two shares issued, to raise $1 6 million.

Investa AG, a Swiss based investment firm, has underwritten $14 million of the Offer. The Offer is subject to shareholders in general meeting approving a 1 for 4 consolidation of capital, the acquisition of Automatic Communications Limited, the issue of shares under this Offer, and certain related matters.

MOSAIC OIL (25 August 2000)

Upon the acquisition of Silver Springs gasfields, Company policy has been to give new staff incentive to work for the Company. Mr Jason Burey has recently been employed by the Company and is acccordingly issued 60,000 partly paid ctg shares with an issue price of 17.5 cents. The shares are paid to one cent and have 16.5 cents to pay.

Such shares are unquoted and application cannot be made for quotation until they are paid up by the above and not within 12 months of the issue date.

OIL COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA (25 August 2000)

Maintop No 02, a Gas Exploration Well, situated approximately 625 metres north-east of Maintop No 01, latitude 25deg 40min 26.62sec south, longitude 148deg 22min 30.01 sec east, was spudded at 20:00 hours on August 09, 2000 245mm surface casing was at 207 metre RT, 178mm intermediate casing was set at 1405.5 metres RT at 06:00 hours today the rig was air/mist drilling ahead at 1715 metres RT in the 156mm hole section. Progress for the week was 607 metres.

PACMIN MINING CORPORATION (25 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back - 511,216.

RANGER MINERALS (25 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back - 374,150.

ROC OIL COMPANY (25 August 2000)

1. DRILLING OPERATIONS

1.1 ONSHORE UK: SALTFLEETBY-5 (ROC: 100%)

Since ROC released its last Drilling Activity Update to ASX (18 August 2000) the Saltfleetby-5 well has drilled 284 metres (37 metres true vertical depth (TVD)) through the main Westphalian gas reservoir to a depth of 2,725 metres (2,304 metres TVD) where 5 inch liner is being set prior to drilling ahead into the targeted Namurian section, the top of which is expected at 2,785 metres (2,308 metres TVD).

If warranted, a 300 metre horizontal section will be drilled within the Namurian in order to evaluate the gas potential of this sequence which had some gas shows in Saltfleetby-3, albeit associated with apparently high (log-derived) water saturations. If, the Namurian, which has never been tested at Saltfleetby, is water-bearing the well will be completed as a gas producer in the main Westphalian reservoir.

A comparison of the main Westphalian gas reservoir in the currently drilling Saltfleetby-5 and its equivalent in Saltfleetby-3, approximately 400 metres to the southeast, indicates comparable reservoir quality, gross reservoir thickness and net gas pay.

1.2 UK NORTH SEA: THE KYLE NORTHEAST APPRAISAL WELL (ROC: 12.5%)

Since the last Drilling Activity Update the Kyle 29/2C-13 appraisal well (also known as the Kyle Northeast well) has drilled to a depth of 3,155 metres (2,114 metres TVDSS) in the upper part of the Chalk, after recovering 5.2 metres of core near the top of that formation.

1.3 EAST GOBI BASIN, MONGOLIA: IRWES-1 (ROC: 100%)

Irwes-1 started drilling on Wednesday 23 August at a location approximately 28 kms southwest of the railhead at Zuunbayan where ROC's field support and oil storage facilities are located. The well, which will take approximately two to three weeks to drill, will test a prospect with an areal extent of 5 sq km/1,200 acres and a robust vertical closure of 200 metres/650 feet.

Irwes-1 will test parts of the Mesozoic sequence which have never before been drilled within defined closure in the East Gobi Basin. In fact, for all practical purposes, Irwes-1 can be regarded as the first modern exploration well to be drilled in Southern Mongolia and, as such, it is considered to be a high risk wildcat well.

SANTOS (25 August 2000)

Country : Canada

Block Area: Riverbend
Well Name : 6-21-36-9 W4M
Objective : A Development well testing Viking Gas
Current Status : * Spud 15/08/2000
* Cased for Viking gas
* Rig Released: 18/08/2000

Block Area: Battle River Well Name : A14-15-47-25 W3M
Objective : A Development well testing Sparky Oil
Current Status : * Spud: 15/08/2000
* Cased for Sparky Oil
* Rig Released: 17/08/2000

Block Area: Silverdale
Well Name : A7-26-48-26 W3M
Objective : A Development well testing Sparky Oil
Current Status : * Spud: 19/08/2000
* Run abandonment plugs
* Rig Released: 21/08/2000

Block Area: Riverbend
Well Name : 6-27-36-9 W4M
Objective : A Development well testing Colony Gas
Current Status : * Spud: 18/08/2000
* Cased for Colony Gas
* Rig Released: 21/08/2000

Block Area: Castor
Well Name : 10B-15-37-14 W4M Objective : An Exploration well testing Detrital Gas
Current Status : * Spud: 21/08/2000
* Prepare to run logs

Block Area: Banshaw
Well Name : 10-33-41-22 W4M
Objective : An Development well testing Basal Belly River Gas
Current Status : * Spud: 21/08/2000
* Drilling ahead

GOLD AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTS (24 August 2000)

RESPONSE TO ASX QUERY

The Company confirms that to its knowledge, it has fully complied with its obligations pursuant to Chapter 3 of the ASX Listing Rules and in particular, Rule 3.1.

Any undisclosed information currently in the possession of the Company, falls within the exemptions to Rule 3.1. The Company is in continuous growth and optimisation mode and will announce any significant proposal as soon as it is complete or negotiations have been concluded.

Refer to the Gold and Resource Developments NL recent Quarterly Results on 14 July 2000 and the Reefton Gold Project update on 11 August 2000, both of which underline the Company's ongoing good operational performance.

HERALD RESOURCES (24 August 2000)

Herald Resources Limited announces that it has entered into an agreement with Diadem Resources Ltd of Canada, and Pt Andriant Trading & Engineering of Indonesia on a granted Contract of Work (CoW), and two initialled applications for CoW's on Belitung Island. These projects, which contain the old Kelapa Kampit hard rock tin mine, adjoin Herald's existing Batu Besi project area, where Herald is also exploring for base metals in its own right. A total area of approximately 119,500 Ha is involved.

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IRON CARBIDE AUSTRALIA (24 August 2000)

ION, in the financial year to 30 June 2000, from revenue of $53.2m achieved an after-tax profit of $3.552m. This result, together with forecast strong continuing growth, has enabled the Directors of ION to recommend a fully franked maiden dividend of 1.5 cents per share. The annualised revenue and after-tax profit for the year to 30 June 2000 are $94m and $6.1m respectively. The annualised return on shareholders funds is over 30%.

KINGSGATE CONSOLIDATED (24 August 2000)

The Board of Directors of Kingsgate Consolidated NL announces that it has voluntarily requested the CDNX to remove its ordinary shares from listing with effect from 30 September 2000.

The Company made the request for a voluntary delisting as the Board of Directors considers that there are insufficient benefits for the Company to justify the cost of maintaining its listing on the CDNX.

KIMBERLEY DIAMOND COMPANY (24 August 2000)

RESPONSE TO ASX QUERY

1. (a) After a field break of seven months, occasioned by abnormal ground conditions resulting from record rainfall, Kimberley recommenced field operations in July 2000.

(b) The focus of the 2000 field program is the location and evaluation of the source of the large, high quality, gem diamonds identified in the river gravels from Pit 5 to Pit 57 (approximately 8 kilometres).

(c) Kimberley lost its Terrace 5 diamond trail at Pit 57 where 20 diamonds weighing 5.76 carats in total were recovered from 89 tonnes of alluvial gravel.

(d) Recent exploration work seems to have found the Terrace 5 gravels south east of Pit 57 on tenements 100 percent owned by Kimberley.

(e) The gravels are buried beneath about 10 metres of sand dune and the ancient river was about 200 metres wide where the sample (Pit 61) was taken.

(f) 228 tonnes of gravel have been processed from Pit 61, resulting in 50 (210 litre) drums of concentrate. This concentrate will be further processed through a Sortex machine followed by hand-sorting. Results from this should be known with the next 7-10 days.

(g) Kimberley has now worked on these prospects continuously for seven years and has spent in excess of $26 million. The diamond recovered to date have an average value of A$191 per carat whilst 60 percent of the gem diamonds have been valued at an average price of $251 ranking them, on average, as the highest recorded in Australia.

(h) Kimberley has repeatedly said that it expects this year's exploration to result in the discovery of one or more pipes, or, at least, the real chance that it is on track to establish an alluvial diamond mine.

(i) Despite these results and cash on hand of over $3 million, Kimberley's market capitalisation at 16.5 cents was $9.7 million.

2. No further announcement will be made until the results from Pit 61 are known.

3. The only other possible explanation for the share price and volume rise might he attributed to a rumour that Ashton Mining was about to make a takeover bid for Kimberley. There have been no discussions at all between Ashton and Kimberley and Kimberley would regard this rumour as being without any foundation.

LION SELECTION GROUP (24 August 2000)

Quarterly Activities Report for qtr ended 31/07/00

Lion has been listed for 3 years. During this time the investment strategy for the company (14 investments made) and the expectations of the resource market (3 years of weakness) have proceeded to plan. Lion is now almost fully invested and ideally positioned to benefit from the slow upward turn for small mining companies that is in progress.

The one exception to plan is the 25% discount of share price to portfolio valuation (NTA), which must and will be addressed.

Lion anticipates strong growth from 6 or more potential new mines and excitement from active drilling in 14 separate projects.

EAGM North Mara gold resource increased by 0.5m oz to 4.1m oz

CSM 2 new manganese discoveries at Woodie Woodie
Austminex $5m new investment by Lion - company plans to reopen Benambra zinc-copper mine in Victoria

Gold exploration Drilling successes for MPI, Indophil, Spinifex and Gallery which may all lead to significant new resources

Sedimentary 0.4m oz gold resource announced at Cracow: potential mine

NORTH (24 August 2000)

Rio Tinto Investments Two Pty Limited increased its relevant interest in North Limited on 23/08/2000, from 694,702,843 ordinary shares/units(93.53%) to 708,151,313 ordinary shares(95.34%).

NEWCREST MINING (24 August 2000)

Preliminary Final Report

MINERAL RESOURCE AND ORE RESERVES(1) UPDATE

* Newcrest Mining has completed its annual review of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves with significant increases delineated i both categories compared with the previous statement calculated at 30 June 1999.

- Gold Mineral Resources have increased by 20% to 33 Moz in situ.
- Gold Ore Reserves have increased by 58% to 11.4 Moz in situ.

* The major increase in resources were at the Telfer Surface Extension Project, the Telfer underground and the Boddington Gold Mine Expansion.

* The significant increase in the reserve position is attributable to the Ridgeway Project and the Boddington Expansion project.

(1) Mineral Resource and Ore Reserves are reported in accordance with the September 1999 edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code. Ore Reserves are a sub-set of Mineral Resources. External audit and internal audits are conducted on resource and reserves estimates on completion of the estimation process. Further detail will be provided within the forthcoming Annual Report

NORMANDY MT LEYSHON (24 August 2000)

CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AFTER LAX

* $37.3 MILLION, DOWN 16 PERCENT
* Gold sales, 282,501 ounces (312,980 ounces)
* Cash margin, $272 per ounce ($280 per ounce)
- net average realised gold price, $562 per ounce ($537 per ounce)
- total cash cost, $290 per ounce ($257 per ounce)
* No debt; cash and bullion at 30 June 2000, $90.8 million ($91.4M)

FINAL DIVIDEND

* 70 CENTS PER SHARE, UP 100 PERCENT
* Dividend 100 percent franked, payable 11 September 2000
- books close for dividend entitlement 4 September 2000
- distribution to shareholders, $55.3 million
* Total dividend for the year, 95 cents per share
- distribution to shareholders, $75.0 million ($43.4M)
- payout ratio, 200 percent

FUTURE DISTRIBUTIONS OF OPERATING CASHFLOW SURPLUS

* An operating life of seventeen months remains, after which site
rehabilitation and ongoing monitoring (at an aggregate estimated
cost of $7 million) will continue for a further three to four years

* Directors anticipate the following remaining distributions to
shareholders, subject to normal operations and gold remaining above
$450 per ounce;
- 15-25 cents per share, interim dividend (fully franked) payable
March 2001
- the balance of available cash, paid as a capital return
post audited financial accounts for the year ending 30 June 2001

SEDIMENTARY HOLDINGS (24 August 2000)

Lion Selection Group Limited increased its relevant interest in Sedimentary Holdings NL on 21/08/2000, from 25,625,000 ordinary shares (18.7%) to 28,375,000 ordinary shares(19.9%).

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CONTACT ENERGY (24 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back - 17,782,326.

CARPENTER PACIFIC RESOURCES (24 August 2000)

Carpenter Pacific Resources NL announces the appointment of Mr Andrew Drummond, as a Non-Executive Director of the Company.

Mr Bernard Wrixon has resigned as a Non-Executive Director of the Company with immediate effect.

CONQUEST MINING (24 August 2000)

The company advises that a call of 25 cents per contributing share was recently made by Conquest Mining NL on 4,000,000 contributing shares.

As at the closing date the shareholders have not made payment on the contributing shares.

Accordingly the 4,000,000 contributing shares are now forfeited.

CONQUEST MINING (24 August 2000)

Newpark Enterprises Pty Ltd decreased its relevant interest in Conquest Mining NL on 16/08/2000, from 11,111,111 ordinary shares (17.341%) to 9,569,690 ordinary shares (13.453%).

CONQUEST MINING (24 August 2000)

David Alexander Gibbs became a substantial shareholder in Conquest Mining NL on 09/06/2000 with a relevant interest in the issued share capital of 5,500,000 ordinary shares (7.731%).

CALTEX AUSTRALIA (24 August 2000)

Caltex has responded to Wednesday's ACCC media release stating it was conducting an investigation of an unnamed oil company on pricing issues. Caltex confirms it is the unnamed company and has provided information to the ACCC in response to its request and is in discussion with it on the issues raised.

The Company denies engaging in unreasonable pricing in implementation of the GST.

HERITAGE GOLD NZ (24 August 2000)

Heritage Gold's 41% owned subsidiary, Cadmus Technology Limited, formerly Hi Tech Investments Limited gives you notice that a special meeting of shareholders will be held at 1st Floor, Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand on Friday 25 August 2000 at 4.30 pm.

IAMA (24 August 2000)

IAMA Limited has been served with a Statement of Claim by New Ashwick Pty Ltd and CP Ventures Limited in the Supreme Court of South Australia asking for orders that the recent placement of shares to Wesfarmers Limited be reversed and for proportional representation of Futuris representatives on IAMA's Board. The claim also asks for full access to all of the books and records of IAMA to enable the Futuris Group to make an offer to IAMA and/or its members.

Wesfarmers is also a defendant in the proceedings and Futuris is in addition seeking orders that the agreement between IAMA and Wesfarmers to work towards a merger between IAMA and Wesfarmers Dalgety be terminated.

IRON CARBIDE AUSTRALIA (24 August 2000)

Victor John Plummer decreased his relevant interest in Iron Carbide Australia Limited on 21/08/2000, from 11,111,111 ordinary shares (9.96%) to 10,000,000 ordinary shares (8.96%).

MAJESTIC RESOURCES (24 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
(a) Options exercisable at $0.20 each on or before 30 June 2003
(b) Shares
Number of securities issued:
(a) 4,300,000
(b) 300,000
Issue price:
-
Purpose of the issue
Fees payable for services rendered.

NORANDA (24 August 2000)

Large Canadian producer, Noranda has offered to purchase Rio Algom shares, valued at $C24.50 a share, for an estimated $C1.5 billion ($1.02 million). Noranda would then sell up to 50 per cent of the shares at the price paid, to Chilean company Codelco.

Noranda and Codelco have an established relationship and this transaction is designed to share risk, realise operational synergies to maximise the value of assets as well as leading to other opportunities.

Codelco is the world's largest copper producer and owns approximately 20 per cent of the world's proved and probable copper reserves and if the transaction occurs, the Company will access Rio Algom's Spence copper deposit in Chile which has copper reserves of 398 million tonnes.

