Australian Mining & Exploration Companies-News

Company News

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Proposed New Floats / Share Issues

Friday 22 December 2006 (Close of Business - New York)

All Ords

5577.8

+16.1

Dow Jones

12,343.22

-78.03

ASX100

4529.3

+16.3

S&P 500

1410.76

-7.54

ASX200

5603.7

+20.2

Nasdaq

2401.18

-14.67

ASX300

5609.3

+19.4

NYSE Volume

1,647,588,000

Materials (Sector)

10,471.1

-71.9

Gold - spot/oz

US$619.60

+1.50

All Ords Gold (Sub Industry)

4657.9

+9.8

Silver - spot/oz

US$12.53

+0.18

Metals & Mining (Industry)

3470.8

-33.9

Platinum - spot

US$1119.00

+1.00

Energy (Sector)

11,979.7

-83.8

Palladium - spot

US$321.00

-1.00

AGC Macquarie Au

5164

+1.4

Uranium - spot US$/lb

US72.00

unch

Hartleys Explorers Index

13,655

Bridge CRB Futures Index

393.30

-0.48

Shanghai Composite

2343.7

+0.7

Light Crude (NYM - $US per bbl.)

US$62.41

-0.25

FTSE 100

6190.0

+6.3

Natural Gas (NYM - $US/mmbtu)

US$6.88

-0.18

Nikkei

17,105.0

+57.1

Copper (LME - spot $US/tonne)

6310

-47

Hang Seng

19,320.5

+97.7

Lead (LME - spot $US/tonne)

1645

+28

A$ = US78.32

-0.12

Zinc (LME - spot $US/tonne)

4205

-17

A$ = 93.10yen

+0.26

Nickel (LME - spot $US/tonne)

34,000

+1,200

A$ = 0.597Euro

+0.002

Aluminium (LME - spot $US/tonne)

2830

+45

US 10-Year Bond

4.624%

+0.075

Tin (LME - spot $US/tonne)

11,155

+15

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Phone: 07-55316191 or Email : sales@reflections.com.au

Friday, December 22 2006, 3:16 PM

WALL STREET

Stocks eased on very light volume Friday after waning enthusiasm among investors ahead of the holiday weekend overshadowed data showing higher consumer spending and a jump in sales of big-ticket goods in November. A weak bond market also weighed on stocks.
The pair of reports from the Commerce Department was welcome news for the economy. Coupled with a final push of takeover activity in the past few weeks, it showed resolute consumer and corporate confidence, even with questions about how much the economy is slowing.

For the week, the Dow fell 0.82 percent, while the S&P slipped 1.14 percent and the Nasdaq tumbled 2.28 percent. The Russell 2000 fell 11.89, or 1.50 percent, to end at 780.82.

Speculation that a weaker housing market and a slowing economy would give the Fed more leeway to cut interest rates next year caused bonds to fall.

Comex copper futures at the New York Mercantile Exchange settled lower on Friday after a report showed demand for metals in the U.S. is waning - and with thin holiday trading conditions adding to downside pressure.

On the LME nickel rose for the first session in six after stockpiles fell, signalling supplies of the metal used in stainless steel remain tight and may lag behind demand.

Metaleurop SA, a French metals producer that owns Europe's third-largest lead smelter, restarted its Nordenham plant in Germany yesterday, ending a three-week partial shutdown.

Gold futures closed higher Friday and finished the week with a gain of more than $3-an-ounce as traders showed reluctance to sell the precious metal ahead of the Christmas holiday.

ALINTA

Appendix 3B - Web Site

ALINTA

AGK ann: Class Ruling re Income Tax Treatment - Web Site

ADITYA BIRLA MINERALS

Water Treatment Facility - Web Site

ALLIED GOLD

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

ALKANE EXPLORATION

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

ALLSTATE EXPLORATIONS

BREAKAWAY RESOURCES

Appendix 3B - Web Site

BASS METALS

Letter of Intent - Que River Ore Sales Update

Response to ASX Query re Share Price - Web Site

ELDORE

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

EUREKA ENERGY

KOYUNLU-1 WELL TESTING OF GARZAN FORMATION CONTINUING

Operations
The Operator reported that at midnight Eastern European Time on 21 December 2006, the well was preparing to plug back to 1,223 metres in order to test the interval in the Garzan Formation between approximately 1,216 metres and 1,223 metres.

Since our last report on the 18 December 2006, the re-cementing of the 7 inch casing shoe was successfully completed. The open hole interval between the 7 inch casing shoe and 1,252.7 metres (TD) was swab tested recovering water, mainly from drilling fluid losses but also some interstitial water, with less than 1% oil cut.

This result indicates that even though there is no oil-water contact in the well and oil saturations are a very satisfactory 70% to 75%, the majority of the limestone hosting the oil column has insufficient porosity and permeability to allow the relatively heavy oil to flow; instead the more mobile interstitial water is produced.

Re-interpretation of the wire-line logs indicates that a 5.5 metre zone with relatively high porosities, at the top of the oil column may be capable of producing oil. The well is presently preparing to plug back to acidise and test this zone. These operations are expected to take several days. - Web Site

EUREKA ENERGY

Change of Director's Interest Notice x3 - Web Site

ENERGY METALS

Appendix 3B - Web Site

ENERGY RESOURCES

Final Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

ENTEK ENERGY

Change in substantial holding for GLX - Web Site

EUROGOLD

Holding in Company - Web Site

EXCALIBUR MINING

Extension of Entitlements Issue Closing Date&Lt to S/holders

ELIXIR PETROLEUM

Guinea Well Timing - Web Site

GINDALBIE METALS

Appendix 3B - Web Site

GOLDSTAR RESOURCES

Bushfires Update - Web Site

GLENEAGLE GOLD

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

GEOPACIFIC RESOURCES

Disclosure Document - Web Site

GRD

Ceasing to be a substantial holder - Web Site

GREAT BASIN GOLD

JABIRU METALS

Entitlement Issue Prospectus - Web Site

KENTOR GOLD

Kentor's Akbel winter drilling program in the highly prospective Kumtor trend is well underway

Kentor Gold Ltd (ASX: KGL) ("Kentor") has successfully commenced its winter diamond drill program on the Company's highly prospective Akbel property. Since the RD850 rig returned to Akbel in November, one hole (AKB DD007) has been successfully completed to a depth of 384m at Akbel South and a new hole (AKB DD008) has commenced at the prospective Ishak Kechuu site.

Bedrock was reached beneath the moraine cover at a vertical depth of 135m below surface in hole AKB DD 007, and 151m below surface in hole AKB DD 008. Both holes were designed to test MMI gold and coincident IP anomalies in a favourable tensional structural setting within the highly prospective Kumtor trend (see figure below). Drill results from the program will be released to the market as they come to hand.

The containers accompanying the larger RD1500 rig, being mobilized from Mongolia, have now arrived in Bishkek. The rig itself is on rail in Kazakhstan, and preparations are being made for a rapid Customs clearance once the rig crosses the Kyrgyz border. With both of those drill rigs on site, the Company is confident that the 2,300m drilling program will be able to be completed as planned. ....... - Web Site

LION ENERGY

Commencement of Drilling

On 14 December 2006, the Company announced its intention to commence drilling in the Gulf of Mexico Federal offshore lease South Marsh Island Block 138 ("SMI 138").

Goondicum Project Update - COUNTDOWN TO PRODUCTION

Project and water pipeline construction are proceeding to plan
On schedule for sales in the second half of calendar 2007
Accelerating the development of high value ground feldspar
Monto to construct power line resulting in significant operating cost savings. Up to A$6.5m funding required.
A$15.5m in funding also required to replace cash which collateralises guarantees for infrastructure until bank guarantees can be secured against the Project ..........- Web Site

PRECIOUS METALS

Windimurra Drilling Success - Web Site

PAN AUSTRALIAN

AAX ann: EPCM contract for Phu Kham executed - Web Site

POLARIS METALS

Poondano Iron Ore Exploration Update - Web Site

PETSEC ENERGY

PETSEC ENERGY SPUDS WELL AT MOBILE BAY 993 GULF OF MEXICO, USA

Petsec Energy today announced that the first well at Mobile Bay 993 in the Gulf of Mexico, USA was spud on 21 December 2006.

This is the first well in a one to three well drilling programme being conducted on the Mobile Bay 993 and 994 leases which are located approximately 160 kilometres east of New Orleans and adjacent and to the south of the recent gas discoveries made in Mobile Bay 950 and 951. The programme will target a total of 5-7 bcfe of gas net to Petsec (after payout).

Details of the well are as follows:-

Well Name: Mobile Bay 993 #1
Water Depth: 25 metres (82 feet)
Proposed Total Depth: 1,143 metres (3,750 feet) measured depth
Estimated time to drill: 7-9 days from date of spud
Operator: Royal Exploration Company, Inc.
Petsec working interest: 50% before payout (40% after payout)
Petsec net revenue interest: 39.42% before payout, (30.53% after payout) - Web Site

PURUS ENERGY

Merger Announcement - Web Site

PRYME OIL & GAS

Success again with oil found in NWR No 16 La Salle Parish Project

Pryme Oil and Gas Limited (ASX: PYM / OTC: POGLY), an oil and natural gas producer and explorer operating on shore in the U.S. with interests and focus in the Gulf States and Texas, is pleased to announce that it has encountered 22 feet of excellent oil sand in its second well drilled in the last 7 days, the Northwest Rogers No.16 well that was logged today. The recently completed Coleman No.7 well is flowing at a rate of 65 barrels per day and increasing with no water on an 11/64th choke. - Web Site

RAWSON RESOURCES

S708A Notice - Web Site

ROCKLANDS RICHFIELD

Response to ASX Query re Share Price - Web Site

RIVERSDALE MINING

Time extension for issue of shares & options - Web Site

RUSINA MINING

Exploration Update - Web Site

RAMELIUS RESOURCES

ACTIVITY UPDATE : SPARGOVILLE PROJECT WA - MINING AND EXPLORATION

HIGHLIGHTS

Ramelius settles the acquisition of the Burbanks 180,000tpa gold processing plant.
Wattle Dam Shear Southern Extension returns encouraging drilling results from the 7000N prospect including 7 metres @ 4.1 g/t and 9 metres @ 4.4 g/t gold with mineralisation similar to that at the Wattle Dam Mine.
Wattle Dam Mine cut back and underground evaluation drilling commenced.
Mr. Brian Kelty appointed Operations Manager...... - Web Site

U3O8 LIMITED

Options Shortfall - Web Site

URANIUM EQUITIES

Liontown Resources IPO

Concluding a busy and successful year for Uranium Equities Limited, the ASX listing of Liontown Resources Limited will occur on 27 December 2007.

Liontown Resources acquired Uranium Equities Limited's (formerly Bullion Minerals Limited) base metal port folio, the interests in which have been distributed to Uranium Equities Limited shareholders registered on 15 May 2006, pursuant to shareholder approvals obtained on 8 May 2006.

Liontown Resources' assets include the Mount Windsor Volcanics project south of Charters Towers in Queensland. Previous drilling at Liontown has outlined an exploration target of 1.3 million tonnes to 2.5 million tonnes of zinc-copper-lead-silver-gold mineralisation ranging from 8.7% zinc, 0.7% copper, 2.8% lead, 55.0 g/t silver and 1.1 g/t gold; to 6.8% zinc, 0.6% copper, 2.2% lead, 45.7% g/t silver and 0.9 g/t gold.

This exploration target is conceptual in nature as there is currently insufficient data to define a JORC compliant Mineral Resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in the delineation of a JORC compliant Mineral Resource.