If the offer is approved, Noranda will provide the funding through cash on hand and committed credit facilities and the total value of the Noranda-Rio Algom deal is estimated at $c2.6 billion.

NORMANDY NFM (24 August 2000)

Preliminary Final Report

TWELVE MONTHS TO 30 JUNE 2000

Profit after tax but before abnormals was $31.3 million, a 9l percent improvement on last year, driven by higher gold production and lower costs.

The profit was achieved on gold sales of 325,191 ounces (220,781 ounces) at a net (after hedge fees) average realised price of $577 per ounce. The average spot price for the twelve months was $448 per ounce.

The major influences on the result were:

* increased gold sales resulting from higher mill throughput, up 26 percent and higher head grade, up 12 percent, benefiting from capital expenditures and an increased percentage of higher grade Callie underground ore; and

* lower total cash cost, benefiting from increased throughputs and continued strong focus on cost control across the site,

partly offset by:

* higher amortisation charges associated with increased tonnages of Callie underground ore; and

* lower realised gold price reflecting maturities in the hedge book.

A $6.5 million abnormal gain was recorded in the December quarter for the restatement of deferred tax balances that have changed following the announcement of new corporate tax rates from July 2000 and July 2001. The abnormal gain is recorded in accordance with the Accounting Urgent Issues Group media release of 20/12/1999.

TIMBERCORP (24 August 2000)

Timbercorp Limited announces a further important expansion of agribusiness investment focus with an entry into the almond industry.

Timbercorp expects to establish some 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) of almond orchards in Victoria over the next five years under a joint arrangement. Almonds Australia Pty Ltd, a 75% owned subsidiary of Timbercorp, will manage the projects. The balance of 25% is owned by Almond Investments Australia Pty Ltd, whose associated company, Almond Orchards Australia Limited successfully raised funds to establish a 500 acre almond project in Robinvale, Victoria in respect of the financial year ended 30 June 2000.

ORIGIN ENERGY (24 August 2000)

Origin Energy has announced a net profit after tax and before abnormal items from its continuing businesses of $75.4 million for the 12 months ending 30 June 2000, a 24% increase on the prior year.

PALADIN RESOURCES (24 August 2000)

The Company has allotted 110 shares resulting from the exercise of 31 May 2003 options.

RANGER MINERALS (24 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back - 394,150.

WHITTLE TECHNOLOGY (24 August 2000)

Mining software developer, Whittle Technology is holding a public float to raise $4.75 million in October. Whittle is seeking to raise the money for development of a consultancy service for large commodity producers, such as Rio Tinto and BHP. This will complement their pit optimisation equipment service the Company provides to local gold miners.

Kimberley Diamond has first preference over 40 per cent of the 19 million 25 cent shares on offer.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM (24 August 2000)

Woodside Energy, operator of the North West Shelf Venture, has welcomed the announcement on greenhouse policy made Wednesday, 23 August by Senator Minchin.

The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry is one of Australia's largest export earners and is aiming to capture new sales contracts in Asia, which could see the industry treble in size over the next ten years.

BORAL (23 August 2000)

Boral Limited has announced a proforma net profit of $180.6 million after tax and minorities but before abnormals for the 12 months ending 30 June 2000, a 15% increase compared with results from the same operations for the previous year.

The increased net profit was largely achieved through strong performances by the Australian and USA building products operations, lower interest costs from reduced debt, and the success of the company's recent major restructuring and ongoing operational improvement programs. These were partly offset by a weaker performance by Australian construction materials.

BOULDER STEEL (23 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary shares fully paid
Number of securities issued:
5,000,000
Issue price:
20 cents per share
Purpose of the issue
Provision of working capital for projects and Administration

BOULDER STEEL (23 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Options exercisable at 20 cents before 30/11/2002
Number of securities issued:
1,000,000 options
Issue price:
7.5 cents per option
Purpose of the issue
Provision of working capital for projects and Administration.

CREST MAGNESIUM (23 August 2000)

The Directors of Crest Magnesium NL advise that K-UTEC of Germany have produced synthetic carnalite from magnesite taken from the Crest orebody at Tasmania. Approximately 50 Kg of synthetic carnalite has been produced.

The synthetic carnalite is being transported to UTI/VAMI who will then convert the carnalite to magnesium metal.

FEDERATION RESOURCES (23 August 2000)

Federation Resources NL (Federation) announces that the three resolutions voted on by shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting held Wednesday 23 August were passed.

KINGSTREAM STEEL (23 August 2000)

The company announces the appointment of Chase Securities Inc and Chase Securities Australia Limited (wholly owned subsidiaries of The Chase Manhattan Bank) to act as sole financial advisor and finance arranger to assist the company with its project funding requirements.

Chase, which is the leading global arranger of project debt and securities, with significant expertise in the steel industry, will assist Kingstream to raise up to US$2 billion for its 2.6 million tonnes a year steel slab plant at Oakajee near Geraldton in Western Australia.

The company also announces that it has resolved to issue and allot, by way of private placement, up to 25,000,000 ordinary fully paid shares in the capital of Kingstream Steel Limited at an issue price of $0.20 per share. The funds raised will be used for general working capital purposes. The new shares to be issued will rank equally with existing securities as from the date of allotment.

MINERAL COMMODITIES (23 August 2000)

Mineral Commodities recently indicated its intention to conduct exploration activities in the Mount Read Volcanics unit in Tasmania's highly prospective west coast region, in reference to the farm-in agreement on EL19/99 (Miners Ridge) the tenement holder is Maiden Meadows Pastoral Company Pty Ltd, a private company based in Tasmania.

As part of this farm-in agreement, our company will be conducting a diamond drilling programme commencing in October/November subject to drill rig availability and regulatory approvals.

OROGEN MINERALS (23 August 2000)

Following a period of torrential rain on Sunday 20 August 2000, a series of landslides have occurred in the Kutubu area of the Southern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea.

The landslides blocked the access road between Moro and the Kutubu oil field and a fly-over of the area also revealed that a further landslide had occurred approximately 5 kilometers north-west of the Agogo processing facility. This slide has covered approximately 100 metres of the Moran Oil Field flow line with between 1 to 1.5 metres of soil and vegetation. The oil wells that are serviced by the flow line were remotely shut-in as soon as the slide was detected and have since been manually shut-in when access to the sites became possible. Pressure and flow measurement data indicates that there has been no loss of oil into the environment.

OIL SEARCH (23 August 2000)

Following a period of heavy rainfall in the PNG Highlands, several landslides have been reported in the Kutubu and Moran oil field areas.

One of these landslides has affected the production flowline between the Moran oil field and the Agogo treatment facilities, covering approximately 100 metres of the line and moving around 500 metres of the pipe. This has resulted in a precautionary shut in of production from the Moran field, as inspection of the line takes place.

Visual inspection and pressure information indicates that no breaches of the line have taken place. Planning for short and long term repairs to the line has commenced, along with mobilisation of personnel and equipment to affect repairs as soon as possible. Further review of the landslip and pipeline is necessary prior to estimating the time required to restore production from the Moran field.

Prior to the shut in, Moran Extended Well Test had been performing well, with production rates from Moran 4 averaging over 13,500 BOPD.

Production operations at Kutubu and Gobe are continuing as normal and have not been affected by landslide activity.

PACMIN MINING CORPORATION (23 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back -521,316.

RAND MINING (23 August 2000)

Rand Mining NL announce further high grade gold intersections from diamond and RC drilling on the southern extension of the Raleigh deposit.

HIGHLIGHTS

7 metres @ 16.1 gt 8 metres @ 14.3 gt
4 metres @ 33.5 gt 8 metres @ 16 gt
3 metres @ 33.5 gt 3 metres @ 15.8 gt

* High-grade intersections such as 1.82m at 52.9g/t gold, 1.24m 167.0g/t and 0.85m at 207g/t gold demonstrate the continuity and increased width of the Raleigh deposit. An ongoing diamond drilling program has confirmed that the laminated high-grade quartz vein continues below the 90 metres level of previously reported RC drilling to at least 240 metres below surface (see long section figure) and remains open at depth and along strike for up to 2.2km to the southern boundary of the tenement.

* These new drill results also extend the surface strike length of the Raleigh vein to a total of 640 metres, 280 metres of which lies on the East Kundana Joint Venture tenements where Goldfields can earn a 51% interest from Rand Mining NL and Tribune Resources NL. RAB and RC drilling is in progress to extend the Strzelecki structure, which hosts the Raleigh deposit.

* The eleven diamond drill intercepts announced today range from 0.39 metre to 1.82 metres (representing an average vein true width of 0.9 to 1 metre) and in grade from 20.9 to 207.0g/t gold. This is a significant increase on the average true width of 0.31 metre for the previously announced northern resource portion of Raleigh (300,000 tones grading 18.2g/t gold for 176,000 contained ounces) and 0.34 metre currently mined at the Goldfields Ltd 100% owned Strzelecki underground operation on the same structure 2.5 kilometres to the north. The Strzelecki Main Vein, from which 365,000 ounces of gold has been produced up to 30 June 2000, has remaining resources of 283,000 ounces and is still open at depth below 644 metres.

VICTORIA PETROLEUM (23 August 2000)

Victoria Petroleum NL announces the completion of a placement of 195,000,000 ordinary shares at an issue price of 4.5 cents each.

The issue, pursuant to a Prospectus dated 25 July 2000 has raised $8,775,000 to provide the company with additional working capital to fund the Company's extensive exploration program, commencing shortly in the Carnarvon Basin, Western Australia with the Apache Energy commencement of drilling of Chamois-1 on August 24 2000 and mid September 2000 drilling of Rhebok-1, both in petroleum exploration permit WA-261-P followed by the San Joaquin Basin, California USA.

BEMAX RESOURCES (23 August 2000)

Samuel Capital Ltd decreased its relevant interest in Bemax Resources NL on 17/08/2000, from 4,058,818 ordinary shares to 3,731,290 ordinary shares.

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CLIMAX MINING (23 August 2000)

Climax Mining is farming-out two of its properties in central-west New South Wales and one in South Australia. The NSW properties, at Wyanga and Taroona, are strategically located within a highly productive Ordovician metallogenic province. The province includes several operating mines and undeveloped deposits that have multimillion ounce gold reserves or resources. The South Australian property, at Wiawera, is favourably located within an under-explored terrain that has potential for iron formation hosted-gold deposits and diamonds.

CONTACT ENERGY (22 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back -18,182,326.

EASTERN ALUMINIUM (22 August 2000)

Alcoa of Australia Limited increased its relevant interest in Eastern Aluminium Limited on 21/08/2000, from 88,635,528 ordinary shares (80.65%) to 88,687,072 ordinary shares (80.70%).

ENERGY RESOURCES OF AUSTRALIA (22 August 2000)

The Company announces the annual general meeting of Energy Resources of Australia Ltd will be held on Thursday, 19 October 2000 at the All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel, 14 Carrington Street, Sydney, New South Wales, at 10:00am.

HITEC ENERGY (22 August 2000)

The Chairman, Mr Norm Fussell, will describe recent advances in HiTec Energy's Electrofuel Project in his address at today's Extraordinary General Meeting. The formal part of the meeting comprises a resolution to transfer the company's remaining mineral tenements to a new entity, Kambalda Mining NL.

The Company's prospectus dated 1 August 2000 has closed today fully subscribed. The issue was for 25,000,000 shares and raised funds of $2,250,000.

Mr Fussell's address focuses on the feasibility study that was completed this week. This study clearly demonstrates that HiTec Energy's Electrofuel Project can produce world class EMD at a very competitive cost.

The main competitive advantages include: lowest ore cost in the world; a sophisticated process that produces a superior product; competitive land costs; availability of an educated and skilled workforce; abundant water, electricity and gas; innocuous tailings with space available for several decades of storage; an environmentally benign process; virtually zero atmospheric emissions.

HITEC ENERGY (22 August 2000)

The Company advises that the Resolution put to Members of HiTec Energy NL at the Extraordinary General Meeting held Tuesday, 22 August was passed.

NEWCREST MINING (22 August 2000)

The Board of Newcrest Mining Limited has announced the appointment of Dr Nora Scheinkestel as a Non-Executive Director.

NEW HAMPTON GOLDFIELDS (22 August 2000)

Response to ASX Query

1. The Company is not aware of any information which, if known, could be an explanation for recent trading in the securities of the Company.

2. The preparation and audit of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2000 including any abnormal or extraordinary items, remain subject to review by Directors and Auditors. The Financial results for the year ended 30 June 2000 will be released to the ASX in due course, well within the required timeframe.

OIL COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA (22 August 2000)

Oil Company of Australia Limited announces an increase in operating profit after interest and tax for the year to 30 June 2000 to $14.2m. This compares with $5.9m last year. The increased profit was driven by the high price of crude oil.

The result is after writing down the carrying value of the group's exploration and development permits by $22.4m (after tax $14.3m) (nil last year) as an abnormal item. This principally reflects the adoption of discounted future cash flows for determining the carrying value of assets.

TRITON CORPORATION (22 August 2000)

On August 16 an Appendix 3B announcement was lodged for the issue of 4,014,400 shares at 12 cents. This should have been in respect of 4,120,000 shares.

TRITON CORPORATION (22 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary Fully Paid (Ord)
Number of securities issued:
4,120,000
Issue price:
12 cents per share
Purpose of the issue
Working capital

AURIDIAM CONSOLIDATED NL (22 August 2000)

Preliminary Final Report

The Company announces its result for the year ended 30 June 2000 which reflects a continuing expansion and growth in the Company's underlying technical and industrial operations, complementing the Company's emerging exploration assets.

30 JUNE 2000
$ 30 JUNE 1999
$

SALES REVENUE 6,065,962 3,785,257

OTHER REVENUE 1,195,856 353,896

OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE TAX 504,719 68,710

This profit result includes contributions from Guster Engineering and Recom Engineering which were both acquired during the financial year, but excludes any contribution from Allmakes Compressors which was acquired on the last day of the financial year.

It is anticipated that operating revenue for the 2001 financial year will grow to around $9 million as the impact of these three acquisitions is reflected in a full year's result for the first time.

In addition to the operating profit reported, the Company has continued active exploration of its resource assets during the year. In excess of $1.9 million was expended in total on exploring these properties by Auridiam and its partners during the year to 30 June 2000. Exploration and development of the Company's resource assets will continue in the 30 June 2001 year as:

* Trial mining and bulk testing in Botswana continues to evaluate the commerciality of Kimberlite BK16 at Orapa.

* The intensive search for a commercial lamproite in the Ellendale region of Western Australia re-commences after a long 'wet season'.

* Misima Mines Limited evaluates options for exploring and developing the Woodlark Island Gold Project, including the option of utilising the existing infrastructure at its nearby Misima Mine.

In summary, Auridiam has gone a long way towards achieving the goals set out in last year's Annual Report. It has pursued an active exploration program in Botswana, Australia and Papua New Guinea, where significant funds were spent in the 30 June 2000 financial year. At the same time, the Company has expanded its technical and industrial operations to further strengthen the asset base and profitability of the Company.

ALLSTATE EXPLORATIONS (22 August 2000)

The Company advises that, effective 16 August 2000, Mr Simon Richard Lennon has been appointed as Secretary, and that Mr John Charles Wood has resigned as Secretary of the Company immediately effective upon the above appointment.

AUSTRALIAN OIL & GAS CORPORATION (22 August 2000)

Golden Words Pty Ltd decreased its relevant interest in / Australian Oil & Gas Corporation Limited on 22/08/2000, from 3,733,738 ordinary shares ( -%) to 3,137,712 ordinary shares( -%).

ASHTON MINING (22 August 2000)

Ashton Mining Limited has released the latest results from the deep drilling program at the Argyle diamond mine which provides further evidence of the significant potential of the underground resource earlier identified at Argyle.

Diamond Hole DH319, drilled in the Central Vent area of the AK1 pipe, returned a high-grade intersection of lamproite grading 4.7 carats per tonne over a distance of 392 metres. Additionally, this hole confirmed that the Central Vent is bigger than initially modelled.

BLIGH OIL & MINERALS (22 August 2000)

Bligh Oil & Minerals NL advises that the Rimu B-1 appraisal well is currently drilling ahead at a depth of 3,770 metres. The proposed total depth of the well has been revised from 3,750 to 4,100 metres.

The Rimu B-1 well is being drilled 2.4 kilometres south-southeast of the Rimu A-1 discovery well, which tested 1,600 barrels of oil and 5 million cubic feet a day of gas perforations in the Tariki formation, at a depth of 3,607-47 metres. The well is designed to test a subordinate fault block on the Rimu structure, to gain additional information on the areal extent of the Tariki sands, and the possible height of the pay column on the feature. It is defined as a long range step-out, or appraisal well.

BOLNISI GOLD (22 August 2000)

Further to the Company's announcement of 21 August 2000, the Company advises that the Tbilisi Regional Court has ruled in favour of the appeal by Bolnisi Mining Operations NL.

The effect of this ruling is that BMO's representatives on the Quartzite Limited Board have had their authorities reinstated.

BMO representatives have returned to the Quartzite mine site and have resumed operational control of the mine.

CREST MAGNESIUM (22 August 2000)

The directors of Crest Magnesium NL announce the appointment to Crest of two internationally recognised technical experts in the field of magnesium metal production. The new appointees - who between them have more than 70 years experience in the magnesium industry - will join Crest as joint Project Managers heading up the technology aspects of the Crest Magnesium metal project.

Igor V Zabyelin, PHD, MSc (Honours) Metallurgical Engineering and Vladmir I Schegolev, Metallurgical Engineer, have been seconded under a management agreement with UTI/VAMI - the provider of Crest's exclusive magnesium technology license. They will commence work with Crest from September 2.

The engagement of these highly experienced and well-connected figures in the international magnesium industry will significantly advance the progress of Crest's magnesium project. In particular, it will enable Crest to:

* Advance negotiations with potential joint venture partners who will gain confidence from Crest's ability to leverage the competitive advantage that comes from its exclusive license for proven metal production technology;

* Satisfy end-users, joint venture partners and potential financiers that Crest has the technical expertise to develop a magnesium metal plant;

* Significantly reduce any perception of technology risk associated with Crest project on the basis that Crest has both proven technology and a technical team that has direct experience in using that technology to design, construct, commission and ramp-up magnesium metal processing plants.

HITEC ENERGY (22 August 2000)

The securities of HiTec Energy NL will be placed in pre-open pending the release of an announcement by the Company. Unless ASX decides otherwise, the securities will remain in pre-open until the earlier of the commencement of normal trading on Thursday 24 August 2000 or when the announcement is released to the market.

Security Code: HTE

ICON OIL (22 August 2000)

Icon Oil NL announces that it has successfully acquired working interests in the Bayou Choctaw area near Baton Rouge in Louisiana from Bayou Choctaw Inc and Warren Operating Company Inc ranging from 17% to 80%. The settlement of the Purchase and Sale Agreement places Icon on the path of becoming a significant oil and gas producer, with ‘bankable’ oil reserves in the United States estimated to be worth more than $AUD 30 million net to Icon over a six year period.

The value of additional reserves indicated, but unproven exceed $AUD 500 million. Icon’s current share of production is a mere 25 BOPD but this will increase dramatically as the production drilling programme gets under way. Icon has now invested in excess of $AUD 2.5 million in this venture which was negotiated when oil and gas prices were at all time low levels in 1998.

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KINGS MINERALS (22 August 2000)

Kings Minerals NL announces encouraging progress after recent exploration in the new Offshore South African Concession 3b where a highly prospective area has been established at a depth of 12 meters. On the 14th, 15th and 16th of August a total of 164 only, 20kg bags of gravel were recovered. Processing of these bags at Port Nolloth recovered a total of 22 diamonds for 13.61 carats of which 5 stones weighed 2.13, 2.17, 1.68, 1.57 and 1.29 carats each. All large stones are of high gemstone quality and should attract very good prices.

MATRIX METALS (22 August 2000)

Five weeks after the listing of Australian copper producer Matrix Metals Limited the Company advises it has commenced ore production from the reopened Dobbyn pit at the Mt Cuthbert operation. The Company also reports a host of other production and development activities are underway.

Ore from the Dobbyn pit was delivered to the newly constructed leach pad last week and leaching of the first additional copper production is scheduled for next week.

Preparations are well under way for the opening up of two other new pits at the Mt Cuthbert site scheduled progressively to the end of October.

NORTH (22 August 2000)

Rio Tinto Investments Two Pty Limited increased its relevant intere in North Limited on 21/08/2000, from 679,466,221 ordinary shares (91.48%) to 694,702,843 ordinary shares(93.53%).

PERILYA (22 August 2000)

Perilya Limited has announced a significant investment in the Australian oil and gas exploration industry with an agreement to acquire approximately 24% of the unlisted oil and gas explorer Strike Oil NL.

Under the terms of agreement, which are subject to Strike shareholder approval, Perilya will subscribe for 6,000,000 fully paid ordinary shares at a subscription price of 50 cents per share. In the event that Strike seeks stock exchange listing, Perilya shareholders shall be entitled to subscribe for up to 30% of the shares to be offered to the public.

Strike has been operating for more than three years, pursing oil and gas exploration and development opportunities built around a strong technical team. To date funding has been achieved through a Macquarie Bank Venture Capital Fund and private Australian and North American interests. The resulting team and exploration acreage assembled, is in the view of Perilya and it's advisors, of high quality.

QUEENSLAND GAS COMPANY (22 August 2000)

In the aftermath of the Kyoto Summit on greenhouse gas emissions, the timing is especially appropriate for Queensland Gas Company to be undertaking a project that, if successful, will see strong and sustainable growth in the supply of a new source of "clean" energy to Queensland. Coalbed methane (CBM) will provide this energy and it is QGCs principal goal to be among the leaders in this emerging industry.

The May 2000 release of the Queensland Government's Energy Policy gives an impetus to QGC, through its requirement that by 2005 a total of 13% of all electricity sold by retailers in Queensland must be generated from natural gas; and CBM is just another form of natural gas.

CBM occurs within coal, but in other respects is the same as natural gas. We at QGC believe CBM can be produced in sufficient volumes to see it become, for many consumers, a viable yet "greenhouse friendly" alternative to the burning of coal - and this can be achieved without mining the coal. The coal remains in place, perhaps to be mined by future generations when techniques have been perfected, that will see it converted to power, without causing excessive pollution. CBM has been produced and used as part of the natural gas supply in the United States for some twenty years. While it is true that early exploration efforts in the United States were boosted by significant tax incentives, this is not the case today. Modern drilling and completion techniques have improved production to such an extent that CBM now makes up approximately 7% of the United States' total natural gas production. In Australia the CBM industry is still in its infancy but there is potential for rapid growth in CBM here. Two of QGCs Founders, Bob Bell and Dick Groves, recognised its potential in Queensland and were rewarded with the discovery of the Peat Field in 1995. This gas field has proved to be commercial and is being developed by Oil Company of Australia to fulfil the first long-term CBM supply contract in Australia.

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TAP OIL (22 August 2000)

Tap Oil provides the following clarification on its announcement made on Tuesday morning, 22 August 2000.

We are advised that there has been some confusion as to the reservoir quality in the originally encountered 91 metre hydrocarbon column and the deepened section of the well below that column and advise as follows:

1. Linda-1 has intersected a hydrocarbon column of 91 metres between the depths of 2,659 and 2,750 metres. The reservoir quality over this entire 91 metre column is interpreted as being excellent. The top 53 metres was flow tested with excellent results as reported on 15 August 2000. A coring programme was carried out below the flow tested 53 metres to the bottom of the 91 metre column. Preliminary observations of the retrieved core indicate excellent reservoir quality (and hydrocarbon fluorescence) is present also in the bottom part of the 91 metre column.

2. The well was then deepened a further 100 metres below the originally encountered 91 metre column to 2,850 seeking additional sands. In this 100 metre interval, below the originally encountered 91 metre column, good oil shows were reported but good quality reservoir was not encountered.

TAP OIL (22 August 2000)

Tap Oil provides the following update on the Linda-1 exploration well.

LOCATION

The well is located in TL/l, 17.5 kilometres north-east of Varanus Island at latitude 200degrees 32'54.13"S and longitude 115degrees 41'48.36"E.

PROGRESS

DEEPENED HOLE

Since the last announcement on 15 August 2000, the well was drilled ahead to 2,850 metres with the objective of determining if there are additional deeper hydrocarbon bearing sands. Good/excellent oil shows were encountered in this deepened section however, reservoir quality sands were not encountered. Unfortunately, on logging this section, the tools became stuck in the drillhole and current operations comprise of fishing for these tools.

CORE ANALYSIS

Special analysis of the core obtained from the upper sands in this well has commenced. Preliminary inspection of the core indicates good oil (and/or condensate?) fluorescence in the lower part of the originally intersected 91 metre column and excellent reservoir quality. The preliminary core analysis should be complete early next week.

FORWARD PROGRAMME

Because of the condition of the hole, evidenced by tools becoming stuck, and the lack of reservoir at the deeper level, on completing the fishing operations, this well will be finalised as a discovery well with another step out well being planned immediately.

TAP COMMENT

The Linda-1 well has been an excellent discovery being the first well drilled on a new play concept in the Biggada sandstones. Numerous follow up structures exist. The nature of the entire 91 metro hydrocarbon column is yet to be determined. Whilst a flow test of the upper 53 metres of the 91 metre column has flowed condensate rich gas, there is still evidence from log data, seismic and initial core observations of the possibility of an oil log. Core observations indicate that the reservoir is of high porosity and permeability with good fluorescence in the lower part of the intersected hydrocarbon column. Hence, whether this is entirely a condensate rich gas accumulation or a gas cap on an oil leg is still unknown.

Due to the absence of reservoir at the deeper level and engineering difficulties, this well will now be finalised as a discovery and the Linda-2 appraisal well will be drilled next. Linda-2 will have the objective of determining the down-dip extent of this discovery and acquiring pressure data and fluid samples to determine the nature entire hydrocarbon column as intersected in Linda-1. It will further evaluate the possible development of deeper reservoir sands prognosed at a down-dip location. Linda-2 is expected to be drilled within the next four weeks, as soon as regulatory approvals are acquired.

WESFARMERS (22 August 2000)

Wesfarmers has announced an agreement to sell its subsidiary Sotico Pty Ltd's woodchip, plantation services operations and plantation assets to WA Plantation Resources Pty Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of international trading house Marubeni Corporation.

QUEENSLAND GAS COMPANY (22 August 2000)

Queensland Gas, with a $12 million bank balance, plans to pump gas the environmentally friendly way eliminating any need for the upheaval of coal from the land. At the Company's Surat Basin wells, they estimate yielding 10 million cubic feet of methane gas per day by 2003.

The Company, which lists on Friday, has immediate access to CS Energy's planned pipeline to Santo's adjacent Scotia project and has budgeted $10 million on commencement of the project.

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AUSTRALIAN OIL & GAS CORPORATION (22 August 2000)

Response to ASX Query

ASX would now received a Notice of Initial Substantial Holder, in respect of a holding of 7,589,812 stock units in the name of Westpac Nominees Pty Limited of which the beneficial owner is Artisan Drilling Inc.
The Company is not aware of any information concerning it that has not been announced which, if announced, could be an explanation for recent trading in the securities of the Company.
The price change and increase in volume of sales, is explained by the acquisition on 17 August 2000 of 5,339,812 stock units in the Company by Artisan Drilling Inc.
The Company is in compliance with the Australian Stock Exchange Listing Rules, and in particular Rule 3.1.

AUSTRALIAN OIL & GAS CORPORATION (22 August 2000)

Shares in Australian Oil & Gas Corporation traded at exceptional levels after Artison Driling announced their 16.2 per cent stake in the Company.

AUSDRILL (22 August 2000)

Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Colonial Limited ceased to be a substantial shareholder in Ausdrill Limited on 16/08/2000.

CONTACT ENERGY (22 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back -18,562,326.

CONSOLIDATED RUTILE (22 August 2000)

Half Yearly Report
SUMMARY

Consolidated Rutile Limited profit for the first half of 2000 was $4.1 million - a reduction of $4.3 million on earnings for the equivalent period in 1999.

However, the Company is well placed to improve its performance in the second half of 2000.

The principal factor in profit reduction for the period under review was the cost of bringing the newly commissioned Yarraman dredge mine into full production.

Productivity is improving as the dredge reaches design throughput and moves into higher-grade ore reserves. Increased output is expected to meet a rising demand for the Company's major products in the six months to December 31.

Directors have declared a one cent interim dividend for the half year to June 30. The dividend - payable on November 10, 2000 - will be franked at the 34% rate.

HENRY WALKER ELTIN GROUP (22 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary
Number of securities issued:
150,000
Issue price:
$0.96
Purpose of the issue
Conversion of partly paid unquoted to fully paid quoted securities

MINERAL COMMODITIES (22 August 2000)

As disclosed in the Company's recent quarterly report Mineral Commodities is well advanced in terms of negotiating positions that offered advanced exploration targets. The first of these was announced earlier to the ASX concerning exploration in Tasmania.

The second of these is a tenement package located between Gladstone and Monto in Queensland where the target is Mount Morgan porphyry style mineralisation. Dooloo Creek (EPM 13067) is the initial area of interest comprising approximately 250 square kilometres.

NORTH (22 August 2000)

Further to the announcement of Rio Tinto's compulsory acquisition of North Limited BNP Paribas requests that its call warrants NBHWPB cease to trade from 4pm Monday 21 August, in accordance with the terms of the offering circular.

NORTH (22 August 2000)

On 18 August 2000, Rio Tinto Investments Two Pty Limited officially announced that they had moved to compulsorily acquire the remaining NBH shares. NBH shares are expected to cease trading on the ASX at the close of business on Friday 25 August 2000.

OIL SEARCH (22 August 2000)

Portfolio Partners Ltd decreased its relevant interest in Oil Search Limited on 17/08/2000, from 57,202,966 ordinary shares (9.92%) to 51,000,874 ordinary shares (8.85%).

PAN AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES (22 August 2000)

Pan Australian announces that the Participation Agreement for the Puthep Copper Project has been executed with Padaeng Industry Public Company Limited of Thailand.

Under the Agreement, Pan Australian has the right to earn a 51% flow-through interest in the Puthep Project in north-east Thailand by completing a feasibility study to a bankable standard. In addition, there are options for Pan Australian to acquire a further 19% interest for a total of 70%.

For further details, click here

PERSEVERANCE CORPORATION (22 August 2000)

The directors announce that they have placed 13,885,412 options at 2(1/2) cents from the shortfall from the recent non-renounceable options issue. This raised $347,135 on top of the initial raising of $521,843. The directors can still place the balance of 19,947,370 options.

RANGER MINERALS (22 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back - 429,290.

SONS OF GWALIA (22 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back - 2,967,778.

TITAN RESOURCES (22 August 2000)

Titan Resources NL reports continuing success with field trials of its BioHeap(TM) nickel sulphide heap leach process development.

Nickel recovery into solution has risen to 55 per cent as at August 18, 2000, improving from the previously reported figure of 31.6 per cent on 24 July, 2000. Recovery into solution is rising a approximately 5 per cent per week towards a target level of 70 per cent.

The kinetics of the oxidation and dissolution process are continuing at a rate in excess of 200 per cent of predictions with no slowing of this rate so far, even at current levels of recovery.

UNION CAPITAL (22 August 2000)

Union Capital Limited announces that a General Meeting of the Company was held Monday, 21 August as scheduled and that all resolutions on the agenda were passed.

AUSMELT (21 August 2000)

Ausmelt Limited (AET) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Thiess Pty Ltd, one of Australia's largest integrated engineering service providers. Thiess will work with Ausmelt to examine the market for a revolutionary Spent Pot Lining (SPL) treatment technology, developed jointly by Ausmelt and Alcoa, and the potential business opportunities in this market.

AKD LIMITED / RIO TINTO (21 August 2000)

Rio Tinto has advised AKD that the drilling programme to test extensions of the Wonarah phosphate deposit has commenced.

Approximately 30 RC drillholes (1500m) are planned to test for nearer surface phosphate ore south of the Wonarah deposit. The holes will be drilled on a rough 2.5 x 5 km grid.