Over 11,000 metres of reverse circulation ('RC') and diamond drilling is planned at Liontown to validate past exploration data with the objective of defining a JORC compliant Mineral Resource. - Web Site

VULCAN RESOURCES

Fundraising - Web Site

VOLANT PETROLEUM

Results of General Meeting - Web Site

WHITE SANDS PETROLEUM

Appointment of Company Administrator - Web Site

Friday, December 22 2006, 11:17 AM

ARAFURA RESOURCES

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

ADVANCE ENERGY

Agreement with Southern Producer Services L.L.C. - Web Site

AZTEC RESOURCES

Appendix 3B - Web Site

ANTARES ENERGY

Change of Financial Year End to 31 December - Web Site

BASS STRAIT OIL

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

COMPASS RESOURCES

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

EDEN ENERGY

US Dept of Energy contract formally awarded to Hythane - Web Site

EMPEROR MINES

Power Disruption at Porgera Joint Venture

Emperor Mines Limited reports that gold production at the Porgera Joint Venture in Papua New Guinea is likely to be affected following power supply disruptions caused by a lightning strike.

The Porgera Mine joint venture project is located in the highlands of Enga Province in Papua New Guinea, and is operated by majority shareholder Barrick Gold. Emperor Mines Limited owns 20% of the Porgera Joint Venture.

Termination of the services of BeMeX Corporation Pty Ltd - Web Site

TAP OIL

Bambra East-1 & 2 Drilling Update - Web Site

Thursday 21 December 2006 (Close of Business - New York)
All Ords	5561.7	-25.2	Dow Jones	12,421.25	-42.62
ASX100	4513.0	-17.8	S&P 500	1418.30	-5.23
ASX200	5583.5	-24.3	Nasdaq	2415.85	-11.76
ASX300	5589.9	-24.8	NYSE Volume	2,322,409,000
Materials (Sector)	10,543.0	-134.7	Gold - spot/oz	US$618.10	-2.40
All Ords Gold (Sub Industry)	4648.1	-72.5	Silver - spot/oz	US$12.35	-0.17
Metals & Mining (Industry)	3504.7	-53.5	Platinum - spot	US$1118.00	+1.00
Energy (Sector)	12,063.5	+52.7	Palladium - spot	US$322.00	+1.00
AGC Macquarie Au	5162	-95.8	Uranium - spot US$/lb	US72.00	unch
Hartleys Explorers Index	13,655	+39.0	Bridge CRB Futures Index	393.78	-0.48
Shanghai Composite	2342.9	-30.3	Light Crude (NYM - $US per bbl.)	US$62.66	-1.06
FTSE 100	6183.7	-14.9	Natural Gas (NYM - $US/mmbtu)	US$7.06	+0.05
Nikkei	17,047.8	+36.8	Copper (LME - spot $US/tonne)	6357	-116
Hang Seng	19,222.8	-17.3	Lead (LME - spot $US/tonne)	1617	-45
A$ = US78.45		-0.13	Zinc (LME - spot $US/tonne)	4222	-83
A$ = 92.84yen		-0.18	Nickel (LME - spot $US/tonne)	32,800	-1,300
A$ = 0.595Euro		-0.001	Aluminium (LME - spot $US/tonne)	2785	-12
US 10-Year Bond	4.549%	-0.046	Tin (LME - spot $US/tonne)	11,140	+25
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Thursday, December 21 2006, 9:16 PM

WALL STREET

Stocks pulled back Thursday after economic data pointing to weakness in regional manufacturing and a slowing U.S. economy weighed on investor sentiment. Stocks fell after the Philadelphia Federal Reserve's December business index, which gauges regional manufacturing activity, came in at a negative 4.3 compared with a positive reading of 5.1 in November. It was the weakest showing since 2003.

Trading was light ahead of the holiday weekend - declining issues outnumbered advancers by about 3 to 2 on the New York Stock Exchange.

Oil prices fell more than $1 a barrel on forecasts of mild weather for the Northeast and after shipments returned to normal in the Gulf Coast region.

Copper fell to an eight-month low in London after the U.S., the world's second-largest user of the metal, said its economy grew slower than projected in the third quarter.

Gold fell in New York for the second straight day on speculation the euro's rally against the dollar has stalled, eroding the precious metal's appeal as an alternative investment.

NEW GUINEA GOLD

PRESS RELEASE - IMWAUNA HOLE IMH 085 INTERSECTS 1.3m at 15.2g/t GOLD

Vancouver 20^th December 2006. New Guinea Gold (NGG) reports:

Latest intersection of 1.3m at 15.2g/t gold within 3.1m intersection at 7.2g/t gold at 165m downhole. True width is estimated at approximately 2.7m.
Drilling in 2006 has focused on close spaced drilling to allow estimation of near surface indicated resource.
Drilling in 2007, utilizing two diamond core rigs will focus on wider spaced holes and deeper holes to allow estimation of an additional inferred resource and provide data as to the overall size of the system.
A further nine holes have been completed from the high grade southern zone, but results will not be available until late January.
Extensive check assaying of Imwauna samples confirms the accuracy of the fire assay method used for all core samples.........

Kainantu Project - Refinancing Update - Web Site

JUBILEE MINES

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

KAGARA ZINC

Thalanga commences production

Kagara Zinc is pleased to announce that the Thalanga copper treatment facility near Charters Towers in north Queensland has commenced production. The Thalanga plant, which is Kagara's third production facility in north Queensland, sources ore from the Balcooma copper deposit and is expected to produce copper in concentrate at an annualised rate of more than 20,000 tonnes.

As previously advised, commencement of production was delayed by approximately two months from October to the first week in December 2006. On 5 December, the plant commenced a five day commissioning period during which throughput was progressively increased from 1,307 tonnes grading 2.3% copper, to 1,573 tonnes grading 2.9% copper. Recoveries over the period increased from 47% to 80% and the concentrate grade increased from 21% copper to 29% copper. This rapid ramp up demonstrates that full production will be achieved very quickly, processing higher grade run of mine ore which, over the next six months, will average between 3.5% and 4.0% copper. As a result of the trucking contractor not being able to supply sufficient ore to Thalanga, the plant was shut down between 10 and 18 December and restarted on 18 December 2006.

Despite the delay in production from Thalanga, it is now expected that our previous estimate of 25,000 tonnes of total copper metal production from the three treatment plants will be exceeded for the 2006/07 financial year. This is largely due to the copper plant at Mt Garnet running at more than 50% above original design capacity, which will more than offset the delayed production from Thalanga. - Web Site

KAGARA ZINC

Appendix 3B: Unlisted Options Exercised - Web Site

MINEMAKERS

Termination of services of BeMeX

The Directors advise that the Company has terminated the services of BeMeX Corporation Pty Ltd (BeMeX) and has assumed full responsibility for the operations management and commissioning of the Coyote Gold Project. The decision to take direct control is part of an initiative aimed at overcoming the treatment plant problems and enabling the Company to achieve full production as soon as possible.

Based upon a recent review of the process design and treatment plant by Tanami Gold's operations management team and independent consultants, the Company has determined to convert the treatment plant to a conventional carbon-in-leach (CIL) circuit to overcome the gold recovery problems associated with the VAT leach circuit.

The design of the modifications is being undertaken by Como Engineers, a firm with significant experience and a solid track record in the design and construction of gold plants, who will be working in conjunction with the Company's operations management team.

The modification design, timetable and costings are scheduled to be completed in January 2007 and will coincide with completion of the independent review and mine design/optimisation studies being undertaken on the open pit and underground resources and reserves at Coyote.

Following the completion of the detailed Project review process, the Company will implement the changes necessary to optimise development of the Project. - Web Site

TAP OIL

BAMBRA EAST-1 & 2 DRILLING UPDATE

Location
The Bambra East Gas Field is located in Production Licence TL/1, and will be appraised by two deviated wells; Bambra East-1 and Bambra East-2 drilled from a common surface location. The objectives for the two wells are approximately 1 kilometre north and south respectively from the surface location.

Progress
As at 06:00 hours this morning, the Bambra East-1 has drilled ahead to 365 metres measured depth and will continue to drill to a total depth of approximately 2,600 metres measured depth (2,100 metres true vertical depth).

Tap Comment
The Bambra East-1 and Bambra East-2 wells are designed to appraise the Bambra East Gas Field which is located to the east of the producing Bambra Field. The Bambra East Gas Field was discovered by the Bambra-1 well. Bambra East-1 is expected to take 8 days to reach total depth, while Bambra East-2 is expected to take a further 5 days to reach total depth. The Bambra East appraisal project will determine the resource potential of the field and enable subsequent development planning to be undertaken. - Web Site

VOLANT PETROLEUM

Takeover Offer by Sky Energy Investment Ltd - Web Site

VICTORIA PETROLEUM

Commencement of Shallow Gas Exploration Drilling Program, Project Margarita, Onshore Gulf Coast, Texas, USA
Summary:
Victoria Petroleum NL advises that drilling has commenced on the El Viejito Prospect on Project Margarita, South Texas, USA. El Viejito #1 is the first of a six well, back to back, drilling program on shallow gas prospects (less than 2,000 metres depth) with up to 8 to 10 billion cubic feet ("BCF") of gross recoverable potential outcome. - Web Site

VOLANT PETROLEUM

Appendix 3B - Web Site

WESTRALIAN GAS & POWER

Disclosure Document: Non-renounceable Issue - Web Site

WASHINGTON RESOURCES

Drilling progress at Yarawindah Brook - Web Site

WOODSIDE ENERGY

NORTH WEST SHELF VENTURE AND TOKYO ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY SIGN LNG HEADS OF AGREEMENT

The North West Shelf Venture participants and the Tokyo Electric Power Company of Japan have signed a heads of agreement for the ongoing supply of liquefied natural gas from Australia's largest resources project.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company is another of the North West Shelf Venture's original Japanese LNG customers to renew its long-term LNG supply requirements this year. The eight- year deal is for the supply of five cargoes of LNG a year, about 0.3 million tonnes a year, on an ex- ship basis, and will commence in April 2009.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company is the largest power utility and largest consumer of LNG in Japan, serving more than 27 million customers in and around the Tokyo area.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company is a long standing customer of the North West Shelf Venture, having signed a contract in 1985 that ends in March 2009.

The six equal participants in the North West Shelf Venture are: Woodside Energy Ltd. (16.67% and operator); BHP Billiton Petroleum (North West Shelf) Pty Ltd (16.67%); BP Developments Australia Pty Ltd (16.67%); Chevron Australia Pty Ltd (16.67%); Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd (16.67%); and Shell Development (Australia) Proprietary Limited (16.67%).

CNOOC NWS Private Limited is also a member of the North West Shelf Venture but is not a party to this agreement. - Web Site

XSTRATA

XSTRATA COPPER EXERCISES OPTION TO ACQUIRE 62.5% OF TAMPAKAN PROJECT IN THE PHILIPPINES

Xstrata Copper announces its decision to exercise its option to acquire 62.5% of the Tampakan copper-gold deposit in the Philippines from the project's current owner, ASX-listed Indophil Resources NL (Indophil).

Indophil and Xstrata Copper will now work through a period of transition with completion of the exercise and management handover of the project to occur on 30 March 2007.