Geological mapping and rock chip sampling will also be undertaken and several discrete geophysical anomalies located away from the drill sites will also be field checked.

ANACONDA NICKEL (21 August 2000)

Anglo American Investments (Australia) Limited increased its relevant interest in Anaconda Nickel Limited on 16/08/2000, from 88,260,969 ordinary shares (24.15%) to 94,260,969 ordinary shares(25.73%).

AUSTRALIAN OIL & GAS CORPORATION (21 August 2000)

Artisan Drilling Inc, became a substantial shareholder in Australian Oil & Gas Corporation Limited on 17/08/2000 with a relevant interest in the issued share capital of 7,589,812 ordinary shares (16.18%).

BEMAX RESOURCES (21 August 2000)

BeMaX Resources NL advise that documents were posted to shareholders on Friday 18 August 2000 for an Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on 18 September 2000 at 10.00am in Brisbane. This meeting will consider the issue of 18.95 million shares and 1.75 million 25 cent options, expiring 31 December 2001, in exchange for the acquisition by BeMaX of all the issued capital of Imperial Mining (Aust) NL, which owns 25% of the Ginkgo Deposit.

For further details, click here

BOLNISI GOLD (21 August 2000)

As the Company reported in its report for the quarter ended 30 June 2000, JSC Madneuli, a state owned Georgian corporation with a 50% interest in Quartzite Limited has made a number of claims against the Company and its activities in Georgia. The principal claims have been to the effect that:

* at the sole instigation of a Madneuli representative, Quartzite purported to issue a document which purported to guarantee the debts of Madneuli;

* BMO's representatives on the Quartzite Board were not validly appointed: and

* BMO's interest in Quartzite was not validly registered.

Madneuli's legal claims against the Company have been brought in the Bolnisi District Court. That Court has made orders which exclude BMO from the decision making process of Quartzite, and from giving directions on behalf of Quartzite. The effect of the orders is that BMO is currently excluded from control of Quartzite.

Based on its legal advice, the Company expects to be restored to operational control and to full legal confirmation of its 50% proprietary interest in Quartzite in the immediate future. The Company sought a halt to trading in its securities in the anticipation that the appeals against the Bolnisi District Court decisions would be successful by the close of business on Friday 18
August 2000, enabling the Company to make a more complete disclosure of events. Due to delays in the legal processes in Georgia, caused in part by northern hemisphere summer holidays in Georgia, these decisions by the Regional Court were not handed down on Friday. Rulings are expected imminently and will be announced as soon as the Company has received them.

CROESUS MINING (21 August 2000)

New Hampton Goldfields Limited increased its relevant interest in Croesus Mining NL on 17/08/2000, from 20,509,000 ordinary shares (19.38%) to 21,798,601 ordinary (20.38%).

FEDERATION RESOURCES (21 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary shares
Number of securities issued:
2,866,999
Issue price:
30 cents per share
Purpose of the issue
Exercise of options at 30 cents each on or before 31 August 2000

FLETCHER CHALLENGE (21 August 2000)

Commenting on the application to the New Zealand Commerce Commission filed by Shell Exploration Company BV this morning to acquire the New Zealand operations of Fletcher Challenge Energy, Michael Andrews the Chief Executive Officer of Fletcher Challenge Limited has said: "the approval of the Commerce Commission is an obvious and necessary pre-condition to any potential purchase of these assets by Shell. Clearly we do not know whether Shell will be successful in its application and if it is, whether it will move to submit an offer for these assets. Therefore, this application should be seen as a very preliminary step in a long process", he said.
Mr Andrews reiterated the commitment of the company to keep shareholders informed of progress in the dismantling of the group targeted share structure.

INDIAN MINING CORPORATION (21 August 2000)

The Company sold on Monday 21 August, by public auction held at the ASX, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne, all shares on which the call of 60 cents and $1.00 respectively fell due in July this year and which remained unpaid and have been forfeited.

The total number of shares forfeited was 783,550, which were sold at an average price of 2.9 cents per shares.

Given that the proceeds of the sale were less than the amount of the calls payable on the shares there will be no other amounts payable to former holders.

KINGSTREAM STEEL (21 August 2000)

The securities of Kingstream Steel Limited will be placed in pre-open pending the release of an announcement by the Company. Unless ASX decides otherwise, the securities will remain in pre-open until the earlier of the commencement of normal trading on Wednesday 23 August 2000 or when the announcement is released to the market.

Security Codes: KSM
KSMCOA

LOCAL GOLD MINERS (21 August 2000)

Recent research has revealed that the gold price's fall was broken by local gold miners reducing hedging by almost 2 million ounces over the past six months. This represents cutbacks for the second quarter in a row, with hedging levels at 42.1 million ounces at the end of the June quarter, a decrease of 157,000 ounces.

Twelve of Australia's biggest producers significantly reduced hedging by 1.14 million ounces, including Normandy, WMC and Sons of Gwalia. Contracts for an extra 980,000 ounces were, however, created by nine other producers including Goldfields (340,000 ounces), Delta (205,000 ounces) and New Hampton Goldfields (167,000).

MINERAL COMMODITIES (21 August 2000)

Mineral Commodities has applied for a tenement covering a 53 square kilometre region located between Roseberry and Hellyer as well as farming into a granted tenement EL19/99 located immediately south of Queenstown.

The terms of the farm-in with a privately owned company include a minimum expenditure commitment of $125,000 with a right to earn an 80 per cent interest in the tenement for an expenditure of $700,000.

As part of this commitment Mineral Commodities will shortly commence a drilling programme on the Harris Reward prospect area where host rocks are believed suitable for Mt Lyell style porphyry copper/gold mineralisation.

PHOENIX MINING (21 August 2000)

The Company advises that following the resignation of Patrick Flint as Company Secretary, Robert Samuel Middlemas has been appointed and that subject to shareholder approval the Company will issue 2.72 million options to directors and staff.

The options will be issued in 3 tranches, the first tranche will be exercisable at 20c per share, 12 months from the date of issue, the second exercisable at 25c per share, 24 months from the date of issue and the third exercisable at 30c per share, 36 months from the date of issue.

All options will expire on the earlier of 31 October 2005 or the holder ceasing to be a director or employee of the Company.

TAP OIL (21 August 2000)

Tap Oil NL advises that the Carolina-1 exploration well spudded at 10.30 hours on 19 August 2000.

LOCATION

The well is located in EP 403, 33 kilometres northeast of Varanus Island at latitude 20deg27'31.50"S and longitude 115deg50'27.88"E.

PROGRESS

As at 6.00am today, the well has drilled ahead to 872 metres measured depth and will continue to drill ahead to the planned total depth of 1,684 metres measured depth.

TAP COMMENT

The Carolina prospect is an interpreted lower Cretaceous aged incised canyon on the eastern margin of the Barrow Sub-Basin underlying the Muderong Shale. This stratigraphic play is interpreted to be sealed laterally to the north and south by the Jurassic Dingo Claystone, and to the east by fault seal against the Flinders Fault. A seismic amplitude is coincident with the prospect. The Carolina-1 well will be drilled to test lower Cretaceous Mardie Greensand and Birdrong sandstones. The well is expected to take 5 days to reach its projected total depth of 1,684 metres measured depth. Should it be successful, mean reserves are estimated at 34 mmbbls.

FARMOUT

Apache has farmed into EP 403 to acquire a 65% equity from Tap leaving Tap with 35% interest. As a result of this farmin, Tap will not be required to contribute to the dry hole drilling cost of this well.

TAKORADI (21 August 2000)

In keeping with the Company's stated policy of seeking non-mining investment opportunities in addition to the Company's exploration interests, the Directors of Takoradi Limited advise that the Company has signed a "Letter of Understanding" with RBSnet Ltd (RBSN) a subsidiary of Remote Business Solutions Ltd (RBS) whereby it will acquire rights to automated remote data backup storage products being developed in the United Kingdom and the United States of America for personal computers, mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDA's).

UNION CAPITAL (21 August 2000)

Union Capital Limited advises that it has signed a new agreement relating to its proposed investment in the First International Bank of the Maldives, subsequent to completing the due diligence. The new agreement will increase Union's interest in The Bank to an effective 40% equity interest. The Bank, which shall commence trading on the 1st September 2000 has already established an office in the Capital of the Maldives, Male.

The Bank will specialize in discreet private banking offering its clients the taxation advantages of the Republic of the Maldives, and the asset protection and security guarantees through relationships with respondent banks.

WMC (21 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back -23,253,050.

WEST AUSTRALIAN METALS (21 August 2000)

As previously advised to the Australian Stock Exchange, and the market on 13th March 2000, West Australian Metals NL entered into an agreement to acquire 40% of the issued capital of BMS Solutions Pty Ltd, for a total cost of $1.5 million.

BMS is headquartered in Perth, Western Australia. The company has developed a unique software design, enabling the production of flexible management systems for a wide range of industries. The flagship product SiteSafe, first released in 1997, is an integrated safety management software tool for Occupational Health & Safety professionals. Building on the success of SiteSafe, BMS has also released a sister product suite called Impact, which is designed specifically for Environmental Management.

Hole 29D on line 9800, and targeting the Main Ore Horizon (MOH) at 10200E, intersected intercalated massive sulphide and shales, typical of the Upper Ore Horizon (UOH), between 191.60 - 197.45m.

The MOH massive sulphide was intersected at 205.56 - 209.48m where it is truncated by a footwall fault. Two thin sulphide horizons occur beneath the fault but the hole eventually ended in massive carbonate footwall at 268.50m.

Hole SOP30D collared at 9700N, 5080E and targeting mineralisation at 5050E has intersected the UOH between 133.89 - 139.45m as intercalated sulphide and shale, while the MOH has been intersected between 149.80 - 171.20m. This is the thickest intersection obtained to date and is typical massive sulphide which appears to be high Zn grade.

This further 100m of strike extension is regarded as being highly significant in terms of adding to the resource in the Anjing Hitam sector. For additional information, click here.

INTERCONTINENTAL GOLD & MINERALS (18 August 2000)

The Board of Directors of Intercontinental Gold & Minerals NL announces that Mr Mark Smith has been appointed as an additional director of the Company.

Mr Frank Campagna has been appointed as Company Secretary to replace Mr Bob Arrigoni. Mr Arrigoni will remain as a non-executive director of the Company.

KIDSTON GOLD MINES (18 August 2000)

FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2000

Following the downward revision in Kidston's reserves announced on 8 August 2000, the carrying value of the company's assets has been written down by $12.8 million in the quarter ended 30 June 2000. The write down, which was foreshadowed in the 8 August announcement, comprised $6.6 million of future income tax benefit and $6.2 million of property, plant and equipment.
As a result of the write down, Kidston made a net loss of $11.7 million (9.3 cents per share) for the June quarter and a loss of $11.2 million (9.0 cents per share) for the first six months of 2000. This compares with a net loss of $1.4 million in the previous June quarter and a net profit of $2.3 million in the first half of 1999.
Kidston's net cash flow improved substantially, up from $3 million in the first half of 1999 to $8 million in the current half.
Cash operating costs for the quarter totalled $372 per ounce. This was a substantial decrease compared with the average of $450 per ounce in the June quarter of 1999. For the first six months of 2000 cash operating costs were $381 per ounce (compared with $421 in the corresponding 1999 period).
The average gold price realised was $502 per ounce in the three months ended 30 June 2000, a slight increase on the $481 received during the second quarter of 1999. During the June quarter, the average London spot price was $476 per ounce ($US280).

KIMBERLEY OIL (18 August 2000)

Evenlen Pty Ltd increased its relevant interest in Kimberley Oil NL on 14/08/2000, from 9,000,000 ordinary shares (12.66%) to 15,000,000 ordinary shares (19.46%).

KIMBERLEY DIAMOND COMPANY (18 August 2000)

Kimberley announced the appointment of John Firth as a director of the Company. John will be responsible for bringing the West Coast projects of Namakwa Diamond Company into production.

KINGSGATE CONSOLIDATED (18 August 2000)

A J Grey/Dalvin Pty Ltd ceased to be a substantial shareholder in Kingsgate Consolidated NL on 03/08/2000.

MAJESTIC RESOURCES (18 August 2000)

The Company made the following announcement regarding:

* entering into of an Option Agreement to acquire the Annex Saxendrift Property, South Africa;

* entering into of an Option Agreement to acquire the Douglas Fel No Property, South Africa;

* decision to commence mining at its Pniel Estate Diamond Project, South Africa;

* securing of additional funding by way of a $6 million Convertible Note.

and advising on the negotiations to acquire the property known as Klipdam.

MAJESTIC RESOURCES (18 August 2000)

The securities of Majestic will be placed in pre-open pending the release of an announcement by the Company.

NORTH (18 August 2000)

Rio Tinto has filed a further Substantial Shareholder Notice with Australian Stock Exchange showing its holding in North at 91.48%.

Rio Tinto has now satisfied the requirements for compulsory acquisition under section 661A of the Corporations Law and intends to issue compulsory acquisition notices as soon as possible.

Rio Tinto's offer is due to close on Monday 28 August 2000 at 7:30pm.

Rio Tinto intends to pay North shareholders who accept the offer within three business days of receipt of a valid acceptance.

NEW HAMPTON GOLDFIELDS (18 August 2000)

The Company has acquired Hampton Gold Mining Areas Limited the owner of freehold lands in the Kalgoorlie district covering a total area of 683 square kilometres. New Hampton Goldfields Limited previously held mineral rights with a ten year life expiring in 2006 over much of the freehold lands. This acquisition secures these mineral rights for as long as the freehold lands are held.

OROGEN MINERALS (18 August 2000)

Half Yearly Report
HIGHLIGHTS

* Orogen earned a Profit after Tax of US$28.2million (A$47.6 million) in the first half of 2000, an increase of 129% relative to the corresponding period in 1999.

* Earnings per share were US 8.8 cents (A 14.8 cents), 129% higher than in the same period of 1999.

* An interim dividend of US 2.5 cents (A 4.2 cents) per share has been declared, 36% more than in the corresponding period in 1999.

* Orogen's share of oil production from the Kutubu, Gobe and Moran Oil Fields for the six months to 30th June 2000 was 16% higher than in the first half of 1999. Attributable production totalled 3.34 million barrels of oil produced at an average cash cost of US$4.13 per barrel (US$2.75 per barrel in 1999). The average realised oil price was 80% higher than in 1999 at US$25.46 per barrel (US$14.11 per barrel in 1999).

* Orogen's share of gold production from the Porgera Gold Mine was 75% higher in the first half of 2000 than in the same period of 1999 at 83,493 (47,674 ounces in 1999). Unit cash costs were US$180.31 per ounce, considerably lower than in the first half of 1999 (US$208.54 per ounce in 1999). The average gold price received was US$317.70 per ounce (US$360.53 in 1999).

PAN PACIFIC PETROLEUM (18 August 2000)

Pan Pacific Petroleum released its result for the year ended 30 June 2000. A profit from production operations of $1.1 million was made for the year compared to a loss of $0.1 million in the previous year. After providing for exploration costs of $7.4 million (including four exploration wells) the result was an operating loss after income tax of $6.3 million, compared to a loss of $2.8 million last year. A major component of the exploration write-off, was the Hochstetter well drilled in New Zealand during February 2000.
Mr Tony Radford, the Company's Executive Chairman, said "Whilst drilling of Hochstetter required significant outlays, there was strong shareholder support for testing of this very large prospect, which could have been a company maker. Sands encountered in Hochstetter have upgraded the Tui prospect planned for farmout and drilling during the next year."
On 11 July 2000, Pan Pacific announced a programme to drill mine wells during the 2000/2001 financial year focused on its Carnarvon Basin prospects.
Mr Radford said "Pan Pacific is pursuing a wider spread of exploration plays than in the prior year. Higher oil prices, above US $30 per barrel, and an attractive portfolio of prospects, many of which will have been refined by 3D seismic ahead of drilling, offers shareholders an unusually good exposure for a junior oil company."
The prospects to be tested cover a range of objectives and play styles, from appraisal wells designed to increase oil reserves and flow rates from existing production licences, through to wildcat drilling with large potential. The first of these wells is likely to be the Tusk prospect in late September/early October, in the offshore Carnarvon basin with potential of up to 40 million barrels.

PIMA MINING (18 August 2000)

Pima announced that its 80% owned subsidiary SAMAG Limited has released for public comment a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Ore Haul Road from the Mt Hutton mine site to the Leigh Creek railhead. This document will be on public display at Planning SA and submissions will be accepted up until the 25 September 2000. Copies of the document may be obtained from Planning SA or SAMAG Limited.

PASMINCO (18 August 2000)

The first shipment of 5,000 tonnes of lead concentrate from Pasminco Century Mine departed the Gulf of Carpentaria on Tuesday 15 August.

Shipments of lead concentrate will now proceed on a regular basis with the next export due at the end of August. Pasminco expects to ship about 40,000 tonnes of lead concentrate by the end of the year Contracts are in place for the sale of all lead concentrate to third party customers.

QUADRANT AUSTRALIA (18 August 2000)

All resolutions were passed at the General Meeting of shareholders held Friday, 18 August.

ROC OIL COMPANY (18 August 2000)

1. DRILLING OPERATIONS

1.1 SALTFLEETBY-5 (ROC: 100%)

The Saltfleetby-5 well has drilled into the top of the main Westphalian reservoir sands and casing has been run and cemented to a depth of 2,441 metres (2,267 metres TVD). After drilling through the main Westphalian reservoir, the well is scheduled to drill to a total depth of 3,200 metres including, if warranted, a 300 metre horizontal section designed to test the gas potential of the underlying Namurian which has not been tested to date.

1.2 THE KYLE NORTHEAST APPRAISAL WELL (ROC: 12.5%)

The Kyle 29/2C-13 appraisal well (also known as the Kyle Northeast well) is at a depth of 9,202 ft in the top of the Chalk, the main reservoir target, and 9 5/8 inch casing has been run and cemented. Pipe Conveyed logging has been completed over the Palaeocene sands, immediately above the Chalk, and encouraging hydrocarbon indications were reported. The next operation will be to drill out of the 9(5/8) inch casing shoe, into the Chalk before taking a core of the potential Chalk reservoir.

SHIELD TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED (18 August 2000)

A mining lease covering the Above heap leach gold project in Ghana has been granted to ShieldTel subsidiary, Abore Mining Company Limited ("AMC").
AMC, which is owned 90% ShieldTel and 10% by the Government of Ghana, is in the process of developing and financing the Abore project. Production from Abore is expected to be approximately 130,000 ounces over two years, with upside potential from existing sulphide resources and exploration targets on Abore and surrounding concessions. Mining is planned to commence in November, with gold production scheduled to commence in February 2001. For additional information, click here.

TAP OIL (18 August 2000)

Tap Oil NL provides the following update on Clementine-1 exploration well spudded on 13 August 2000.

LOCATION

The well is located in EP 403, 35 kilometres northeast of Varanus Island at latitude 20deg 28'23.11"S and longitude 115deg 51'21.03"E.

PROGRESS

The Clementine-1 well has been drilled to a total depth of 1,434 metres measured depth.

No shows were encountered and the well will be plugged and abandoned as a dry hole.

TAP COMMENT

The Clementine prospect is a north-south trending tilted fault block that relied on closure on the southern flank from a southwest trending Lower Cretaceous canyon. It is interpreted by Tap that the lack of trapping of hydrocarbons is due to an inadequate sealing quality of this particular canyon.

FARMOUT

Apache has farmed into EP 403 to acquire a 65% equity from Tap leaving Tap with 35%. As a result of this farmin, Tap was not required to contribute to the dry hole drilling cost of this well or will be required to for the next well in the block namely, Carolina-1.

TAP OIL (18 August 2000)

Tap Oil NL advises that it has entered into an agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan Energy Development Co Ltd ("JED") whereby JED's subsidiary will earn a 20% interest in EP 137 by contributing to the cost of the upcoming onshore three well appraisal programme.

JED is a large Japanese energy company having a primary focus on developing and commercialising gas fields.

The three well programme planned to commence on 1 October 2000 has been designed to determine the viability of commercial gas from the Mardie gas field. Specifically, the appraisal well programme comprises of three vertical wells engineered to measure gas flow rates and establish reservoir parameters from the Mardie Greensand reservoir.

TECTONIC RESOURCES (18 August 2000)

Notice of Prospectus offering to place up to 9,450,000 fully paid ordinary shares at an issue price of 18 cents per share, together with 9,450,000 free attaching options to subscribe for shares at an exercise price of 20 cents per share exercisable on or before 30 June 2004.

Refer to Section 5 of this prospectus for a summary of rights attaching to the New Shares.

PURPOSE OF OFFER AND APPLICATION OF FUNDS

The Offer will raise up to $1,701,000 before costs of the Offer.

The purpose of the Offer is to raise funds to assist the Company test the exploration potential of the RAV 8 nickel sulphide project that is currently being commissioned.

WEST OIL (18 August 2000)

West Oil announced that all four resolutions were unanimously passed by way of a show of hands at the general meeting of shareholders held on 18 August 2000:

WMC RESOURCES (18 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back -23,753,050.

ARROW ENERGY (18 August 2000)

Recent interest in the resources sector saw Arrow Energy's 20 cent shares debut on the ASX at 23 cents, closing at the same level. Queensland's Arrow Energy is seeking to raise $5 million to fund expansion of its gas interests in the state, with an issue of 25 million shares.

ASHTON MINING (18 August 2000)

Australian diamond miner Ashton Mining Limited has announced a more than doubling in net profit to a record $22.6 million for the half year to June 30, 2000, from $10.1 million in the 1999 first half. Diamond sales rose 15 percent to $149.5 million from $118.8 million.

The record result was driven by strong sales and profits from Ashton's 40.1 percent-owned Argyle diamond mine due to higher prices for the range of diamonds Argyle produces. The result also reflects a first time profit contribution from Ashton's Merlin Project in the Northern Territory.

SUMMARY

FINANCE

* Profit before tax up to 94% to a record $36.9 million (1999: $19.0 million before abnormals).

* Profit after tax up to 124% to a record at $22.6 million (1999: $10.1 million before abnormals).

* Pre-tax cashflow from operations $96.7 million, or 29 cents per share (1999: $62.7 million).

* Interim dividend of 5.0 cents per share, fully franked and payable 14 September 2000 (1999 interim 1.5 cps).

* Strong cash flow allows early repayment of US$15 million of long- term debt, reducing long term debt to US$90.6 million, and completion of $13.7 million share buy-back.

* Cash on hand at 30 June 2000 was $143.3 million.

* Profit result is after full provision for waste removal at Argyle and exploration expenditure, as well as the profit impact of the early loan repayment.

OUTLOOK

* Current strong demand for Argyle goods is expected to continue into the second half. Argyle stocks are now at record lows.

* Based on current prices and exchange rates, Ashton expects full year profit for 2000 to be more than double 1999's pre-abnormal profit of $17.5 million.

* Assuming the maintenance of current prices and exchange rates through 2001, profit in the 2001 year is expected to exceed the level of profit recorded for 2000.

* Argyle diamond production will increase and mining costs will decrease which, at current prices and exchange rates, should result in a substantial increase in profits from 2002.

* Progress on underground planning with objective of increasing Argyle mine life to at least 2018.

BHP (18 August 2000)

BHP and Esso Australia Resources has begun delivery of Bass Strait gas to New South Wales customers via the Eastern Gas Pipeline.

NSW Premier Bob Carr opened the 795km Duke Energy International pipeline enabling Bass Strait gas to be delivered to regional and metropolitan centres in New South Wales and Victoria.

BOLNISI GOLD (18 August 2000)

The Company requests a trading halt for Bolnisi Gold NL on the basis that a previously referred to dispute with the Company's Georgian partner in the Quartzite project has further developed. Disputes in Georgia are commonplace and it is anticipated that this one will be resolved within the next week. A trading halt is requested pending resolution of this dispute which, based on the Company's legal advice, is expected to be favourable.

BOLNISI GOLD (18 August 2000)

The securities of Bolnisi Gold NL will be placed in pre-open pending the release of an announcement by the Company. Unless ASX decides otherwise, the securities will remain in pre-open until the earlier of the commencement of normal trading on Monday 21 August 2000 or when the announcement is released to the market.

Security Codes: BSG
BSGO

FIRST AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES (18 August 2000)

CLEAR BRANCH FIELD, JACKSON PARISH, NORTH LOUISIANA

Logging of the Cotton Valley zone in the Terry Ewing No.1 well between 11,940 and 12,002 feet has confirmed a net gas pay interval of 38 feet, bringing aggregate net pay in the well to 115 feet.

Logging indicates the Cotton Valley section to be forty two (42) feet structurally higher than the O'Quinn offset well with no apparent water level. The O'Quinn well recorded an initial production rate of 5 million cubic feet of gas per day without any stimulation. The Cotton Valley formation is likely to require fracture stimulation.

Gas sales contracts are being negotiated with SEGO at close to Henry Hub pricing approximating US$4.40 per thousand cubic feet. Pipeline planning is in progress. A completion rig will arrive on location early September for completion and testing of the well. The drilling rig has been released and is scheduled to return in two months to commence development drilling.

LAKE LONG FIELD, LAFOURCHE PARISH, SOUTH LOUISIANA

STATE LEASE 328 NO.6 WELL

Following an upsurge in energy prices, FAR has agreed to a proposal by Kriti Exploration Inc, the operator, to increase cash flow, add reserves and accelerate production, from long life wells in the Lake Long field.

The SL328 No.6 well currently produces 52 barrels of oil per day from the "F" Sand. There are five zones behind pipe and it is proposed to add the "C" Sand perforations thru tubing from 9,180 to 9,198 feet and commingle production with the "F" Sand. The "C" Sand has produced both oil and gas in a down-dip Amoco well.

NW SEGMENT PROSPECT

Drilling of the NW Segment Prospect at Lake Long is now scheduled for late October. The prospect will require the drilling of a deviated well to test thirteen Miocene zones, eleven of which are productive in a major field fault block immediately south and adjacent to the NW Segment Fault Block. The southern block has produced 25 million barrels of oil.

Plans call for the test well to be drilled from a barge rig to a true vertical depth of 12,000 feet. The prospect is supported by a modern grid of 3D seismic. A well drilled in 1949 intersected 15 feet of gas bearing sands at the 5,500-foot Sand interval which were not produced at the time due to low gas prices. The field is supported by existing infrastructure connected to Columbia Gas Pipeline System.

FLETCHER CHALLENGE (18 August 2000)

AUSDRILL (17 August 2000)

Ausdrill Ltd and Henry Walker Eltin Group Ltd jointly announce that African Mining Services has concluded the year ended June 30, 2000 with work in hand estimated at US$340.0M, 4% higher than the corresponding figure of US$325M as at 31 December 1999.

The increase in the order book is attributable to:

* a 13 month extension at AMS's contract at the Damang gold mine, estimated value US$25.0M.

* An increase in required volumes at the Geita gold mine in Tanzania, which has seen the initial value of work increase from US$116.0M to an estimated US$200.0M.

Ausdrill and Henry Walker Eltin are optimistic about the prospects for ongoing growth in contract mining in Africa, and of securing new business on the continent over the medium term.

CONTACT ENERGY (17 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back -19,162,326.

COPLEX RESOURCES (17 August 2000)

Fourth Quarter Activities
SUMMARY

CORPORATE

* The Deed Administrators continue to control the company under the Deed of Company Arrangement.

COLOMBIA

* Sale of shares in Petrolox Energy Corporation during March quarter results in transfer of Coplex beneficial interest.

EGYPT

* The sale of shares in Naftex Energy Corporation during March quarter results in transfer of Coplex beneficial interest.

BRAZIL

* The sale of shares in Naftex Energy Corporation during March quarter results in transfer of Coplex beneficial interest.

BS-3 BLOCK

As detailed in the previous quarterly report, Coplex no longer holds an interest in this field.

PHILIPPINES

Coplex's interest in the Philippines are held through Coplex Energy Corporation which is 100% owned by Coplex.

SERVICE CONTRACT 42 NORTH PALAWAN (COENCO 11.7% CORON NORTH BLOCK)
(COENCO 9.9% NIDO BLOCK)

There was no activity in the licence area during the quarter.

SERVICE CONTRACT 40 NORTHERN CEBU (COENCO 71.0% OFFSHORE) (COENCO
10.0% ONSHORE)

As detailed in the previous quarterly report, Coplex no longer holds an interest in this field.

CORPORATE

COPLEX RESOURCES NL (SUBJECT TO DEED OF COMPANY ARRANGEMENT)
The Company remained to the Deed of Company Arrangement executed on 3 March 2000 throughout the Quarter.

FLETCHER CHALLENGE (17 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Fletcher Challenge Energy
Number of securities issued:
55,120
Issue price:
13,070 at $3.76 each, 18,050 at $6.66 each and, 24,000 at $4.41 each
Purpose of the issue
Employee Share Option Scheme

GOLD (17 August 2000)

Signs are appearing that Asia is once again strengthening, with gold jewellery in high demand in the region. Thailand is leading the way with a 69 per cent second quarter increase on last year's corresponding quarter.

Malaysia's demand for jewellery increased 22 per cent, with overall gold imports at 4 tonnes and Taiwan was up 13 per cent with imports at 34 tonnes; however, figures are still down on pre-crisis levels and with the present weaker stock market, have tailed off since June.

In contrast, the Thai baht's stability against the US dollar has seen demand for gold as a currency hedge decrease by 72 per cent; however, in Taiwan, a government issue of 80,000 gold coins celebrating the inauguration of President Chen Shui-bian helped increase investment to 10 tonnes, an increase of 67 per cent on last year.

Continuing strong markets include Greater China, namely Hong Kong and China, and globally, investment demand for gold in the first half of the year was 187.8 tonnes.

HIGHLANDS PACIFIC (17 August 2000)

ACTIVITIES REPORT

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED 30 JUNE 2000

HIGHLIGHTS

* Ramu, Special Mining Lease issued.

* Kainantu, high-grade gold interesections continue.

RAMU PROJECT
(HIG 68.5% Interest)

PERMITTING

* All project approvals have been received.

* The Special Mining Lease (SML) was issued following the execution of the Mining Development Contract (MDC).

* The Ramu MDC features two significant provisions:

- The State guarantees fiscal stability for a period of 10 years after commercial production commences.

- The project is structured as mining & manufacturing operation, reducing the effective project tax rate from 35% to 27%.

JOINT VENTURE STRUCTURE

* Issue of SML triggers State's right to purchase 30% contributing equity in Ramu. Acquisition price will be 30% of project expenditure to date.

* Equity structure, should the State's exercise its option, will be Highlands Pacific 47.95%, Orogen 22.05%, State 25% and Landowners 5%.

EQUITY PARTICIPATION

* The process of securing an additional equity participant will now be stepped up, with a number of major mining companies showing interest.

ENGINEERING

* JV partners Kvaerner Metals and Baulderstone Hornibrook finalised outstanding components of Phase 1 A FEED program.

* Program finalised definition of process flow sheet, equipment lists, design parameters, process control philosophies and project implementation strategies.

KAINANTU JOINT VENTURE
(HIG 100%, NM&M earning 50%)

IRUMAFIMPA STRUCTURE

* Bonanza grades continue to be intersected:

- 5m @92.3 g/t gold
Incl. 2m @ 227.7 g/t gold

- 5m 12.7 g/t gold
Incl. 2m @ 25.3 g/t gold

* 2,060m of a planned 6,000m diamond drill program completed.

* Drilling confirms mineralisation is continuous over strike and depth.

* Mineralisation remains open in all directions.

HIGHLANDS PACIFIC (17 August 2000)

The National Executive Council has endorsed the 'Project Document', which includes the Mining Development Contract, the Special Mining Lease and the Memorandum of Agreement, for the Ramu Nickel/Cobalt project in the Madang Province.

Announcing the decision Wednesday 17 August, Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta said Cabinet's approval paved the way for the developers, Ramu Nickel Ltd and Orogen Minerals, to finalise all necessary project requirements.