Xstrata Copper's decision to exercise its options follows its 1 November 2006 announcement to sole fund further work that it considered necessary to determine whether or not to exercise its option. The decision to sole fund additional work was a result of the project's increase in scale, complexity and potential viability. This decision followed Xstrata Copper's receipt of the Indophil pre-feasibility study (PFS) report. The PFS was funded and managed by Indophil and its Philippines affiliate Sagittarius Mines Inc. and was completed in September 2006 following the completion of the required expenditure of AUD27 million by Indophil.

The Tampakan deposit represents one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits in the South East Asia-western Pacific Region. The PFS confirmed that the Tampakan project is a two billion tonne resource containing 11.6 million tonnes of copper and 14.6 million ounces of gold at a 0.3% copper cut-off grade..... - Web Site

Thursday, December 21 2006, 3:16 PM

FRONTIER RESOURCES

Kodu Deposit Resource Delineation Drilling Update - Web Site

A1 MINERALS

Entitlement Issue Allotment of Acceptances & Top 20 - Web Site

A-CAP RESOURCES

Change of Director's Interest Notice x4 - Web Site

ADMIRALTY RESOURCES

Initial Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

ALTO ENERGY

Operations Update

Alto Energy International Limited (ASX:AOI) announced today an update on its operations in Oklahoma, the acquisition of which was approved today, and Louisiana and the completion of the capital raising undertaken by Argonaut Securities.

Alto has received 24 square miles of 3D seismic acquired and processed pursuant to the joint venture with BP in Oklahoma. The seismic data is now being interpreted which will take several months to complete. Alto anticipates that by the end of the first quarter it will have identified new drilling locations based on this 3D dataset. Drilling will potentially start as early as mid second quarter.

Seismic work on the Louisiana Salt Dome ("Waterloo"), which now can be identified as the Napoleonville Salt Dome in Assumption Parish, is well underway at this time. Of the 33,000 acres that are within the 52 square mile 3D shoot, the joint venture has leased or taken a seismic option over 30,000 acres to date, with additional acreage being firmed up at this time. Surveying for the 3D seismic grid and drilling of the shot holes began on 18 December. Recording of the data is expected to begin on 1 February 2007 and be concluded by mid March.

The previously announced 3B-drilling program with Legend Petroleum in South Louisiana has been delayed by the operator until after the new year and now is expected to begin in late January of 2007..... - Web Site

ASTRO DIAMOND MINES

Appendix 3B: Issue of employee options - Web Site

AURORA OIL & GAS

North Belridge 26-2H Well

At report time (0600 hours on 20 December, 2006 California time) the North Belridge 26-2H well was preparing to drill the horizontal section to well Target Depth ("TD").

Since Aurora's last report on 13 December 2006, the 9 7/8 inch diameter hole was drilled from 8,701 feet to a section TD of 10,624 feet (3,238 metres) and 7" casing has been cemented in place.

Weekly well progress reports will be issued by Aurora plus any additional reports to ensure the market is informed.

The operator of the well is private USA company, Texas Crude Energy Inc. There are no other listed participants in the development project. - Web Site

AURORA OIL & GAS

Placement/Underwritten SPP/New Projects

PLACEMENT OF NEW SHARES
Aurora Oil & Gas Limited (ASX:AUT) ("Company" or "Aurora") has agreed the placement of up to 15.6 million new fully paid ordinary shares at $0.53 each, pursuant to s708 of the Corporations Act and otherwise to be issued on the same terms as the existing shares in the Company to Institutional and other Sophisticated Investors. The Placement is currently being documented and upon issue the new shares will rank equally with existing fully paid ordinary shares.

The Placement is expected to raise approximately $8.2 million before brokerage costs of 5% of funds raised. Funds are to be applied towards working capital. Shareholder approval is not required for the Placement, which is within the 15% limit available to the Company under Listing Rule 7.1.

UNDERWRITTEN SHARE PURCHASE PLAN
In addition, Aurora is also pleased to announce that in conjunction with the Placement, it will be offering eligible shareholders the opportunity to acquire additional shares in the Company via a Share Placement Plan (SPP). Shares under the SPP will be offered at $0.53 per share, the same price as for the Placement.

The SPP will provide shareholders who purchased shares on or before 21 December 2006 and are registered shareholders at 5pm (WST) on 28 December 2006 with a registered address in Australia or New Zealand, the opportunity to subscribe for up to $5,000 worth of ordinary shares in the Company. The SPP is fully underwritten and relevant documentation will be despatched to shareholders in due course.

Issue of Heritage Gold Shares - Secondary Trading Notice

IMAGE RESOURCES

DRAMATIC INCREASE IN HM TARGETS FROM 15KM TO 95KM AT COOLJARLOO

Ongoing interpretation of ground magnetics together with the results of recent and historical drilling has identified a number of highly prospective potential HM channels and strands within the Cooljarloo project. The number of channels has dramatically increased from 4, totalling 7km in length, to 20 channels, totalling 50km in length. The number of interpreted potentially high-grade strand lines has increased from the two previously reported resources (the 35AHD and 28000 strands) totalling 8km in length to 16 zones totalling 45km, a total of some 95km of target strike length (see attached map).

The 95km strike length of high priority targets and previously reported thick channel intersections are considered to be very significant and place Image in the forefront of potential mineral sand exploration discoveries made in the North Perth Basin in recent times.

To date, drilling by Image has been carried out over a 3.7km length of the 35AHD and 28000 shallow high-grade resource strands, and a 7km length over the channel targets in the south-eastern part of the Cooljarloo project. This represents only about 10% of the extensive targets outlined to date. A major 15,000m aircore drilling programme is scheduled to start in early January aimed at drill testing the bulk of the remaining targets, subject to completion of exploration access agreements. The programme will utilise a larger drilling rig with the capacity to drill to 100m depth into the channels, where previous drilling ended in mineralisation........ - Web Site

IMAGE RESOURCES

Boardroom radio broadcast - Web Site

INDOPHIL RESOURCES

XSTRATA COPPER EXERCISES OPTION TO ACQUIRE 62.5% OF TAMPAKAN PROJECT IN THE PHILIPPINES

Indophil Resources NL announces that Xstrata Queensland Limited (Xstrata Copper) has today exercised its option to acquire 62.5% of the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project in the southern Philippines.

Indophil and Xstrata Copper will now work through a period of transition with completion of the exercise and management handover of the project to occur on 30 March 2007.

In welcoming the Xstrata Copper decision today, Indophil Managing Director, Tony Robbins, said: "Indophil is pleased that Xstrata, one of the world's leading diversified mining groups, has taken a direct involvement in what is one of the world's most exciting copper-gold projects. This is a great step forward for the project, Indophil shareholders and all other stakeholders in the Tampakan project. We look forward to working closely with the Xstrata Copper team to ensure that the project development program remains on track."

Xstrata Copper's decision to exercise its option follows announcements on 1 November 2006, advising that following the delivery of Indophil's A$27 million pre-feasibility study (PFS), Xstrata Copper would sole fund further work to determine its position.

De Wildt - Grant of New Order Prospecting Right

The Board of Nkwe Platinum Limited (ASX:NKP) is pleased to advise that it has received written confirmation from the South African Department of Minerals and Energy that the new order prospecting rights over the remaining strategic properties that comprise the De Wildt project have been granted. With the De Wildt permits being granted and the obtaining of shareholder approval to proceed with the acquisition of the Genorah properties, the Company will proceed with the following key initiatives in January 2007:

complete the acquisition of the Genorah farms (De Kom and Garatouw) which are located down dip from both Anglo American's Modikwa and Implats' Marula Platinum Mines. SRK Consulting have reported that the expected target mineralisation on these properties is 15 million oz 3PGE + Au oz at depths of 0-1000m and an additional 20 million oz 3PGE + Au at depths of 1000m-2000m;
commence drilling on the Genorah farms to establish the initial inferred resource; and
proceed with final feasibility on the De Wildt properties with an aim to commence operations in late 2007....... - Web Site

ORD RIVER RESOURCES

Appendix 3B - Share Placement - Web Site

OROPA

Notice of General Meeting - Web Site

OIL SEARCH

Drilling Report Bina Bawi-1 - Al Nokhailat-1 & Ghard-1

WELL NAME: Bina Bawi-1
Oil Search reports that as at 0600 hrs Iraqi time (+4hrs GMT) on 19 December, the Bina Bawi-1 well was at a depth of 2,398 metres and drilling ahead in an 8-1/2" hole. Drilling progress for the week was 158 metres.
Bina Bawi-1 is located in the Bina Bawi Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) located in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. Oil Search has a 20% interest in the Bina Bawi EPSA operator, A & T Petroleum, and has the option to convert its 20% shareholding into a 10% direct interest in the Bina Bawi EPSA.
The primary objective of the Bina Bawi-1 well is the Triassic reservoir with secondary reservoir potential in the Lower Cretaceous and Jurassic sections......

WELL NAME: Al Nokhailat-1
Oil Search reports that during the week, the Al Nokhailat-1 well in Block 49 was drilled to a total depth of 1,973 metres. Wireline logs were run which indicated no producible hydrocarbons were present in the well.
The well was plugged and abandoned and the rig released on 17 December.
The rig is currently being moved 11.6 kilometres SE to Ghobata-1 (formerly known as Balharak East-1), the second well of the two well programme in the Block, which is expected to commence drilling on 25 December 2006....

DEEP DRILLING TO TEST NEW COPPER-GOLD MODEL AT MASSIVE RINA PROSPECT, INDONESIA

Prosperity Resources Limited (ASX: PSP) are pleased to announce that deep diamond drilling is to commence at the Rina porphyry on the Masuparia 'Contract of Work' area, Kalimantan, Indonesia. The company has a 10% interest in Pt Pasifik Masao Mineral with a clawback provision clause to purchase up to 20%.

Two deep diamond drill holes, each 750 metres in depth, are planned to test the Rina and Rina North prospects for high grade porphyry copper-gold mineralisation (see diagram attached).

External consultants, Southern Geoscience Consultants carried out 3-Dimensional modelling of the Rina prospect based on close-spaced ground magnetic surveying previously carried out by Phelps Dodge in 2002. This modelling has confirmed the existence of two "rootless" magnetic bodies denoted Rina and Rina North. Previous drilling by Phelps Dodge in 2001-2002 and by Prosperity in 2005 had only skimmed the margins of the Rina body. The Rina North body remains untested by drilling and is open to the north....- Web Site

PROSPERITY RESOURCES

Appendix 3B - Issue of New Securities - Web Site

PERSEVERANCE

Appendix 3B - Performance Rights - Web Site

QUANTUM RESOURCES

Appendix 3B: Issue of Employee Options - Web Site

REDBANK MINES

Disclosure Document - Web Site

REDSTONE RESOURCES

Results of Annual General Meeting - Web Site

ROYAL RESOURCES

Open Briefing.Royal Res.Chairman Updates Exploration Program - Web Site

RANGE RESOURCES

Strategic Investment & Appendix 3B - Web Site

SANDFIRE RESOURCES

Appendix 3B - Web Site

ST BARBARA MINES

Appointment of New Non Executive Director, Mr Phillip Lockyer

Mr Phillip Lockyer has been appointed as a Non Executive Director of the Company.

Mr Lockyer, a mining engineer and metallurgist, has extensive operational and corporate experience in the mining industry and is currently a non executive director of Perilya Ltd, Jubilee Mines NL and other companies. - Web Site

SUN RESOURCES

VPE: Margarita commencement of shallow gas exploration - Web Site

URANIUM OIL AND GAS

Appendix 3B - Web Site

URANIUM OIL AND GAS

Annual Report 2006 - Web Site

VULCAN RESOURCES

FURTHER HIGH GRADE INTERSECTIONS AT KYLYLAHTI

Vulcan Resources Limited ("Vulcan") (ASX: VCN) today announced that drilling at the Kylylahti Copper-Cobalt project to finalise the Resource Estimate for the Definitive Feasibility Study has been completed.

Significant drill intercepts include:

Thick high grade relatively shallow intersection ion the Wallaby Zone of 33.7 metres at 3.05% copper, 0.41% cobalt (8.7% copper equivalent) with values up to 6.0% copper;
High gold grades from additional assays in the hanging wall of the Wallaby Zone - 7 metres at 4.4 g/t gold with elevated nickel of 0.46%; and
High nickel grades within the footwall of the Wombat Zone of 3 metres at 1.18% nickel.

Shallow infill drilling was undertaken to obtain samples for comminution testwork and optimisation of the metallurgical flowsheet. The high grade material in drilling both confirms the Resource Estimate and will improve grade estimates for the early years of production.

The high nickel grades in recent drilling are intriguing. At the closed Vuonos mine, which is located 15 kilometres from Kylylahti, a separate zone of nickel sulphides was mined in addition to copper- cobalt sulphides. Vulcan is undertaking a review of the nickel potential of the Kylylahti ultramafic complex.

Drilling at the lower limit of the deposit has been completed with significant visible sulphides intersected over 80 metres, assay results are expected in the New Year. This indicates the potential for significant extensions to the current Resource...... - Web Site

VULCAN RESOURCES

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising - LinQ Resources
Vulcan Resources Limited ("Vulcan") (ASX: VCN) is pleased to advise that it has accepted an offer from LinQ Resources Fund ("LinQ") for the issue of a A$5 million Convertible Note facility.
The Note expires on 30 June 2008 and is convertible into ordinary shares at 30 cents per share. Normal commercial terms and conditions apply, the interest rate is 10% per annum.
The funds will be applied to Vulcan's Kylylahti Feasibility Study which is scheduled for completion at the end of April, 2007. The grant of the note is subject to formal documentation, due diligence and shareholder approvals.
Vulcan Managing Director Dr Alistair Cowden said ‘We welcome the support of an experienced professional investment house, it is an endorsement of both Kylylahti and the deep portfolio of nickel, vanadium and platinum palladium projects that we have assembled'.
LinQ Managing Director Mr Clive Donner said ‘With a pending feasibility study on a project in an excellent jurisdiction and with an attractive spread of commodity exposure, Vulcan is well suited to our investment philosophy and we look forward to a profitable relationship with the Company'.

Fundraising - Placement
A total of A$1,981,095 has also been raised through a placement to clients of Taylor Collison and Institutions and sophisticated investors in Australia and overseas.
The company will issue 10,433,784 million shares at $0.21 cents per share being approximately 80% of the weighted average price of the company's shares in the 5 trading days prior to issue as approved by shareholders at the company's AGM in November.

AIM Admission
The admission of the Company to the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") is now expected to take place in 2007...... - Web Site

WESTONIA MINES

Audio Broadcast - Market Update - Web Site

Thursday, December 21 2006, 11:16 AM

GRAVITY DIAMONDS

Change in substantial holding - Web Site

LAKES OIL

Appendix 3B - Web Site

AUSTRALIAN BIODIESEL

Company Update - Web Site

A-CAP RESOURCES

Trading Halt - Web Site

ALLIANCE RESOURCES

Four Mile Prospect Exploration Update - Web Site

AUSTRALIAN OIL COMPANY

EGO: Announces the drilling of Parrot Hill-2 in EP 435

ARROW ENERGY

First electricity generation from Daandine Power Station

The Board of Arrow Energy N.L. ("Arrow") is pleased to announce that first power was generated from the Daandine Power Station and exported to the grid yesterday (20 December 2006) meeting the Company's goal of first electricity before the end of calendar 2006.

The 27.4 MW Daandine Power Station, which is located approximately 40km west of the township of Dalby in Queensland, has been built under an Engineering, Procurement and Construction agreement with Clarke Energy. Work commenced on the project in March 2006 and all 11 GE Jenbacher reciprocating engines are now on site and installed. The first of these engines has been commissioned and is in operation.

Arrow has a Gas Tolling Agreement with a subsidiary of the Australian Pipeline Trust which provides for the ownership and operation of the Daandine Power Station facility. The agreement establishes a commercial mechanism for Arrow to feed Coal Seam Gas from its 100% owned Daandine field into the Power Station and to off-take electricity for sale by Arrow to NSW Government owned retailer Country Energy under a long term Power Purchase Agreement.

Becoming an electricity supplier is the achievement of a further key milestone for Arrow, and completes a year during which it has also established itself as a substantial gas supplier and enhances its position as a significant player in the growing east coast energy sector. - Web Site

AUSTRALASIAN RESOURCES

WORKING CAPITAL LOAN AND COMPLETION OF BALMORAL SOUTH PROJECT ACQUISITION

Australasian Resources Ltd ("Australasian") is pleased to announce that Mineralogy Pty Ltd (a company controlled by Professor Clive Palmer) has agreed to provide Australasian with a $5 million working capital loan facility. The funds from this facility will allow Australasian to continue to progress its projects while it completes negotiations with potential strategic partners for the provision of a larger funding package for a definitive feasibility study and acquisition costs on the Balmoral South iron ore project.

The loan facility is repayable within 12 months, is secured by a fixed and floating charge over Australasian's assets and bears interest at the bank bill swap bid rate plus 2%. In the event that Australasian receives proceeds from a capital raising or disposal of assets, such proceeds must be applied to the repayment of the facility.

Separately, Professor Clive Palmer has agreed to waive the funding condition on his agreement to sell International Minerals Pty Ltd (which holds the Balmoral South Project) to Australasian. Following this waiver and the approval of the acquisition by Australasian shareholders last week, all conditions outlined in the acquisition agreements have now been met.

The parties will therefore proceed to complete the agreement, which will involve:

The transfer of 100% of the shares in International Minerals Pty Ltd to Australasian;
The issue of the Australasian consideration shares to Mineralogy and AMHK (resulting in Mineralogy and Professor Clive Palmer becoming a 77% shareholder in Australasian); and
The appointment of Mr Clive Mensink to the board of Australasian....... - Web Site

ARAFURA RESOURCES

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

ANEKA TAMBANG

To receive $121 million in loans - Web Site

ADVANCE ENERGY

Appendix 3B: Securities released from Escrow - Web Site

AUSTRALIAN WORLDWIDE

AWE Completes Refinancing

AWE Ltd ("AWE") reports that it has completed a refinancing package to simplify its debt structure and provide added flexibility to fund the future growth of the business.

The existing project finance facilities (relating to the BassGas gas/condensate and the Casino gas projects) will be paid out and replaced by a single A$120 million corporate banking facility. In addition, a US$42.5 million letter of credit (relating to the Tui Area Development) and a new working capital facility of up to A$15 million have been added to improve access to cash and increase flexibility for funding future projects.

The new facility will remove the current security structure on AWE's cornerstone assets and release the high levels of restricted cash controlled by AWE's bankers. The refinancing will also result in lower interest margins for the company.

The new corporate facility has been provided to AWE by ANZ and BOS International. - Web Site

BORAL

Appointment of General Manager - Corporate Development - Web Site

CRUSADER HOLDINGS

Divests Southern Cross Projects - Web Site

COMPASS RESOURCES

Dr Malcolm Humphreys - Web Site

CRESCENT GOLD

Rum Jungle JV - Web Site

CARRICK GOLD

Drill Programme Acceleration in 2007

Carrick Gold Limited is pleased to announce that it has 2 R.C. drilling rigs and 1 Diamond rig commissioned to accelerate its plan to commence mining feasibility studies by the end of the second quarter of 2007.

All rigs will be operating at the Lindsays Project by January 8th, 2007.

A successful drill programme will be completed on 22nd December this year with a resource upgrade expected by 31st January 2007. An independent geologist's review of all resources is expected to be finalised by the end of February 2007.- Web Site

CONSOLIDATED RUTILE

Final Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

DIAMONEX LIMITED

Becoming a substantial holder from BNB - Web Site

DRAGON MINING

Purchase of Saulyak Gold Project, Ukraine

Dragon Mining NL ("Dragon") announces entering into a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Eurogold Limited ("Eurogold") for the purchase of the Saulyak Gold Project in Ukraine. The all scrip transaction will involve 79,919,874 Dragon shares being issued to Eurogold.

The transaction will be effected by the purchase of Eurogold's wholly owned Bermudan subsidiary, Eurogold (Bermuda) Ltd, which holds the Saulyak Gold Project. The purchase is subject to the approval of shareholders of both companies, Dragon completing due diligence and any necessary regulatory approvals. It is expected that the shareholders' meetings will be held during February 2007, with notices for these meetings sent in January 2007. Completion is due to occur at the end of February 2007.

Eurogold has agreed to hold the Dragon shares for a minimum of six months prior to being distributed in specie to Eurogold shareholders.

As part of the transaction Dragon will provide limited recourse working capital loans of up to A$0.6m to Eurogold to cover corporate overheads and a further US$1m to enable the work programme at the Saulyak Gold Project to be progressed without interruption until the acquisition can be completed. The loan will be secured against, and repayable out of Eurogold receivables, which includes a US$3m loan (less costs) to Transgold S.A. (in liquidation) ("Transgold") and a US$0.7m loan to S.C. Explorer S.A (in liquidation) ("Explorer"). Subsequent to the corporate loan being repaid (A$0.6m), Eurogold will be entitled to 8.3% of the Transgold and Explorer receivables to a maximum of US$0.25m....... - Web Site

DWYKA DIAMONDS

Appendix 3B - Web Site

DEEP YELLOW

Audio Broadcast - Web Site

EPSILON ENERGY

Tenements granted at Balladonna Uranium Project - Web Site

FOX RESOURCES

Strikes Copper Oxide Deal with Straits Resources - Web Site

GLOBAL PETROLEUM

Appendix 3B

GOLDEN GATE PETROLEUM

Padre Island Testing Results - Preliminary - Web Site

GOLD AURA

Signing of Exploration Contract with Kazakhstan Government

Gold Aura Limited (GOA) announces that Gold Aura Kazakhstan (GAK), a company in which Gold Aura Limited (GOA) holds an 80% participating interest, has finalised and signed an Exploration Contract with the Kazakhstan Government covering the Southern Bayankol Concession area in SE Kazakhstan. The Concession area contains the Sazhen Prospect where quartz carbonate mineralisation is developed within black carbonaceous shales. Previous rock chip sampling has located gold anomalous values over an area 7.5 km long by 2.5 km wide. The Contract covers a 5 year period and depending on results involves expenditure of up to US$9.5 million.

The remaining assay results from the completed 2006 field season within the Southern Bayankol Concession area have now been received. Significant gold results of up to 24.6 g/t were obtained from quartz veined zones of 3 to 5 metres in thickness located some 700 metres along strike from the Jarkulak Gold Mine. Planning for the 2007 follow-up program in the prospective Southern Bayankol area is in progress........ - Web Site

GIPPSLAND OFFSHORE PETROLEUM

Amended: Appendix 3B - Web Site

GRYPHON MINERALS

Share Placement - Macquarie Bank Dundee & Rand Merchant - Web Site

HALCYON GROUP

Potential New Copper Zones at Mount Pleasant - Web Site

HARDMAN RESOURCES

Application for Delisting from the ASX

Heavenly 2-28 Well Misses Mark - Web Site

ORD RIVER RESOURCES

Sample Results for Copper Flats Project - Web Site

PANCONTINENTAL OIL

Seismic program begins at Blocks L8 & L9 in Kenya - Web Site

PETRA DIAMONDS

Alto Cuilo; Bulk Sampling Update

Petra Diamonds Limited ('Petra'), the AIM-quoted and ASX-listed diamond mining group, announces an update with regards to the bulk sampling campaign at project Alto Cuilo ('Alto Cuilo') in Angola. The bulk sampling campaign is an important part of the exploration programme at Alto Cuilo as it will provide key data relating to grade and value per carat.