Sir Mekere said Ramu would be the first resources project to receive a guarantee of stability under the Government's new fiscal stability policy announced in Parliament recently.

JULIA CORPORATION (17 August 2000)

The Directors announce that the companies shares are now included on the Regulated Unofficial Market on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the shares are being traded on the trading floor and on Xetra, the Deutsche Borse AG trading system.

On Wednesday 16 August, the company's subsidiary, Smart Silicon Systems Pty Ltd, received verbal advice from AusIndustry that it has been awarded a $470,000.00 development grant being 50% of the total development expenditure to allow the company to develop and complete the CardPro and SmartMouse smartcard reader products; additionally to develop smartcard based internet e-commerce enablement technology including the SmartTicket and SmartReload products.

The CardPro is expected to be available commercially as early as October 2000.

PETSEC ENERGY (17 August 2000)

Petsec Energy Ltd has announced its results for the half year and the quarter ended 30 June 2000. The Company's wholly owned US subsidiary, Petsec Energy Inc. (PEI), was deconsolidated from the Company's accounts on 13 April 2000, the day PEI filed a voluntary petition for protection under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code. Under Australian accounting standards the result of this deconsolidation is an extraordinary gain of $49.8 million (net of tax) reflecting the removal of PEI's net liabilities. Consequently the Company reported a net profit of $43.0 million for the half-year ended 30 June 2000. Following deconsolidation, the balance sheet shows shareholders' equity of $25.4 million compared to a negative $11.0 million shown at 31 December 1999. The current asset value is almost entirely represented by cash.

TAIPAN RESOURCES (17 August 2000)

On 13 June, 2000 St Barbara Mines and Taipan announced that they proposed to merge through a Scheme of Arrangement whereby St Barbara shareholders will receive three Taipan shares for each St Barbara share they hold.

St Barbara and Taipan now announce that two of the conditions to the merger noted in the 13 June 2000 announcement have been satisfied, namely:

* all necessary due diligence investigations have been satisfactorily completed; and

* the Court has approved the convening of meetings of St Barbara shareholders and optionholders to consider the merger and the Explanatory Statement, which will be provided in advance of the meetings.

STRIKER RESOURCES (17 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Options
Number of securities issued:
115,064,725
Principal terms of the securities:
Options exercisable by payment of 20 cents each on or before 30 September 2002

TAP OIL (17 August 2000)

Commonwealth Bank of Australia ceased to be a substantial shareholder in Tap Oil NL on 11/08/2000.

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL CARBON (16 August 2000)

Australian International Carbon Ltd advises that it has ceased its activated carbon business. The company will quit its leased premises at Muchea, Western Australia on August 31, 2000 and has negotiated the sale of its plant and equipment at that site.

AUSTRALIAN WORLDWIDE EXPLORATION (16 August 2000)

Australian Worldwide Exploration Limited announces on behalf of its 95% owned subsidiary Omega Oil NL that the Ladbroke Grove gas field is now in full production, selling gas to the nearby Ladbroke Grove Power Station.

In July the Ladbroke Grove gas field sold approximately 587 terrajoules of gas (18.9 TJ/day) to the power station as it approached full operation. This gas production performance exceeded budget forecasts by 28%.

AURIDIAM CONSOLIDATED (16 August 2000)

QUARTERLY EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES REPORT TO 30 JUNE 2000

EXPLORATION:

Kimberlite stockpiled at BK16 in Botswana for processing.

Processing plant installed at BK16.

Agreement with Kimberley Diamond Company for further exploration at Ellendale.

Completion of detailed agreement with Misima Mines Limited for development of Woodlark Island gold deposit.

INDUSTRIAL:

Finalisation of purchase of majority interest in Recom Engineering.

Purchase of Allmakes Compressors in NSW.

CORPORATE:

Share buy-back continues from operational cashflow.

ARROW ENERGY (16 August 2000)

Arrow Energy NL was admitted to the Official List of Australian Stock Exchange Limited on Monday, 14 August 2000. Official Quotation of the following securities will commence at 10.30 am EST on Thursday, 17 August 2000.

28,466,005 ordinary shares each fully paid
12,500,000 options, exercisable at 20 cents each on or before 28 June 2002.

ASX Code: AOE
AOEO

AMX RESOURCES (16 August 2000)

The Company wishes to announce the appointment of Mr Alan Rule to the position of Joint Company Secretary and Group Chief Financial Officer.

ANZOIL (16 August 2000)

Anzoil, as Operator of the Hanoi Basin Production Sharing Contract in North Vietnam, announces that the permit has been formally extended for two years.

This gives the Joint Venture of Anzoil and Maurel & Prom continued tenure over the PSC until July 2002, during which time the Joint Venture is obliged to drill one well. The renewal was also accompanied by a 70% relinquishment of the remaining PSC area. All of the crucial oil and gas prospects both onshore and offshore have been retained.

AUSDRILL (16 August 2000)

CLUFF RESOURCES (16 August 2000)

A previously unknown layer of higher grade gravels has been located at the Monte Christo diamond mine at Bingara, NSW. The layer is half to two metres thick where exposed, and was found by excavating below a "false bottom" of basement like clays. These newly discovered gravels are several metres below a diamond bearing possible volcanic ash layer reported previously. The gravels dip into the hill at about ten degrees, and mining will continue in that direction.

380 tonnes of screened gravels have yielded 798 gem quality diamonds weighing a total of 98.3 carats. The grade was 26 carats per hundred tonnes, much higher than obtained previously at the mine. The largest stone recovered was a 1.1 carat white, together with another two stones of about one carat in weight.

GTN RESOURCES (16 August 2000)

RESPONSE TO ASX QUERY

The Directors are aware of the article that appeared in the Sun Herald on 13 August 2000, which was written without reference to any member of the Board. The Board considers that the article is nothing more than speculation but that it may have contributed to the increased activity in trading in the Company's securities. The Board has noted in particular a significant increase in activity from the "daytrader" sector of the investment community since the article was published by comparison to the period prior to publication.

The Board from time to time reviews the Company's investments and considers other investment opportunities. None of the opportunities currently being considered by the Board are at a sufficiently advanced stage of negotiation to warrant disclosure.

MINCOR RESOURCES (16 August 2000)

Mincor Resources NL announces that the drilling programme at its Geita Gold Project (Imweru Prospecting Licence, Mincor earning 100%) in the Lake Victoria Goldfields of Tanzania has been successfully completed.

Mincor completed 1751m of reverse air blast (RAB) drilling, 696m of air core and 484m of reverse circulation (RC) drilling. A total of 57 holes were drilled. The drilling method was varied to obtain optimal performance in varying ground conditions and to best test each target. The total number of metres drilled equates, in cost terms, to approximately 4000m of RAB as was budgeted.

The drill holes were targeted on areas of known surface gold mineralisation where these were highlighted by geological, conceptual and ground magnetic studies.

MICHELAGO (16 August 2000)

Ronald Norman Lees and Joan Margaret Lees who have a relevant interest in 6,235,002 fully paid ordinary shares in Michelago Limited will cease to be a substantial holder in Michelago as the Company announced the placement of 40 million shares with other parties on 15 August 2000. A Form 604 is attached.

Ronald Norman Lees & Joan Margaret Lees increased/decreased/changed its/his/her relevant interest in Michelago Limited on 15/08/2000, from 7,130,002 ordinary shares (6.96%) to 6,235,002 ordinary shares (4.14%).

MINERAL COMMODITIES (16 August 2000)

On 10 August, 2000 Zurich Bay Holdings Pty Ltd lodged a substantial shareholder notice advising that it has a beneficial entitlement to 6.0 per cent of Mineral Commodities Limited.

Zurich Bay Holdings has requisitioned a meeting of Mineral Commodities' shareholders for the purpose of removing the incumbent board of directors and replacing them with Messrs Mark Caruso, Joseph Caruso and Wayne Loxton.

Freehills has been retained to advise the board and ensure that formalities are adhered to.

Shareholders will be advised shortly as to how this situation will proceed.

NORTH (16 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary
Number of securities issued:
1,460,500
Issue price/Purpose of the issue:
Shares allotted upon the exercise of options granted under the Company's Share Option Incentive Plan: 621,500 shares - exercise price $3.862 expiry date 01/12/2000
839,000 shares - exercise price $3.653 expiry date 04/12/2001

NORTH (16 August 2000)

Maple-Brown Abbott Ltd ceased to be a substantial shareholder in North Limited on 09/08/2000.

NORTH (16 August 2000)

Rio Tinto Investments Two Pty Ltd increased its relevant interest in North Limited on 15/08/2000, from 629,761,745 ordinary shares (84.95%) to 654,231,552 ordinary shares (88.08%).

SIPA RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL (16 August 2000)

Sipa announces that the Company has been notified by Outokumpu Zinc Australia Limited that they are commencing a Feasibility Study on the Sulphur Springs Zinc-Copper deposit within Sipa's Panorama Project in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia.

The Feasibility Study is budgeted at $3.9 million and is planned in two stages:

* STAGE 1: costing $1.4 million is due for completion by 3l March 200l; and
* STAGE 2: costing $2.5 million is due for completion by 7 December 2001. (we have been informed that Stage 2 is contingent on the success of Stage 1)

SIPA RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL (16 August 2000)

HIGHLIGHTS

ASHBURTON GOLD PROJECTS

* The Mount Olympus Goldmine at Paraburdoo produced Sipa 14,184 ounces of gold for the Quarter at a Year to Date cash cost of A$238/ounce.

* Sipa paid off the Mount Olympus Goldmine development loan in June 2000 and the Company is entirely debt free.

* The Paraburdoo Gold Project should contribute some A$15 million free cash flow to Sipa over the next 18 months.

* Newcrest, as Managers of the Limerick Hill and Ashburton (Regional) Joint Ventures, have completed an RC drilling program at three prospects near Mount Olympus and a RAB/Aircore program at several targets in the Regional Joint Venture. Results are awaited.

SIPA - GAIA JOINT VENTURE

* The Sipa - Gaia - Rio Tinto Exploration Venture is progressing well with targets being generated in several states.

* Four major project areas have so far emerged and tenement applications have been made over some 6,500 square kilometres in WA and Northeast Queensland.

STRIKE MINING (16 August 2000)

Strike Mining NL (to be renamed Select-Tel Limited) announces that since the closing of its recent prospectus offering and subsequent re-listing on the Australian Stock Exchange in July the following developments have taken place:

* State offices have been opened in Brisbane and Sydney and the recruitment of an east coast direct sales team is well underway. Customers are currently being signed up to use the service.

* Dealer recruitment has commenced in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland and already a number of dealers have been commissioned by the company.

* Select-Tel is taking delivery of a sophisticated CPSE Management Centre, which is expected to be fully operational by the end of August. This enables telecommunications call costs and carrier configurations to be adjusted remotely on a customer-by-customer basis with daily frequency.

* The company has now commenced its sales into the corporate market place and to facilitate the analysis of the call costs and patterns of potential customers, has also introduced a sophisticated cost analyser software package for use by its sales team. This provides potential customers with detailed call cost analysis in an easy to read graphical format.

* Select-Tel is also actively pursuing strategic alliances both nationally and internationally with a view to enhancing its product offering.

TRITON CORPORATION (16 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary Fully Paid (Ord)
Number of securities issued:
4,014,400
Issue price:
12 cents per share
Purpose of the issue
Working capital

TRITON CORPORATION (16 August 2000)

Triton Corporation has announced that it had completed the second stage of a working capital fundraising for its wholly owned, cabling/telecommunications engineering subsidiary, Yost Technologies Limited.

This involved the placement of 4,014,400 shares at 12 cents each to institutional and professional investors through Shaw Stockbroking, Sydney.

With the placement of 26 million shares 12 cents announced on August 4, Triton has now raised a total of some $3.6 million by the issue of 30,014,400 shares.

WEST AUSTRALIAN METALS (16 August 2000)

Response to ASX Query

In response to your letter of yesterday, the company acknowledges the change in price of the securities from 9 cents on Thursday 10 August 2000 to 15 cents yesterday.

The company is not aware of any matters or information concerning it, which has not already been advised to the market.

The Board confirms that the company is in compliance with the Listing Rules and, in particular, Listing Rule 3.1.

Should the company become aware of any further information, it will release it immediately in accordance with the Listing Rules.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM (16 August 2000)

Significantly increased oil production and sales, higher oil prices, and a profit of A$104.2 million (after tax) from the divestment of 10% of the Greater Sunrise gas and condensate fields, enabled Woodside to achieve a record consolidated operating profit of A$436.5 million after income tax for the first half of 2000.

AUSTPAC RESOURCES (16 August 2000)

Austpac Resources NL announces the placement of 10,000,000 fully paid ordinary shares at 15 cents each to raise $1,500,000 for working capital.

This issue will rank equally with the existing issued capital of the Company. This placement was assisted by Intersuisse Limited.

AUIRON ENERGY (16 August 2000)

The Company advises that it has given notice of its intention to seek admission of its fully paid ordinary shares for trading on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. Admission is expected to be granted 10 days from the date of notice.

To assist in the listing the Company has appointed Qld Mutual Securities as its Nominated Financial Adviser and WH Ireland as its Sponsoring Broker.

CAPRAL ALUMINIUM (16 August 2000)

Capral Aluminium has announced a net profit of $9.6 million for the six months ending 30 June 2000, compared with $6.5 million in the previous corresponding period.

The Board has declared an interim fully franked dividend of three cents per share. In addition the Board has declared fully franked special dividend of five cents per share. These dividends will be payable on 19 September 2000. The record date is 29 August 2000.

OPERATIONS

Profit before tax and abnormal items was $55.4 million, compared with $12.9 million for the previous corresponding period. This result reflects not only strong Smelter earnings but also improved earnings in Fabrication.

The Kurri Kurri Smelter, which is due to be sold to the VAW aluminium Group on 16 October, earned $45.9 million, compared with $2.6 million for the previous corresponding period. This result was due to higher prevailing metal prices and improved output, partly offset by higher electricity costs.

RESTRUCTURING

The operating profit is reduced by abnormal items of $37.6 million compared with $0.9 million for the previous corresponding period. These charges reflect the significant restructuring now in progress, as previously advised to shareholders. The company is also reviewing its holdings of land and buildings. The Granville site, in particular, will become largely superfluous following the closure of the sheet rolling operation. Having regard
to preliminary advice as to the net realisable value of the site the Board has reduced the carrying value of this property by $15.6 million reflecting the change from its present use. This reduction is a direct offset against the existing revaluation reserve.

SMELTER SALE

The Board note that the results do not include the gain that will incur on the sale of the Smelter in October 2000.

As advised at the general meeting, the Board intends to make a significant return early in 2001 of capital released by the sale.

CONTACT ENERGY (16 August 2000)

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - continued; the remaining number of shares to be bought back -19,412,326.

CENTAMIN EGYPT (16 August 2000)

Centamin Egypt Limited advises of the appointment of Mr Gordon Brian Speechly as a non-executive director of the company.

DIORO EXPLORATION (16 August 2000)

Dioro has been informed that Goldfields Exploration Pty Ltd asserts claims both in its own name and in the name of Gilt Edge Mining NL over a portion of tenements the subject of the Mines and Resources Australia Pty Ltd and Dioro Joint Venture in the Lake Kopai Region to the south of Kundana.

Dioro emphasises that the asserted tenement claim does not extend to the Joint Ventures Frog's Leg target located on mining lease 15/688, a granted tenement held by this Joint Venture.

The claims made by Goldfields Exploration are in relation to a portion of Mining Lease applications 15/1187-1188 applied for by Mines and Resources and Dioro.

Dioro has requested Mines and Resources Australia Pty Ltd to confirm the validity of the Joint Venture Tenements in the light of the asserted claims and is awaiting a reply from Mines and Resources.

It is premature to determine whether:

(a) the asserted claims have any basis at law;

(b) the asserted claims are material in relation to the affairs of Dioro.

DRILLSEARCH ENERGY (16 August 2000)

Drillsearch Energy NL advises progress by its Canadian subsidiary, Circumpacific Energy Corporation, in drilling of the Lambert well, Alberta, Canada.