Highlights

The first microdiamond results from representative drill cores sent for external specialist analysis have given encouraging microdiamond counts
Ongoing laboratory analysis of drill core from additional kimberlites continues to give diamond indicator mineral chemistry ('minchem') results consistent with some of the world's economic kimberlites
Taking into account the minchem results available to date, the ranking of kimberlites has been revised for the large diameter ('LD') drilling campaign which is underway
Core drilling at Alto Cuilo continues at the same time as the LD drilling programme and has made further solid progress, with the discovery to date of 71 kimberlitic occurrences (31 October 2006: 62 occurrences) out of 80 targets drilled, an exceptional success rate - Web Site

VULCAN RESOURCES

Appendix 3B - Web Site

VITAL METALS

Drilling success continues at Watershed - Web Site

WESTONIA MINES

Change of Director's Interest Notice x4 - Web Site

WESTERN AREAS

Flying Fox & Diggers Mine Exploration Update - Web Site

Wednesday 20 December 2006 (Close of Business - New York)
All Ords	5586.9	+45.3	Dow Jones	12,463.87	-7.45
ASX100	4530.8	+38.8	S&P 500	1423.53	-2.02
ASX200	5607.8	+48.1	Nasdaq	2427.61	-1.94
ASX300	5614.7	+47.8	NYSE Volume	2,387,625,000
Materials (Sector)	10,677.7	+136.5	Gold - spot/oz	US$620.50	-0.70
All Ords Gold (Sub Industry)	4720.6	+46.9	Silver - spot/oz	US$12.52	-0.07
Metals & Mining (Industry)	3558.2	+54.1	Platinum - spot	US$1117.00	unch
Energy (Sector)	12,010.8	+93.6	Palladium - spot	US$321.00	-2.00
AGC Macquarie Au	5258	+75.7	Uranium - spot US$/lb	US72.00	unch
Hartleys Explorers Index	13,616	+97.8	Bridge CRB Futures Index	394.26	-1.21
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FTSE 100	6198.6	-5.3	Natural Gas (NYM - $US/mmbtu)	US$7.01	-0.21
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A$ = US78.58		+0.18	Zinc (LME - spot $US/tonne)	4305	-105
A$ = 93.04yen		+0.47	Nickel (LME - spot $US/tonne)	34,100	-125
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Wednesday, December 20 2006, 9:16 PM

WALL STREET

Wall Street finished slightly lower Wednesday after investors sold shares when major stock indexes pushed through to new highs during the session.
Investors were at first driven by relief that Asian markets recovered from a major selloff on Tuesday, and were encouraged by a barrage of corporate profit reports and takeover deals.

Declining issues outnumbered advancers by about 4 to 3, on reduced volume, on the New York Stock Exchange.

Crude oil climbed to a three-month high in New York after a government report showed that U.S. inventories dropped more than expected and imports fell, signaling that OPEC is acting on its pledge to trim output.

Comex copper futures at the New York Mercantile Exchange plunged under key psychological support on Wednesday to settle below $3 per pound for the first time in six months - an ease in concerns over potential supply issues, as a labor strike ended in Chile and other union workers progressed with contract negotiations, weighed heavily on the metal during thin holiday trade, sources said.

Gold prices eased in New York, erasing an earlier gain, on speculation the value of the dollar will hold steady against the euro.

MALACHITE RESOURCES

UPDATE ON RECENT DRILLING FOR SILVER AT CONRAD AND FOR COPPER MT LIDSTER

Malachite has recently completed drilling programs at both its Conrad Silver and Mt Lidster Copper Projects, with visually encouraging results. Assays are awaited.

Malachite Resources NL (ASX: MAR) advises that it has recently completed reverse circulation percussion drilling programs at both its Conrad Silver Project near Inverell in northern NSW and Mt Lidster Copper Project near Mt Isa in northwest Queensland. In each case several drill holes intersected strong mineralisation. Assays of these zones are awaited but, due to heavy work loads at the assay laboratories, assay results are not expected until some time in January. In the interim, the Company can provide the following information:

Conrad - A total of 675m of drilling was undertaken, in 7 holes, testing mainly the northwestern extensions of the King Conrad lode, where access has recently been gained following successful resolution of native title issues at Conrad. Most holes intersected the targeted lode, which generally appears narrow but of high grade, with significant massive sulphide mineralisation. Several holes also intersected the broad mineralised greisen zone previously encountered only in CMRD15, suggesting that this is a substantial target in its own right, with open pit or bulk tonnage potential. The Company also completed surface and down-hole electrical geophysical surveys in the King Conrad area as a guide for future drilling.

Mt Lidster - A total of 959m of drilling was conducted, in 12 holes, further testing the mineralised structure that yielded some high grade copper intersections in Malachite's initial drilling (see MAR ASX Release dated 28/9/2006). Each of the new holes intersected the Mt Lidster structure, which varies at depth from sulphide-dominated, with minor quartz, to quartzdominated, with minor sulphide. True widths vary from about 3m to 10m. Some excellent copper assays are anticipated when results are received in January.

Drilling will resume at Conrad early in 2007, when detailed diamond drilling will be aimed at delineation of a significant silver-base metal resource. Further drilling at Mt Lidster is expected to take place later in 2007, after the northern wet season.- Web Site

MOUNT BURGESS

Gold Mineralisation - Kihabe Zinc Project, Botswana

Gold mineralisation has been observed in thin sections during petrographic analysis of RC drill chips from the Kihabe mineralised zone.

The 2.4km long Kihabe zone is already known to contain significant intersections of zinc, lead, silver, copper and vanadium mineralisation and is currently subject to resource modeling and estimation.

This gold mineralisation was observed in RC drill chips from a composite sample taken between 31m and 69m of drill hole KRC029, drilled on section 10,500E. This section was logged as oxidized quartz-greywacke and the chips containing gold as having been invaded by apparent hydrothermal quartz with pyrite.

To date, the Company has not conducted any assaying for gold on the Kihabe project and as such cannot determine whether this gold mineralisation represents a significant grade. Samples have now been selected for gold assay.

- Web Site

MOUNT BURGESS

Further Assay Results from Drilling - Kihabe Zinc Project - Botswana - Web Site

AQUILA RESOURCES

Change of Director's Interest Notice x3 - Web Site

AUSQUEST LIMITED

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

ARC ENERGY

Conversion of options by Managing Director - Web Site

AUSTRALIAN MINES

PIO's ann Drilling Extends Blair South Mineralisation - Web Site

ANVIL MINING

CDI Consolidation - Revised Timetable - Web Site

BARRA RESOURCES

Execution of Select Agreement - Web Site

BMA GOLD

Appendix 3B - Employee Options Issued - Web Site

BEACH PETROLEUM

Weekly Drilling Report - Web Site

COMET RIDGE

Entitlement Issue Shortfall fully placed - Web Site

CARPATHIAN RESOURCES

Skotnice Drilling Update

Carpathian Resources Limited, the oil and gas producer and explorer focusing in Central Europe announces that the initial testing of the Mo-1 Skotnice ('Skotnice') well has been completed and the drilling rig has been released from the well site.

Since the Drilling Update announced 12 December 2006 a liner was run and perforated and a short test was carried out. Although the well was swabbed, only a minor and slow pressure build-up was observed and a gas flow was not established. Because of the shallow depth of the well damage to the formation, as a result of the drilling process and/or the cementing of the production string, seems the most likely cause of this result.

Acquisition of remaining 20% in the Lichkvaz Gold Project

The Company is very pleased to announce that it has acquired the remaining 20% in the Lichkvaz Gold Project previously held by Global Gold Corporation of the USA. Iberian Resources now has 100% equity and full management control of the Lichkvaz Gold Project.

The Company has combined resources at its Lichkvaz and Montemor Gold projects of over 2 million ounces and is targeting future production of +200,000 ounces per annum from these projects.

In consideration for the 20% interest in the Lichkvaz Gold Project the Company will:

Pay US$1 million in cash to Global Gold Corporation.
Issue 5 million fully paid shares in Iberian Resources to Global Gold Corporation (shares will be escrowed for 12 months).
If shares in Iberian Resources fall below $0.50 for any consecutive period of thirty trading days during the escrow period then Iberian Resources will issue a further 2.5 million shares to Global Gold Corporation.
Give Global Gold Corporation a 2.5% net smelter royalty over production from the Lichkvaz Gold Project

Notice of General Meeting - Web Site

PRECIOUS METALS

Change in substantial holding - Web Site

PRIMARY RESOURCES

Ceasing to be a substantial holder - Web Site

PRYME OIL & GAS

Oil Found in NWR No.17 in LaSalle Parish Project

Pryme Oil and Gas Limited (ASX: PYM / OTC: POGLY), an oil and natural gas producer and explorer operating on shore in the U.S. with interests and focus in the Gulf States and Texas, is pleased to announce that it has encountered 23 feet of excellent oil sand in the Northwest Rogers No.17 well that was logged today. The rig is currently moving to drill the next development well, the Northwest Rogers No.16, in the LaSalle Parish Project and is expected to be spudded tomorrow, 20 December in the USA......- Web Site

RAWSON RESOURCES

Letter to Shareholders - Share Price Purchase Plan details - Web Site

REDSTONE RESOURCES

RMI: Redstone Res/Resource Mining Farm-In Exploration Resul - Web Site

RIVERSDALE MINING

Notice of General Meeting - Web Site

RESOURCE MINING CORP

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

ST BARBARA MINES

Corporate Office Relocation - Web Site

SABRE RESOURCES

Appendix 5B for Month ended 30/11/06 - Web Site

SANDFIRE RESOURCES

Board Changes - Web Site

SHAW RIVER

Constitution - Web Site

SHAW RIVER

Appendix 1A - ASX Listing application & agreement - Web Site

TANAMI GOLD

Change in substantial holding - Web Site

TERRAMIN AUSTRALIA

Investec backs Angas with $57m facility - Web Site

UNIVERSAL RESOURCES

UNIVERSAL COMMENCES URANIUM EXPLORATION

The directors of Universal Resources Limited (Universal) are pleased to report that fieldwork has commenced upon known uranium occurrences within Universal's wholly owned 3,600 square kilometre tenement portfolio in the Mt Isa and Cloncurry regions.

HIGHLIGHTS - The current exploration programmes are targeting mineralisation located by previous explorers north-east of the former Mary Kathleen uranium mine (9.2 million tonnes mined grading 0.13% U308) and reported by Universal in an ASX release dated 22 June 2006 as follows:

Janet Maude-Mount Harold prospects rock chip values up to a peak of 6.18% U308;
Godkin prospect costean rock samples gave grades in the range of 0.3-0.4% U308, including 0.3 metre channel sample at 1.32% U308.