WELL NAME:
TLM Oiltech Lambert 5-4-52-22 W5M

AREA LOCATION:
Lambert approximately 180 km west of Edmonton, Calgary, Canada

REPORT:
The operator, Talisman Energy Inc, reported that at 4.00 pm 14th August, 2000. (AEST), it had Completed the air drilling phase of the well to a depth of 2.164 metres. The well had been reamed out and was preparing to drill ahead using conventional mud based drilling.

Progress since the last report on 9th August, 2000, totalled 1,164 metres and the well was ahead of schedule.

PROPOSED TOTAL WELL DEPTH:
4,799 metres. Anticipating to terminate in the Cambrian system.

ENERGY RESOURCES OF AUSTRALIA (16 August 2000)

FULL YEAR RESULTS

1999 / 2000 FINANCIAL YEAR

* Earnings before interest and tax increased to $46.3 million.

* Profit after tax increased by 58.9 per cent to $34.7 million post abnormals.

* Profit after tax increased by 2.7 per cent to $22.4 million pre abnormals.

* An 8.0 cent fully franked final dividend declared, increasing the total dividend to 49.0 cents, which included a special dividend of 31 cents fully franked paid in December 1999.

* Sales revenue increased by 5.1 per cent to $181.8 million.

* Total sales of material of 4,514 tonnes U(3)O(8).

* Three new sales contracts negotiated.

* Ranger production (drummed) of 4,144 tonnes U(3)O(8).

FLETCHER CHALLENGE (16 August 2000)

Fletcher Challenge Energy has further strengthened its position as a major regional exploration and production company with the signing of an agreement with the Brisbane based Australian listed oil and gas explorer, Petroz NL.

Under the agreement Fletcher Challenge Energy will be given an option to acquire shares, take a further placement and underwrite a 3:5 rights issue to acquire a minimum 33.7% shareholding in Petroz for an estimated cost of approximately NZ$80 million.

FLETCHER CHALLENGE (16 August 2000)

Eldercare's statement of claim alleging insider trading against a Fletcher Challenge subsidiary (Petrocorp) was rejected by Justice Fisher in the High Court at Auckland on Tuesday 14 August 2000.

Eldercare was seeking leave to bring insider trading proceedings in the name, and at the expense, of Southern Petroleum No Liability a formerly publicly listed company taken over by Petroleum Industries Limited, a Fletcher Challenge Limited subsidiary, during 1995.

GOLDFIELDS (16 August 2000)

Perpetual Trustees Australia Ltd increased its relevant interest in Goldfields Limited. on 14/08/2000, from 13,918,221 ordinary shares (7.37%) to 16,244,955 ordinary shares(8.60%).

ILUKA RESOURCES (16 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary shares
Number of securities issued:
(a) 25,000
(b) 6,700
(c) 25,000
Issue price:
(a) 25,000 @ $4.02
(b) 6,700 @ $3.98
(c) 25,000 @ $3.93
Purpose of the issue
56,700 shares issued pursuant to the exercise of 56,700 options issued under the Iluka Resources Employee Incentive Option Scheme.

LION SELECTION GROUP (16 August 2000)

Lion Selection Group Limited has agreed to act as underwriters to Sedimentary Holding NLin order to raise funds for Sedimentary's next exploration program at Cracow, following encouraging exploration results and the announcement of a significant resource.

MAIDEN GOLD (16 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary fully paid
Number of securities issued:
7,500,000
Issue price:
4.5 cents
Purpose of the issue
Proceeds from the issue will be used to further the company's ongoing exploration efforts and provide additional working capital.

NORTH (16 August 2000)

Rio Tinto Investment Two Pty Ltd increased its relevant interest in North Limited on 14/08/2000, from 574,216,688 ordinary shares (77.46%) to 629,761,745 ordinary shares (84.95%).

OIL SEARCH (16 August 2000)

AMP Limited ceased to be a substantial shareholder in Oil Search Limited on 11/08/2000.

PETROZ (16 August 2000)

On 19 July 2000, Petroz announced a proposed share placement to Fletcher Challenge Energy Limited, to be followed by a 3:5 rights issue underwritten by FCE.

The Shareholders Meeting to approve the placement and underwriting is to be held on Thursday, 14 September 2000. The Explanatory Memorandum and Independent Experts Report have been sent to Shareholders.

PETROZ (16 August 2000)

Petroz advises that, following completion of remedial work on the Elang-2 and Kakatua North-1 wells, total production from the Elang, Kakatua and Kakatua North Oil Fields is approximately 20,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD).

Problems were experienced in Elang-2 and Kakatua North-1 with the control umbilicals between the wellheads and the Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO). The wells were shut-in for approximately 5 and 3 months respectively.

As reported in Petroz' ASX Announcement of 6 March 2000, a sidetrack well was successfully drilled from the Elang-1 well resulting in a substantial increase in production rate.

Original Recoverable 2P Reserves have been assessed by Petroz to be 21.5 million barrels (MMbbl), an increase of 5.8 MMbbl. As of 30 June 2000, the fields have produced 16.3 MMbbl. Remaining 2P reserves are forecast to be 5.2 MMbbl (Petroz share 0.8 MMbbl), with production expected to continue into the first half of 2002.

PETROZ (16 August 2000)

Fourth Quarter Activities Report
OVERVIEW

BAYU-UNDAN PROJECT

* Detailed engineering design work is on schedule
* All major contracts for production facilities will be awarded by August
* Gas marketing progress

ELANG/KATUA/KAKATUA NORTH OIL FIELDS

* Production 27% higher than previous quarter
* Remedial work on Elang-2 and Kakatua North-1

EXPLORATION

* Two Carnarvon Basin and one Italian exploration wells scheduled for Sept Quarter.

FINANCE & CORPORATE

* CBA Facility of $31.0m in place.
* Cash balance of $ 5.7m and zero debt as at 30 June 2000
* Revenue totalled $ 20.4m
* Divestment of UK exploration blocks for $340,000
* Share placement agreement reached with Fletcher Challenge Energy

QUEENSLAND METALS CORPORATION (16 August 2000)

Hopkins Partners Funds Management Ltd changed its relevant interest in Queensland Metals Corporation Limited on 10/08/2000, from 6,351,019 ordinary shares (8.91%) to 6,351,019 ordinary shares (5.72%).

SEDIMENTARY HOLDINGS (16 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary shares
Number of securities issued:
28,530,016
Issue price:
$0.11c
Purpose of the issue
Funding for participation in mineral exploration project and for working capital requirements

For company information, click here

SEDIMENTARY HOLDINGS (16 August 2000)

NEW ISSUE ANNOUNCEMENT

Class of securities issued or to be issued
Ordinary shares
Number of securities issued:
5,500,000
Issue price:
$0.11c
Purpose of the issue
Funding for particulars in mineral exploration project and for working capital requirements

For company information, click here

SEDIMENTARY HOLDINGS (16 August 2000)

Sedimentary Holdings NL advises that the joint venture with Newcrest Mining Limited at Cracow in Queensland, has agreed to a budget for 2000/01 of $5.3m.

The budget incorporates a program of some 35,000 metres of drilling along the Klondyke–Roses Pride and White Hope–Golden Plateau–Golden Mile lines of lode, and completion of the pre-feasibility study for the Royal Shoot. The program is seeking further high-grade shoots to complement the recently announced 390,000 ounce inferred resource delineated at the Royal Shoot.

Early drilling is expected to focus on encouraging indications around Klondyke North and at Roses Pride. The program will include both discovery and delineation drilling.

For further information, click here

SONS OF GWALIA (16 August 2000)

Mr Lorenzo Mignacca has been appointed Sons of Gwalia Ltd's Company Secretary.

TAP OIL (16 August 2000)

Tap Oil NL provides the following update on the Linda-1 exploration well.

LOCATION

The well is located in TL/1, 17.5 kilometres north-east of Varanus Island at latitude 20 deg 32 feet 54.13 inches S and longitude 115 deg 41 feet 48.36 inches E.

PROGRESS

Since the last announcement on 10 August 2000, the upper 53 metres of the Biggada sandstone reservoir has been further appraised with a maximum flow rate test as detailed herein.

Following completion of the testing of this upper zone, the well bore was determined to be in good condition, and the forward programme was modified as a result the well was drilled ahead to a depth of 2,755 metres measured depth (i.e. the bottom of the 91 metre column), by full coring without the drilling of a second sidetrack hole as originally proposed. This coring has now been completed and the core has been sent for laboratory analysis. An attempt was made to run wireline tools to take fluid samples and acquire pressure data over the entire Biggada reservoir. However, due to difficulties in running the wireline into the hole it was considered necessary to first ream
the hole with a drilling assembly. This will now be done, and the opportunity will be taken to deepen the hole to investigate the possibility of a deeper sandstone reservoir.

HIGH RATE FLOW TEST

Since the last report the flow test of the upper part of the Biggada reservoir was opened up for high rate flow test. As the well cleaned up, the flow rate and condensate yield increased. A maximum flow of 31.5 mmcfg/d was recorded on a 72/64 inch choke and a well head pressure of 1,329 psia. This was associated with a condensate flow of 1,470 bbls/day, which equates to a condensate yield of 46.7 bbls/mmcf.

FORWARD PROGRAMME

Following completion of a VSP (vertical seismic profile) survey to enable the well data to be tied to the seismic interpretation, it is planned that the well will be drilled ahead to investigate the possibility of a deeper sandstone reservoir interval. Following this, another attempt at acquiring pressure data and fluid samples will be undertaken. The core analysis should be available within a few days.

WESFARMERS (16 August 2000)

Wesfarmers board has declared a record final dividend of 48 cents per share which is payable on 26 October 2000. The directors have also decided to recommence the company's dividend investment plan (DRP) with effect from (and including) the final 2000 dividend.

Shareholders participating in the DRP receive new fully-paid shares in the company at a discount (currently 2.5 per cent) to the market price without incurring brokerage fees or stamp duty.

WOODSIDE PETROLEUM (16 August 2000)

Woodside Petroleum Ltd, Operator of the WA-33-P Joint Venture, reports that on 15 August the Brecknock South-1 exploration well was at a depth of 2995 metres and the present operation is drilling the 8(1/2) inch hole section.

The location is approximately 390 kilometres north-north-west of Broome.

Thursday 31st August 2000 (Close of Business)
All Ords	3322.7	+9.8	Dow Jones	11,215.10	+112.09
ASX200	3372.4	+8.0	S&P 500	1517.68	+15.09
All Resources	1402.6	+15.7	Nasdaq	4206.35	+102.54
All Mining	727.6	+3.7	Gold - spot/oz	US$277.0	+3.70
All Gold	743.1	-4.0	Silver - spot/oz	US$4.94	+0.05
AGC Explorers	869.0	-6	Platinum - spot	US$585.0	-5.00
Energy	1584.9	+2.1	Palladium - spot	US$713.0	+7.00
All Industrials	5789.8	+5.0	Bridge CRB Index	227.41	+2.07
FTSE 100	6672.70	+57.60	Crude Oil (NYMEX)	US$33.12	-0.20
Nikkei	16,861.26	-40.41	Copper (spot $US/tonne)	US$1888	-4
Hang Seng	17,097.51	+1.63	Lead (spot $US/tonne)	US$467	-5
A$ = US57.71c		+0.28	Zinc (spot $US/tonne)	US$1182	-8
A$ = 61.62yen		+0.49	Nickel (spot $US/tonne)	US$8660	-135
A$ = 0.649Euro		+0.008	Aluminium (spot $US/t)	US$1567	+4
US 30-Year Bond	5.674%	-0.062	Tin (spot $US/tonne)	US$5367	-5
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Hole	North	East	Dip/Azimuth	From (m)	To (m)	Width(m)	Zinc	Lead	Silver	Description
SOP29D	9800	5200	76°/072°	191.6 205.6	197.4 209.5	5.8 3.9	9.9% 13.5%	7.2% 6.5%	13g/t 3g/t	UMH MMH
SOP30D	9700	5080	83°/246°	133.9 149.7	139.5 171.2	5.6 21.5	4.6% 19.1%	2.6% 11.9%	4g/t 16g/t	UMH MMH
SOP31D	9700	5080	60°/246°	120.5 133.3	127.3 144.3	6.8 11.0	Assays awaited Assays awaited			UMH MMH

Wednesday 30th August 2000 (Close of Business)
All Ords	3316.3	-10.4	Dow Jones	11,103.01	-112.09
ASX200	3357.8	-11.6	S&P 500	1502.59	-7.25
All Resources	1382.8	-10.8	Nasdaq	4103.81	+21.64
All Mining	718.8	-2.8	Gold - spot/oz	US$273.3	+0.8
All Gold	725.9	-6.6	Silver - spot/oz	US$4.89	-0.02
AGC Explorers	869.0	-6	Platinum - spot	US$590.0	-2.0
Energy	1614.7	+12.1	Palladium - spot	US$706.0	-10.0
All Industrials	5774.6	-13.7	Bridge CRB Index	225.34	+0.71
FTSE 100	6615.1	+28.8	Crude Oil (NYMEX)	US$33.32	+0.58
Nikkei	16,901.67	-240.08	Copper (spot $US/tonne)	US$1892	-1
Hang Seng	17,095.88	-144.23	Lead (spot $US/tonne)	US$472	-1
A$ = US57.43c		+0.42	Zinc (spot $US/tonne)	US$1190	-4
A$ = 61.13yen		+0.64	Nickel (spot $US/tonne)	US$8795	-65
A$ = 0.641Euro		+0.003	Aluminium (spot $US/t)	US$1563	+8
US 30-Year Bond	5.736%	-0.015	Tin (spot $US/tonne)	US$5372	-38
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Tuesday 29th August 2000 (Close of Business)
All Ords	3326.7	+4.0	Dow Jones	11,215.1	-37.74
ASX200	3369.4	+5.5	S&P 500	1509.84	-4.25
All Resources	1393.6	+1.5	Nasdaq	4082.17	+11.58
All Mining	721.6	+0.9	Gold - spot/oz	US$272.5	-1.1
All Gold	732.5	-10.1	Silver - spot/oz	US$4.91	+0.01
AGC Explorers	875.0	-2	Platinum - spot	US$592.0	+8.0
Energy	1602.6	+4.1	Palladium - spot	US$716.0	+6.0
All Industrials	5788.3	+7.1	Bridge CRB Index	224.63	+0.72
FTSE 100	6586.3	+22.6	Crude Oil (NYMEX)	US$32.74	-0.13
Nikkei	17,141.75	-39.37	Copper (spot $US/tonne)	US$1863	+3
Hang Seng	17,240.11	+220.35	Lead (spot $US/tonne)	US$473	+1
A$ = US57.01c		-0.12	Zinc (spot $US/tonne)	US$1184	+2
A$ = 60.49yen		-0.32	Nickel (spot $US/tonne)	US$8740	+100
A$ = 0.638Euro		+0.003	Aluminium (spot $US/t)	US$1531	+9
US 30-Year Bond	5.751%	+0.036	Tin (spot $US/tonne)	US$5415	+30
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Monday 28th August 2000 (Close of Business)
All Ords	3322.7	-3.6	Dow Jones	11,252.84	+60.21
ASX200	3363.9	-3.5	S&P 500	1508.6	+2.15
All Resources	1392.1	-7.1	Nasdaq	4070.59	+27.91
All Mining	720.7	-2.2	Gold - spot/oz	US$273.60	no ch
All Gold	742.6	-1.6	Silver - spot/oz	US$4.90	+0.04
AGC Explorers	877.0	-2	Platinum - spot	US$584.0	+6.0
Energy	1598.5	+26.9	Palladium - spot	US$710.0	-9.0
All Industrials	5781.2	-2.6	Bridge CRB Index	223.91	+1.35
FTSE 100	6563.70	no ch	Crude Oil (NYMEX)	US$32.87	+0.84
Nikkei	17,181.12	+269.79	Copper (spot $US/tonne)	US$1845	-8
Hang Seng	17,019.76	-216.98	Lead (spot $US/tonne)	US$470	-2
A$ = US57.13c		-0.35	Zinc (spot $US/tonne)	US$1172	-6
A$ = 60.81yen		-0.71	Nickel (spot $US/tonne)	US$8542	-53
A$ = 0.635Euro		-0.003	Aluminium (spot $US/t)	US$1514	-8
US 30-Year Bond	5.715%	+0.047	Tin (spot $US/tonne)	US$5410	no ch
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	OPTIONS GRANTED ON 28/09/2000	TOTAL OPTIONS GRANTED TO DATE
S Venkatakrishnan, Chief Financial Officer	50,000	50,000

Friday 25th August 2000 (Close of Business)
All Ords	3326.3	-4.1	Dow Jones	11,192.63	+9.89
ASX200	3367.4	-5.0	S&P 500	1506.45	-1.86
All Resources	1399.2	-3.4	Nasdaq	4042.68	-10.60
All Mining	722.9	-4.2	Gold - spot/oz	US$273.60	+1.50
All Gold	744.2	+1.1	Silver - spot/oz	US$4.86	+0.05
AGC Explorers	879.0	-1	Platinum - spot	US$578.0	+6.0
Energy	1584.9	-13.3	Palladium - spot	US$719.0	+3.0
All Industrials	5783.8	-5.0	Bridge CRB Index	222.56	+1.41
FTSE 100	6563.70	+6.70	Crude Oil (NYMEX)	US$32.03	+0.40
Nikkei	16,911.33	+240.51	Copper (spot $US/tonne)	US$1845	-3
Hang Seng	17,236.74	-202.96	Lead (spot $US/tonne)	US$470	-2
A$ = US57.48c		+0.16	Zinc (spot $US/tonne)	US$1172	-11
A$ = 61.52yen		+0.29	Nickel (spot $US/tonne)	US$8542	-3
A$ = 0.638Euro		+0.003	Aluminium (spot $US/t)	US$1515	-10
US 30-Year Bond	5.668%	+0.009	Tin (spot $US/tonne)	US$5410	-10
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Hole No.	Northing	Easting	Azimuth	Dip
	AMG	AMG	Mag.
THRD002	7865290	415730	169^o	-63^o

Thursday 24th August 2000 (Close of Business)
All Ords	3330.4*	+7.7	Dow Jones	11,182.74	+38.09
ASX200	3372.4*	+8.0	S&P 500	1508.31	+2.34
All Resources	1402.6	+15.7	Nasdaq	4053.28	+42.27
All Mining	727.6	+3.7	Gold - spot/oz	US$272.1	+1.6
All Gold	743.1	-4.0	Silver - spot/oz	US$4.81	+0.05
AGC Explorers	880.0	-3	Platinum - spot	US$572.0	+3
Energy	1584.9	+2.1	Palladium - spot	US$716.0	-9.0
All Industrials	5789.8	+5.0	Bridge CRB Index	221.15	+0.63
FTSE 100	6557.0	-9.2	Crude Oil (NYMEX)	US$31.63	-0.39
Nikkei	16,670.82	+234.17	Copper (spot $US/tonne)	US$1848	no ch
Hang Seng	17,439.7	+12.3	Lead (spot $US/tonne)	US$472	-1
A$ = US57.32c		+0.23	Zinc (spot $US/tonne)	US$1183	+1
A$ = 61.23yen		+0.11	Nickel (spot $US/tonne)	US$8545	+15
A$ = 0.635Euro		+0.003	Aluminium (spot $US/t)	US$1525	no ch
US 30-Year Bond	5.659%	-0.017	Tin (spot $US/tonne)	US$5420	no ch
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Wednesday 23rd August 2000 (Close of Business)
All Ords	3322.7*	+9.8	Dow Jones	11,144.65	+5.5
ASX200	3364.4*	+11	S&P 500	1505.97	+7.84
All Resources	1386.9	+12.5	Nasdaq	4011.01	+52.08
All Mining	723.9	+9.2	Gold - spot/oz	US$270.5	-2.5
All Gold	747.1	-2.1	Silver - spot/oz	US$4.76	-0.04
AGC Explorers	880.0	-3	Platinum - spot	US$569.0	-1
Energy	1582.8	-21.7	Palladium - spot	US$725.0	-9.0
All Industrials	5784.8	+11.4	Bridge CRB Index	220.52	+0.45
FTSE 100	6566.2	-18.6	Crude Oil (NYMEX)	US$32.02	+0.8
Nikkei	16,436.65	-18.09	Copper (spot $US/tonne)	US$1851	+4
Hang Seng	17,427.4	-240.88	Lead (spot $US/tonne)	US$476	-2
A$ = US57.09c		-0.98	Zinc (spot $US/tonne)	US$1195	+13
A$ = 61.12yen		-1.8	Nickel (spot $US/tonne)	US$8585	-25
A$ = 0.632Euro		-0.015	Aluminium (spot $US/t)	US$1519	no ch
US 30-Year Bond	5.676%	-0.019	Tin (spot $US/tonne)	US$5370	+5
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Tuesday 22nd August 2000 (Close of Business)
All Ords	3312.9*	+14.0	Dow Jones	11,139.15	+59.34
ASX200	3353.4*	+14.5	S&P 500	1498.13	-1.35
All Resources	1374.4	+7.4	Nasdaq	3958.21	+5.06
All Mining	714.7	+8.6	Gold - spot/oz	US$273.0	-1.5
All Gold	749.2	+0.9	Silver - spot/oz	US$4.80	-0.03
AGC Explorers	883.0	-2	Platinum - spot	US$570.0	no ch
Energy	1604.5	+47.3	Palladium - spot	US$734.0	-6.0
All Industrials	5773.4	+23.4	Bridge CRB Index	220.08	-1.87
FTSE 100	6584.8	+42.6	Crude Oil (NYMEX)	US$31.22	-0.76
Nikkei	16,454.74	+414.56	Copper (spot $US/tonne)	US$1839	+5
Hang Seng	17,668.28	+166.8	Lead (spot $US/tonne)	US$473	no ch
A$ = US58.07c		-0.81	Zinc (spot $US/tonne)	US$1195	+13
A$ = 62.92yen		-1.07	Nickel (spot $US/tonne)	US$8315	+155
A$ = 0.647Euro		-0.005	Aluminium (spot $US/t)	US$1517	+7
US 30-Year Bond	5.695%	-0.008	Tin (spot $US/tonne)	US$5330	+20
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	30 JUNE 2000 $	30 JUNE 1999 $
SALES REVENUE	6,065,962	3,785,257
OTHER REVENUE	1,195,856	353,896
OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE TAX	504,719	68,710

Monday 21st August 2000 (Close of Business)
All Ords	3298.9*	-4.6	Dow Jones	11,079.81	+33.33
ASX200	3338.9*	-5.3	S&P 500	1499.48	+7.76
All Resources	1367.0	+7.2	Nasdaq	3953.15	+22.81
All Mining	706.1	+2.8	Gold - spot/oz	US$274.50	-2.0
All Gold	748.3	+2.2	Silver - spot/oz	US$4.83	+0.01
AGC Explorers	885.0	-2.57	Platinum - spot	US$570.0	+8.0
Energy	1557.2	+8.7	Palladium - spot	US$740.0	+10.0
All Industrials	5750.0	-14.4	Bridge CRB Index	221.95	+1.38
FTSE 100	6542.2	-1.5	Crude Oil (NYMEX)	US$31.98	+0.42
Nikkei	16,040.18	-240.31	Copper (spot $US/tonne)	US$1838	-6
Hang Seng	17,501.47	+61.48	Lead (spot $US/tonne)	US$472	-2
A$ = US58.88c		-0.15	Zinc (spot $US/tonne)	US$1185	+2
A$ = 63.99yen		-0.02	Nickel (spot $US/tonne)	US$8065	+5
A$ = 0.652Euro		+0.001	Aluminium (spot $US/t)	US$1508	-1
US 30-Year Bond	5.703%	+0.017	Tin (spot $US/tonne)	US$5312	+7
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Friday 18th August 2000 (Close of Business)
All Ords	3303.5*	+6.5	Dow Jones	11,046.48	-9.16
ASX200	3344.2*	+7.9	S&P 500	1491.72	-4.35
All Resources	1359.8	+6.7	Nasdaq	3930.347	-10.53
All Mining	703.3	+0.5	Gold - spot/oz	US$276.50	-0.80
All Gold	746.1	-6.9	Silver - spot/oz	US$4.82	-0.02
AGC Explorers	887.57	-6.1	Platinum - spot	US$562.0	-3.0
Energy	1548.5	+30.8	Palladium - spot	US$730.0	-9.0
All Industrials	5764.4	+8.6	Bridge CRB Index	220.56	+0.93
FTSE 100	6543.70	+25.50	Crude Oil (NYMEX)	US$31.56	+0.23
Nikkei	16,280.49	+119.46	Copper (spot $US/tonne)	US$1862	+10
Hang Seng	17,440.00	-182.01	Lead (spot $US/tonne)	US$469	unch
A$ = US59.03c		-0.25	Zinc (spot $US/tonne)	US$1185	+4
A$ = 64.01yen		-0.31	Nickel (spot $US/tonne)	US$8100	+170
A$ = 0.651Euro		+0.004	Aluminium (spot $US/t)	US$1522	+5
US 30-Year Bond	5.686%	-0.021	Tin (spot $US/tonne)	US$5310	+20
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			A$'000
Sales (or equivalent operating) revenue (item 1.1)	up	86% to	37,000
Abnormal items after tax attributable to members (item 2.5)	loss	of	(5,368)
Operating profit (loss) after tax (before amortisation of goodwill) attributable to members (item 1.26)	up	193% to	9,989
Operating profit (loss) after tax attributable to members(item 1.10)	up	193% to	9,989
Extraordinary items after tax attributable to members (item 1.13)	gain/loss	- of	-
Operating profit (loss) and extraordinary items after tax attributable to members (item 1.16)	up	193% to	9,989
	Amount per security		Franked amount per security at 36% tax
Final dividend(Preliminary final report only - item 15.4); Interim Dividend(Half yearly report only - item 15.6)	20.905 c		- c

Thursday 17th August 2000 (Close of Business)
All Ords	3297.0	+4.0	Dow Jones	11,053.44	+45.05
ASX200	3336.3	+4.5	S&P 500	1496.07	+16.22
All Resources	1353.1	+5.1	Nasdaq	3940.87	+79.67
All Mining	702.8	-1.1	Gold - spot/oz	US$277.3	+0.3
All Gold	753.0	+13.7	Silver - spot/oz	US$4.84	+0.01
AGC Explorers	893.67	n/a	Platinum - spot	US$565.0	-5.0
Energy	1517.7	+12.7	Palladium - spot	US$739.0	-16.0
All Industrials	5755.8	+4.6	Bridge CRB Index	219.63	-0.05
FTSE 100	6518.2	-13.8	Crude Oil (NYMEX)	US$31.33	+0.35
Nikkei	16,161.03	-195.0	Copper (spot $US/tonne)	US$1852	-8
Hang Seng	17,622.01	-112.14	Lead (spot $US/tonne)	US$469	-8
A$ = US59.28c		+0.22	Zinc (spot $US/tonne)	US$1181	-10
A$ = 64.32yen		+0.15	Nickel (spot $US/tonne)	US$7930	-135
A$ = 0.647Euro		+0.002	Aluminium (spot $US/t)	US$1517	-12
US 30-Year Bond	5.707%	-0.021	Tin (spot $US/tonne)	US$5290	+5
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Wednesday 16th August 2000 (Close of Business)
All Ords	3293.0	+9.2	Dow Jones	11,008.39	-58.61
ASX200	3331.8	+8.7	S&P 500	1479.85	-4.58
All Resources	1348.0	-7.1	Nasdaq	3861.2	+9.54
All Mining	703.9	-3.2	Gold - spot/oz	US$277.0	+2.6
All Gold	739.3	-9.0	Silver - spot/oz	US$4.83	no ch
AGC Explorers	893.67	n/a	Platinum - spot	US$570.0	no ch
Energy	1505.0	-42.2	Palladium - spot	US$755.0	-15.0
All Industrials	5751.2	+23.6	Bridge CRB Index	219.68	+0.99
FTSE 100	6532.0	+56.5	Crude Oil (NYMEX)	US$30.98	+0.02
Nikkei	17,606.35	+142.82	Copper (spot $US/tonne)	US$1860	+4
Hang Seng	17,734.15	+270.62	Lead (spot $US/tonne)	US$477	+3
A$ = US59.06c		+0.76	Zinc (spot $US/tonne)	US$1191	+3
A$ = 64.17yen		+0.54	Nickel (spot $US/tonne)	US$8065	+30
A$ = 0.645Euro		+0.006	Aluminium (spot $US/t)	US$1529	+6
US 30-Year Bond	5.728%	+0.015	Tin (spot $US/tonne)	US$5285	-5
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GME RESOURCES (31 August 2000)

HERALD RESOURCES (31 August 2000)

INTERCONTINENTAL GOLD & MINERALS (31 August 2000)

JUBILEE MINES (31 August 2000)

METEX RESOURCES (31 August 2000)

NEW HAMPTON GOLDFIELDS (31 August 2000)

OIL COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA (31 August 2000)

QCT RESOURCES (31 August 2000)

RANGER MINERALS (31 August 2000)

ROC OIL COMPANY (31 August 2000)

SANTOS (31 August 2000)

SONS OF GWALIA (31 August 2000)

SUN RESOURCES / APACHE ENERGY / VICTORIA PETROLEUM (31 August 2000)

YAMARNA GOLDFIELDS (31 August 2000)

AUSTRALIAN PIPELINE TRUST (31 August 2000)

AUSTRAL COAL (31 August 2000)

FLETCHER CHALLENGE (31 August 2000)

HYDROMET CORPORATION (31 August 2000)

METEX RESOURCES (31 August 2000)

MINCOR RESOURCES (31 August 2000)

NOVUS PETROLEUM (31 August 2000)

WMC (31 August 2000)

BURDEKIN PACIFIC (31 August 2000)

DIORO EXPLORATION (31 August 2000)

FLETCHER CHALLENGE ENERGY (31 August 2000)

HILLGROVE GOLD (31 August 2000)

LAKES OIL (31 August 2000)

MIM HOLDINGS (31 August 2000)

MAJESTIC RESOURCES (31 August 2000)

NORMANDY MINING (31 August 2000)

SANTOS (31 August 2000)

PORTMAN (31 August 2000)

PLATSEARCH (31 August 2000)

VICTORIA PETROLEUM (31 August 2000)

WMC (31 August 2000)

ASHANTI GOLDFIELDS COMPANY (30 August 2000)

BATTLE MOUNTAIN GOLD (30 August 2000)

GOLDFIELDS (30 August 2000)

OTTER GOLD MINES (30 August 2000)

OTTER GOLD MINES (30 August 2000)

NORMANDY MINING (30 August 2000)

NORMANDY MINING (30 August 2000)

PASMINCO (30 August 2000)

SYDNEY GAS COMPANY (30 August 2000)

TAP OIL (30 August 2000)

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL CARBON (30 August 2000)

AUSTRALIAN GAS LIGHT COMPANY (30 August 2000)

ALLEGIANCE MINING (30 August 2000)

ALLSTATE EXPLORATIONS (30 August 2000)

ANACONDA NICKEL / GOLDFIELDS (30 August 2000)

AUSTRALIAN OIL & GAS CORPORATION (30 August 2000)

ASHTON MINING (30 August 2000)

ASHTON MINING (30 August 2000)

ASHTON MINING (30 August 2000)

AMX RESOURCES (30 August 2000)

BLIGH OIL & MINERALS (30 August 2000)

BLACK RANGE MINERALS (30 August 2000)

CONTACT ENERGY (30 August 2000)

DUKETON GOLDFIELDS (30 August 2000)

EASTERN ALUMINIUM (30 August 2000)

ELECTROMETALS TECHNOLOGIES / WESTERN METALS (30 August 2000)

EMPIRE OIL & GAS (30 August 2000)

EMPEROR MINES (30 August 2000)

GREATER PACIFIC GOLD (30 August 2000)

GIANTS REEF MINING (30 August 2000)

HARDMAN RESOURCES (30 August 2000)

INTERMIN RESOURCES (30 August 2000)

LAKES OIL (30 August 2000)

LAKES OIL (30 August 2000)