Mapping and sampling programmes commenced early in December and remain in progress. This work has shown that:

The Janet Maude, Mount Harold and Godkin prospects sub-outcrop proximal to a major north-east trending fault that also passes through the former Mary Kathleen uranium mine.
Geometries of the Mount Harold and Janet Maude prospects support the concept of a north-east structural control to mineralisation...... - Web Site

VOLANT PETROLEUM

Replacement Bidder's Statement - Web Site

VIEW RESOURCES

Appendix 3B - Web Site

WESTGOLD RESOURCES

Appendix 3B

Wednesday, December 20 2006, 3:16 PM

ALINTA

Change in substantial holding for AIH - Web Site

ADMIRALTY RESOURCES

Director Appointment - Web Site

AMADEUS ENERGY

WEEKLY DRILLING REPORT

Ceasing to be a substantial holder - Web Site

INTERMET RESOURCES

Appendix 3B - Web Site

JACKSON GOLD

EXPLORATION COMMENCES AT JACKSONS ADVANCED KALGOORLIE NICKEL PROJECT

Diversified Australian resources company Jackson Gold Limited ("The Company") (ASX: JAK) has been notified by joint venture partner Breakaway Resources Limited ("Breakaway") that they have commenced exploration on the Golden Valley nickel sulphide target within the Kalgoorlie Nickel Project (refer to Plan attached).

The Golden Valley prospect is the most advanced exploration target within the project with historical drilling identifying nickel sulphide grades of up to 8%.

Initially 4 deep core holes will target below identified nickel sulphides at Golden Valley. These holes will also provide access for geophysical tools to test the depth of the mineralised system. The pre-collars for these holes have been completed. Drilling of the core tails is planned to commence in January, with results expected by the end of the first quarter next year.

A programme of RAB drilling has also been completed over a 3.5 km zone of prospective ultramafic, within a defined strike of approximately 7 km, where the favoured units remain largely untested. The results of this work are expected in January next year and will be used to focus exploration for additional primary nickel sulphide mineralisation. - Web Site

LIONORE MINING

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

LEVIATHAN RESOURCES

Change in substantial holding from PSV - Web Site

MOUNT GIBSON IRON

Change in substantial holding - Web Site

MEC RESOURCES

Senior Chinese Oil Figure Joins MEC Resources - Web Site

MARATHON RESOURCES

Mt Gee Drilling Update - Web Site

METALS EXPLORATION

ASX Circular: Merger Timetable MTX & BTX

NARE DIAMONDS

Diamond Producer Nare Diamonds MAkes Solid ASX Debut - Web Site

ORCHARD PETROLEUM

Change in substantial holding - Web Site

PROTO RESOURCES

Gold Project Update - Web Site

REPUBLIC GOLD

Appendix 3B - Web Site

RIO TINTO

Rio Tinto plc share transaction 18Dec06 - Web Site

VOLANT PETROLEUM

Replacement Bidder's Statement from Sky Energy Inv Ltd - Web Site

Wednesday, December 20 2006, 11:17 AM

ALINTA

Change in substantial holding for AIH - Web Site

A-CAP RESOURCES

Further Uranium Mineralisation Encountered in Botswana - Web Site

AURA ENERGY

Uranium Drill Programme completed at Wondinong - Web Site

ANGLO PACIFIC

UK Compliance Letter as released to London Stock Exchange - Web Site

ALCASTON MINING

Key New Appt and Commence Drilling in Fiji and Name Change - Web Site

AMADEUS ENERGY

Weekly drilling update report - Web Site

AURORA OIL & GAS

Trading Halt - Web Site

AZTEC RESOURCES

Change in substantial holding from MGX - Web Site

ANTARES ENERGY

Exploration Update

Project: Oyster Creek
Prospect: Oyster Creek
Well: Harrison-1
Brazoria County, Texas, Slawson Exploration Operator, Antares 75%
The well is currently drilling ahead at a depth of 10,466 feet. Casing is planned to be set at a depth of 11,500 feet. Planned total depth is 12,800 feet.

Project: Shaeffer Ranch
Prospect: Lonesome Dove
Well: Lonesome Dove-1
Jim Wells County, Texas, SIDC Operator, Antares 50%
The Lonesome Dove-1 well spudded on 4 December 2006. During the past week the well drilled to 7,500 feet and ran and cemented 7 5/8" casing to a depth of 7,448 feet. Currently preparing to re-commence drilling early tomorrow. Planned total depth is 9,500 feet.

Project: New Taiton
Prospect: New Taiton
Well: Ilse-1
Wharton County, Texas, S. Lavon Evans, Jr., Operating Company, Inc. Operator, Antares 25%
The Ilse-1 well spudded on 1 December 2006 and has drilled to a depth of 3,000 feet and set and cemented 13 3/8" surface casing. Rig repairs are expected to take a few more days. Planned total depth is 17,300 feet.

Project: Little Bear
Prospect: Garcitas Ranch
Well: Garcitas Ranch C-1
Victoria County, Texas, Hollimon Oil Corporation Operator, Antares 23.5%
The Garcitas Ranch C-1 well spudded on 16 December 2006 and is currently drilling ahead at a depth of 2,389 feet. Surface casing will be set at approximately 3,000 feet. Planned total depth is 13,000 feet.- Web Site

BASS STRAIT OIL

Appendix 3B - Grant of Options - Web Site

BC IRON

Initial Director's Interest Notice x5 - Web Site

BOULDER STEEL

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

BOULDER STEEL

Change in substantial holding - Web Site

BHP BILLITON

BHP Billiton Plc - Transaction in Shares - Web Site

BEACH PETROLEUM

AEY: FIELDS redemption boosts Beach Petroleum - Web Site

BREAKAWAY RESOURCES

JAK:Exploration Commences at Jacksons Nickel Project - Web Site

CENTRALIAN MINERALS

Appendix 3B - Web Site

CONSOLIDATED MINERALS

Cancellation of Employee Options - Web Site

DE GREY MINING

DE GREY REPORTS HIGHEST GRADE DIAMOND DRILL RESULTS TO DATE FROM TURNER RIVER

De Grey Mining Ltd is pleased to report the highest grade drill intersection to date from its inaugural diamond drilling program targeting the volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) zinc- silver-lead-gold-copper mineralisation at Orchard Well - Acacia, part of the Company's Turner River Project, 60km south of Port Hedland.

The disseminated sulphide mineralisation in drill hole WADH012 returned:

4.90m at 12.7% zinc, 331g/t silver, 7.31% lead, 2.54g/t gold and 0.35% copper from 514.4m

The intersection in WADH012 is high grade, being equivalent to a contained zinc metal content of 4.90m at 20.3% zinc*. This hole lies 210m down dip from the previously reported intersection in WADH003 of 3.85m at 8.21% zinc, 748g/t silver, 5.23% lead, 3.08g/t gold and 0.61% copper. The high grade mineralisation remains open at depth, to the west and for 130 metres east to hole WADH011 which intersected 4.90 m at 2.00% zinc, 126 g/t silver, 1.05 % lead, 0.73 g/t gold and 0.03% copper from 536.5 metres.

De Grey's Managing Director Darren Townsend said "These high grade results from the diamond drilling program are very encouraging. De Grey is looking forward to an exciting 2007 and will continue with an aggressive exploration program targeting both VMS style and gold mineralisation at Turner River." This will include the testing of:

Interpreted structurally thickened zones and further strike and depth extensions to zinc- lead-silver-gold-copper mineralisation at the identified VMS prospects with targeted RC and diamond drilling
IP (Induced Polarisation) geophysical anomalies beneath zinc-anomalous shallow RAB intersections between the Orchard Tank and Discovery Prospects
High priority VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electro-Magnetic) geophysical anomalies from the regional airborne survey by RC drilling
New zones of zinc-lead anomalism in RAB and auger drilling within the Tabba Tabba Greenstone Belt to the west of Orchard Well,
A new area of gold anomalism identified by the recent reconnaissance Aircore drilling of magnetic anomalies and structural targets beneath cover in the T1 area....... - Web Site

DRAKE RESOURCES

Zinifex Alliance Update - Web Site

EDEN ENERGY

Hythane India - Ashok Leyland Stock Exchange Announcements - Web Site

ELK PETROLEUM

Workover Update - Sand Draw South Oil Field - Web Site

EAGLE EYE METALS

Hdr Correction: Significant Nickel Anomalies at Waite Kauri - Web Site

FLINDERS DIAMONDS

Monks Hill Kimberlite Pipe (SA) Confirmed as Diamondiferous - Web Site

FORTESCUE METALS

November 2006 Construction Report - Web Site

FERROWEST

STRONG DEMAND FOR THE SHORTFALL STOCK FROM THE NON RENOUNCEABLE RIGHTS ISSUE

The Directors of Northern Star Resources Ltd are pleased to announce that strong demand was received by lead manager, Paradigm Capital Pty Ltd (Paradigm) in placing the shortfall from the recently announced non-renounceable pro rata rights issue to shareholders (the Offer). Paradigm have successfully placed the available shortfall from the Offer (13,044,393 shares) to a range of Sydney and Melbourne Stockbrokers and Professional Investors. It is anticipated the placement of the shortfall will be allotted by the 21 December. Further to the Paradigm shortfall placement, the Company will issue an additional 411,200 shares (with attaching options on the same terms as detailed in the Offer) via the Company's 15% placement capacity to accommodate additional applications from existing shareholders. Northern Star Resources Ltd has successfully raised approximately $3.1M (less expenses of the offer) from the rights issue and subsequent placement of shortfall stock, which will place the company in a solid position to fund an exciting and aggressive proposed $1.7M exploration drill program in the 2007 season at the Company's East Kimberley projects and for general working capital. In particular, to follow up recent exploration drilling encouragement received from the epithermal gold Range Prospect at the Wilson River Project and zinc mineralisation delineated at the Emull Prospect at the Red Billabong Project........... - Web Site

GREAT AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES

Shareholder Requests Notice of Meeting - Web Site

GOLDEN STATE

POL: Iron Ore & Nickel Exploration Update - Web Site

GIPPSLAND LIMITED

Seiga Gold Drilling Results - SUMMARY

Wide intersection of 48m at 1.60g/t Au in hole CRC056 including 8m at 7.75g/t Au
28m at 1.3g/t Au in hole CRC060 including 12m at 2.23g/t Au
Continuous zone of mineralisation extended to over 500m
Discontinuous zones of mineralisation over 900m
Open along strike and at depth
Preparation of JORC Code resource estimate

Gippsland Limited today announces the first results of the second-phase drilling at the Company's Seiga gold prospect at Wadi Allaqi, Egypt. This drilling include some infill drilling within the main zone of mineralisation adjacent to historical workings, some follow-up drilling of anomalous drilling results along strike from the historical workings and completion of the reconnaissance drilling along the shear zone. - Web Site

GIRALIA RESOURCES

Significant Uranium Intersection at Lake Fromley - Web Site

GVM METALS

Acquires remaining 50% of Baobab JV - Web Site

INTREPID MINES

Disclosure Document - Web Site

IAMGOLD CORPORATION

IAMGOLD Enters Into an Agreement to Sell Interests in Bauxite Assets for $46 Million

IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") (TSX:IMG)(NYSE:IAG)(ASX:IGD)(BSE:IAMGOLD) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Bosai Minerals Group Co., Ltd. ("Bosai Minerals") for the sale of its interests in Omai Bauxite Mining Inc. and Omai Services Inc. (together known as the "Bauxite Assets") for a transaction value of approximately $46 million, including the assumption of $18 million third-party debt.

Under the terms of the agreement, the effective date of the transaction will be December 31, 2006. Subsequent to a confirmatory review of the assets by Bosai Minerals, IAMGOLD will receive consideration of approximately $28 million in cash from Bosai Minerals, subject to working capital and other adjustments.

The agreement is contingent on a number of conditions, including receipt of customary approvals from regulatory authorities.......... - Web Site

INTEGRA MINING

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

JUBILEE MINES

Appendix 3B - Web Site

JABIRU METALS

Trading Halt - Web Site

LIONORE MINING

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS

Gas Supply for Qeshm LNG Plant - Web Site

LEVIATHAN RESOURCES

Change in substantial holding from PSV - Web Site

MIDAS RESOURCES

Response to ASX Query - Web Site

MOUNT GIBSON IRON

Change in substantial holding - Web Site

MATRIX METALS

Director Appointment Glencore Representative - Web Site

METALS EXPLORATION

WGR: $2.5m placement & proposed spin out of WA assets

OTTO ENERGY

Approval to continue oil exploration in offshore licence - Web Site

ORCHARD PETROLEUM

Gains Right to Acquire Interest in Section 18 - Web Site

ORIGIN ENERGY

Appendix 3B - Web Site

ORIGIN ENERGY

Response to ASX Query - Web Site

OXIANA LIMITED

Open Briefing Oxiana Ltd 2006 Review & 2007 Outlook - Web Site

PANCONTINENTAL OIL

Expiry of Options - Web Site

PEPINNINI MINERALS

Appendix 3B - Web Site

PROTO RESOURCES

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

PETSEC ENERGY

PETSEC ENERGY ANNOUNCES FURTHER DRILLING PROGRAMME AT MOBILE BAY GULF OF MEXICO, USA

Petsec Energy Ltd (ASX, PSA; ADR's, PSJEY.PK)

Petsec Energy today announced that the Mobile Bay 951 #1 well has been completed for production, following the completion of the other two wells in this successful three well programme at Mobile Bay 950, 951 and 873. Following the laying of pipelines it is expected that production should commence early in the second quarter of 2007.

The success of the three wells at Mobile Bay has encouraged the joint venture to drill up to three additional wells on the adjoining leases, Mobile Bay 993 and 994.

Additional high grade zinc lead & silver at Explorer 108

Tuesday 19 December 2006 (Close of Business - New York)
All Ords	5541.6	-30.6	Dow Jones	12,471.32	+30.05
ASX100	4492.0	-27.8	S&P 500	1425.55	+3.07
ASX200	5559.7	-31.8	Nasdaq	2429.55	-6.02
ASX300	5566.9	-32.2	NYSE Volume	2,717,063,000
Materials (Sector)	10,541.2	-111.9	Gold - spot/oz	US$621.20	+6.30
All Ords Gold (Sub Industry)	4673.7	-79.6	Silver - spot/oz	US$12.59	+0.19
Metals & Mining (Industry)	3504.1	-44.3	Platinum - spot	US$1117.00	+17.00
Energy (Sector)	11,917.2	-33.1	Palladium - spot	US$323.00	+3.00
AGC Macquarie Au	5182	-81.6	Uranium - spot US$/lb	US72.00	+6.50
Hartleys Explorers Index	13,518.0	+37.7	Bridge CRB Futures Index	395.47	+2.17
Shanghai Composite	2364.2	+31.7	Light Crude (NYM - $US per bbl.)	US$63.46	+0.67
FTSE 100	6203.9	-43.5	Natural Gas (NYM - $US/mmbtu)	US$7.23	+0.03
Nikkei	16,776.9	-185.2	Copper (LME - spot $US/tonne)	6642	-15
Hang Seng	18,964.6	-228.4	Lead (LME - spot $US/tonne)	1680	-59
A$ = US78.40		+0.39	Zinc (LME - spot $US/tonne)	4410	-20
A$ = 92.57yen		+0.38	Nickel (LME - spot $US/tonne)	34,225	-626
A$ = 0.594Euro		-0.002	Aluminium (LME - spot $US/tonne)	2827	+24
US 10-Year Bond	4.599%	+0.012	Tin (LME - spot $US/tonne)	11,300	+50
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Tuesday, December 19 2006, 9:16 PM

WALL STREET

The Dow Jones industrial average reached another record close on Tuesday as investors largely looked past economic and earnings reports that had stirred concerns about the health of the economy. The Standard & Poor's 500 also rose, but the Nasdaq fell after disappointing financial results from industry bellwether Oracle Corp. Blue chips managed the gains despite a government report that inflation at the wholesale level saw its biggest jump in more than 30 years in November as gas prices edged higher.

In other economic news, the Commerce Department said construction of homes and apartments increased by 6.7 percent in November but also that applications for permits to build homes declined for the 10th straight month.

Many investors were also uneasy after the stock market in Thailand plunged Tuesday following announcement of controls on foreign investment by the Thai government. The government backed off some of the restrictions after Thailand's benchmark SET Index fell 14.8 percent and touched off concerns about a repeat of the economic crisis that rattled Asia in 1997.

Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by about 6 to 5, on increased volume, on the New York Stock Exchange.

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

WEST AUSTRALIAN METALS

Appendix 3B - Web Site

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

CARNARVON PETROLEUM

Operations Update - HIGHLIGHTS

POE-3 is producing oil commingled from "H" and "F" sandstones at stabilised rates of 108 bopd - "G" sandstone is still to be perforated and added to the commingled oil flow.
POE-1 RD has successfully completed drilling - 8 metres of net oil pay encountered in "F" sandstone.
POE-5 commingling of "G" and "H" sandstones has commenced - primary target "F" sandstone still to be perforated and production tested.
POE-2 has been perforated in "F" sandstone and flowing oil to surface while cleaning up.
POE-9 commenced drilling........ - Web Site

DIORO EXPLORATION

High grade intersections at Frogs Legs - Web Site

DEEP YELLOW

Appendix 3B - Directors Options - Web Site

DEEP YELLOW

Change in substantial holding from PDN - Web Site

EDEN ENERGY

Hythane - India Agreement with leading bus manufacturer - Web Site

ENTEK ENERGY

Appendix 3B - Web Site

ENTEK ENERGY

Appendix 3B - Web Site

GINDALBIE METALS

GINDALBIE'S KARARA IRON ORE PROJECT GRANTED MAJOR PROJECT FACILITATION STATUS BY AUSTRALIA'S FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Australian iron ore company Gindalbie Metals Ltd (ASX: GBG) has received a significant boost as it moves towards development of its Karara Iron Ore Project in Western Australia next year, with the announcement today that the Federal Government has granted Major Project Facilitation (MPF) status to the integrated project.

The Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, made the announcement today, saying the joint venture between Gindalbie and its partner, Anshan Iron and Steel Group Corporation (AnSteel) was another example of the growing trade and investment relationship between Australia and China.

As a result of the project being awarded MPF status, the Australian Government's inward investment agency, Invest Australia, will work with Gindalbie to progress the project through the approvals process and identify any Federal Government programs that may assist it...... - Web Site

GLOBAL PETROLEUM

Kenya Drilling Report

GOLDEN GATE PETROLEUM

Appendix 3B - Web Site

GLADIATOR RESOURCES

Release of shares from escrow - Web Site

GLENEAGLE GOLD

Notice Under Section 708A - Web Site

GULFX LTD

Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting - Web Site

GRYPHON MINERALS

Becoming a substantial holder from NEM - Web Site

GOLDEN TIGER

Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting - Web Site

HAVILAH RESOURCES

Response to ASX Query - Web Site

HARDMAN RESOURCES

Court Approves Scheme of Arrangement - Web Site

HARDMAN RESOURCES

Merger Timetable - Web Site

INTREPID MINES

Re-files September 2006 Quarterly Report - Web Site

JUBILEE MINES

Open Briefing Jubilee Nickel Production Growth - Web Site

LEYSHON RESOURCES

Raises GBP8.3m from US & UK Institutions - Web Site

MOUNT GIBSON IRON

Change in substantial holding - Web Site

MONAX MINING

Woodchuck Drillhole Partial Assay Results - Web Site

MONTEZUMA MINING

Sampling Confirms High Grade Copper at Callawa Project - Web Site

NEWMONT

Change in substantial holding for RRL - Web Site

NEW WORLD ALLOYS

Placement of Shares/Appendix 3B - Web Site

NORTHERN STAR RESOURCES

STRONG DEMAND FOR THE SHORTFALL STOCK FROM THE NON RENOUNCEABLE RIGHTS ISSUE

Further to the Paradigm shortfall placement, the Company will issue an additional 411,200 shares (with attaching options on the same terms as detailed in the Offer) via the Company's 15% placement capacity to accommodate additional applications from existing shareholders.

Northern Star Resources Ltd has successfully raised approximately $3.1M (less expenses of the offer) from the rights issue and subsequent placement of shortfall stock, which will place the company in a solid position to fund an exciting and aggressive proposed $1.7M exploration drill program in the 2007 season at the Company's East Kimberley projects and for general working capital. In particular, to follow up recent exploration drilling encouragement received from the epithermal gold Range Prospect at the Wilson River Project and zinc mineralisation delineated at the Emull Prospect at the Red Billabong Project......... - Web Site

OCEANA GOLD

Header Corr: Raises A$110 Million Of Committed Funding - Web Site

OCEANA GOLD

Construction and Mining Division acquires NZ Businesses - Web Site

PAN PACIFIC PETROLEUM

PATEKE-3H STARTS DRILLING

Pan Pacific Petroleum N.L. ("PPP") reports that the development drilling programme for the Tui Area Development has commenced. The first well in the programme, Pateke-3H, spudded at approximately 07:00 hours on December 16, 2006. At 06:00 hours today, the well was drilling ahead at a measured depth of 1,500 metres.

The Tui Area Development drilling campaign is being undertaken on a "batch-drilling" basis, to optimise the sequencing of drilling operations and the tie-ins of flowlines to the subsea development wells. The "batch drilling" will involve the drilling of the upper sections and installing subsea wellheads and trees on at least three of the planned four wells, prior to drilling the deeper sections of the wells, including the horizontal sections within the oil reservoirs.

Iron Ore Project Feasibility Study Underway - Web Site

Tuesday, December 19 2006, 11:16 AM

ALINTA

Change in substantial holding for AIH - Web Site

ABM RESOURCES

Becoming a substantial holder & Change in substantial holder - Web Site

AURA ENERGY

Joint Venture with Mega Uranium - Web Site

ANGLO PACIFIC

Advice of despatch of Scrip Dividend circulars - Web Site

AUSELECT

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

AVIVA CORPORATION

Welcomes Mid West Power Line Project - Web Site

AUSTRALIAN WORLDWIDE

NZOG Tui Area Development Drilling Campaign commences - Web Site

AUSTRALIAN WORLDWIDE

PPP's ann: Pateke-3H Starts Drilling - Web Site

BENDIGO MINING

Appendix 3B - Web Site

BHP BILLITON

BHP Billiton Plc - Transaction In Shares - Web Site

BARAKA PETROLEUM

Heron -1 Drilling Update

This announcement confirms the company has been provided with an update
on the drilling of Heron-1 within Coastal Block 20 in Mauritania by
operator and joint venture partner CNPC International Mauritania Limited
(CNPCIM).

This update is as follows:

The land-drilling rig ZJ50LDB operated by drilling operator GWDC (Great
Wall Drilling Company) has continued drilling the CNPCIM operated
Heron-1 exploration well in coastal Block 20 onshore Mauritania, West
Africa.

As at 2:00 pm (AWST) on the 18 December 2006, the operation was drilling
ahead in 8 1/2 inch hole at a depth of 2664 metres after having set 9
5/8 inch casing at 2655m.

Since the last weekly report of the 12 December, the rig has completed
logging of the interval 795 - 2655 metres. Preliminary wire-line log
evaluation across the main zone of shows from 1855 - 1875 metres
suggests tight formation, however, evaluation of this zone continues.

The next zone of special interest is at approximately 3600 metres,
however the entire section from 2200 metres to the total depth of the
well, at approximately 3,800 metres, has potential reservoir seal pairs
and occurs within closure of the Heron structure and therefore has the
potential to contain hydrocarbons.

The Total Depth (TD) of the Heron-1 well is proposed at 3800m.

The drilling of exploration well Heron-1 is expected to take
approximately 3 months to complete to a depth of 3,800m and will include
four casing strings.

CNPCIM is a wholly owned subsidiary of CNPC International Limited
(CNPCI) and is Operator of Block 20 with 65% interest. Baraka
Petroleum's interest in Block 20 is 35%...... - Web Site

BEACH PETROLEUM

STU ann: 18 Dec 2006 Dunoon 2 Drilling Report - Web Site

BEACH PETROLEUM

FIELDS redemption boosts Beach Petroleum

On September 2006, Beach announced that it had acquired the Delhi Group. Under the terms of the acquisition, Beach issued a prospectus approved by Beach shareholders at its annual general meeting on 23 November, offering FIELDS holders who redeem their shares an opportunity to acquire shares in Beach.

A significant number of FIELDS holders chose to apply their redemption proceeds to the purchase of shares in Beach.

On 21 December 2006, Beach will issue approximately 40 million new shares worth approximately $55.6 million as a result of this offer to FIELDS holders.

This issue will result in Beach Petroleum having approximately 883 million shares on issue, giving a market capitalisation of $1.28 billion based on Friday's closing price of $1.445 a share.

The new shares will be issued to converting FIELDS holders on Thursday, 21 December, 2006.

Under the terms of the offer FIELDS holders were entitled to apply up to $42.00 per FIELDS redeemed to subscribe for new shares in Beach at an issue price of $1.39 each subject to a minimum subscription of 1,500 new shares. There was no scale back of final entitlements to Beach shares.

Of the original number of FIELDS on issue at the date Beach acquired the Delhi Group, only 136,097 or 4.5%, remain.

Beach is embarking on an exciting stage in its development as a significant Australian oil and gas company. - Web Site

BEACH PETROLEUM

GOG: Regional 3D Seismic Program to Commence - Web Site

BEACH PETROLEUM

MGN Weekly Drilling Report - Cabbots-1 - Web Site

CAMBRIAN MINING

Completion of Western Canadian Private Placement

CAPE LAMBERT IRON ORE

Further Extension to Magnetite Mineralisation - Web Site

COMET RIDGE

Allotment of Securities - Web Site

COPPER STRIKE

Placement - Web Site

CUE ENERGY

Greater Barikewa Field Survey Underway

Cue is pleased to announce that the Greater Barikewa Field Survey over the Barikewa gas field in PRL-09 in Papua New Guinea is nearing completion.

The survey consists of seven geological traverses totaling 40Km and is designed to provide a better structural picture of the field and hence a narrower range of potential recoverable gas volumes.

Barikewa has been assessed, to date, to have the potential to contain around 800 billion cubic feet of recoverable gas, with Cue's share being approximately 120 billion cubic feet in a most likely case.

Barikewa is located immediately adjacent to the likely route of the proposed gas development pipeline...... - Web Site

ECHO RESOURCES

Change of Registered office address - Web Site

EUROPEAN GAS

Disclosure Document - Web Site

ENVIROGOLD

Alternate Director Appointment - Web Site

GOLDSTAR RESOURCES

Tubal Cain Drilling Update - Web Site

GOLD AURA

Disclosure Document - NON - RENOUNCEABLE RIGHTS ISSUE

On 18 December 2006 Gold Aura Limited ("the Company") lodged a Prospectus with ASIC and the ASX, seeking to raise approximately $2,837,717 (before costs) via a non-renounceable rights issue ("Issue") of approximately 25,797,431 new ordinary shares ("New Shares") at a price of 11.0 cents per share on the basis of 1 new share for every 3 shares held, together with 1 free attaching option per 2 New Shares. Each option will be exercisable at thirteen cents ($0.13) on or before 31 March 2009. The New Shares and the shares issued upon exercise of the options will rank pari passu with existing shares on issue. All fractional amounts will be rounded up to the nearest whole number.

Gold Aura has 77,563,271 shares on issue which are quoted on the ASX. Approximately 170,978 shares are held by shareholders who do not have registered addresses in Australia and New Zealand and accordingly who are not eligible to participate in the Rights Issue. Gold Aura has 24,438,308 options on issue which are quoted on the ASX. Application will be made to the ASX for quotation of all securities issued pursuant to the Prospectus.

Holders of existing options may exercise their options prior to the Record Date if they wish to participate in the Issue.

Funds raised from the Issue are to be used to fund further evaluation and exploration of the Company's various projects and for working capital generally. During the remainder of the 2007 financial year (ending 30 June 2007), assuming that the Rights Issue is fully subscribed, the Company's proposed expenditure on the Company's project portfolio using the funds raised is:- Fergusson Island (PNG) - approximately $650,000; Croydon (Queensland) - approximately $400,000; Southern Bayankol (Kazakhstan) - approximately $500,000; Saiyikale (China) - approximately $50,000; and Brazil - approximately $750,000. The balance of the funds raised will be used for working capital generally.... - Web Site

GREEN ROCK ENERGY

Renounceable Rights Issue Prospectus - Web Site

HILLGROVE RESOURCES

Kanmantoo Definitive Feasibility Study Launched - Web Site

INTREPID MINES

Revises pricing for public offering/Receives Westpac Waiver - Web Site

IAMGOLD CORPORATION

Dividend Announcement Clarification - Web Site

INTERMET RESOURCES

Lake Gilles Drilling Update - Web Site

JABIRU METALS

Appendix 3B - Option Issue - Web Site

LIONORE MINING

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

LYNAS

Section 708A Notice/Appendix 3B - Web Site

LEVIATHAN RESOURCES

Change in substantial holding by PSV - Web Site

MARION ENERGY

Operations Project Update - Web Site

MIRABELA NICKEL

Change in substantial holding - Web Site

MEDUSA MINING

Option Expiry Notice - Web Site

NEW HOPE

Ceasing to be a substantial holder from PPT - Web Site

NORTH QUEENSLAND METALS

Becoming a substantial holder - Web Site

NEW ZEALND OIL & GAS

AWE ann: Pateke 3H starts drilling - Web Site

ODYSSEY ENERGY

Settlement of Expanded Jester-Bloomington Project - Web Site

OCEANA GOLD

Ceasing to be a substantial holder - Web Site

ORCHARD PETROLEUM

Change in substantial holding - Web Site

OXIANA LIMITED

Ceasing to be a substantial holder - Web Site

PETRA DIAMONDS

Update - Koffiefontein Mine - Web Site

PERILYA

Board Approval for Flinders Zinc Project - Web Site

PRECIOUS METALS

Section 708A Notice - Web Site

PROTO RESOURCES

Barnes Hill Nickel - Further Information - Web Site

PRYME OIL & GAS

Third Development Well spudded in LaSalle Parish Project

Pryme Oil and Gas Limited (ASX: PYM / OTC: POGLY), an oil and natural gas producer and explorer operating on shore in the U.S. with interests and focus in the Gulf States and Texas, is pleased to announce that it has spudded the Northwest Rogers No.17 development oil well in the LaSalle Parish Project. A second development well (NWR No.16) is expected to be drilled before the end of December 2006.....- Web Site

REPUBLIC GOLD

Update on Callabonna Uranium Project - Web Site

REGAL RESOURCES

Independent Research - Web Site

RED FORK ENERGY

Hydrocarbons Intersected in Redfork #1-29 - Web Site

ROYAL RESOURCES

Nickel Exploration - Fields Find Layered Intrusion - Web Site

REGIS RESOURCES

Amended Appendix 3B - Web Site

TIANSHAN GOLDFIELDS

Gold Mountain Resouce Increases to 2.8m oz - Web Site

THUNDELARRA EXPLORATION

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

TAKORADI

Appendix 3B: Convertible Notes

TRAKA RESOURCES

Change in & Ceasing to be a substantial holder - Web Site

TALISMAN MINING

Change of Director's Interest Notice x 3 - Web Site

TRAFFORD RESOURCES

Completes Second Drilling Round - Web Site

UNITED MINERALS

Pilbara Iron Ore Project - Web Site

VULCAN RESOURCES

Request for Trading Halt - Web Site

WESTONIA MINES

Market Update - Web Site

Monday 18 December 2006 (Close of Business - New York)
All Ords	5572.2	+6.1	Dow Jones	12,441.27	-4.25
ASX100	4519.8	+13.4	S&P 500	1422.48	-4.61
ASX200	5591.5	+16.1	Nasdaq	2435.57	-21.63
ASX300	5599.1	+16.4	NYSE Volume	2,495,325,000
Materials (Sector)	10,653.1	-81.8	Gold - spot/oz	US$614.90	+0.30
All Ords Gold (Sub Industry)	4753.3	-25.1	Silver - spot/oz	US$12.40	-0.41
Metals & Mining (Industry)	3548.4	-28.8	Platinum - spot	US$1100.00	unch
Energy (Sector)	11,950.3	+121.8	Palladium - spot	US$320.00	+2.00
AGC Macquarie Au	5264	-50.9	Uranium - spot US$/lb	US65.50	unch
Hartleys Explorers Index	13,481	na	Bridge CRB Futures Index	393.30	-2.90
Shanghai Composite	2332.4	+58.5	Light Crude (NYM - $US per bbl.)	US$62.21	-1.22
FTSE 100	6247.4	-12.6	Natural Gas (NYM - $US/mmbtu)	US$7.20	-0.31
Nikkei	16,962.1	+47.8	Copper (LME - spot $US/tonne)	6657	+13
Hang Seng	19,192.9	+82.3	Lead (LME - spot $US/tonne)	1739	+36
A$ = US78.01		-0.10	Zinc (LME - spot $US/tonne)	4430	+35
A$ = 92.19yen		-0.15	Nickel (LME - spot $US/tonne)	34,850	-395
A$ = 0.596Euro		-0.001	Aluminium (LME - spot $US/tonne)	2803	-49
US 10-Year Bond	4.587%	-0.010	Tin (LME - spot $US/tonne)	11,250	+40
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Monday, December 18 2006, 9:16 PM

WALL STREET

Wall Street finished marginally lower for the first time in four sessions on Monday as concerns about the technology and energy sectors overshadowed some $81 billion in takeover activity.

Declining issues outpaced advancers by 3 to 2, on significantly lower volume, on the New York Stock Exchange.

The dollar was little changed against the euro and yen Monday, reversing early gains after a report showed U.S. home builders were a bit more pessimistic about the housing market in December.

Crude oil fell more than $1 a barrel as warmer-than-normal weather in most of the U.S. curbed heating- fuel consumption.

Copper gained in London on speculation that supply may be disrupted due to a strike at a Chilean smelter belonging to Xstrata Plc, the world's fourth- largest producer of the metal. A labor union at Altonorte, Chile's third-largest copper smelter, stopped work yesterday after it failed to reach agreement with management on wages.

Gold futures closed lower Monday to tally a third consecutive losing session as silver prices dropped nearly 4% to register their weakest closing level in seven weeks.

ABARE

Australian Commodities - economic overview: prospects for world economic growth

Following exceptionally strong performance in the past few years, world economic growth is assumed to ease slightly to around 4.3 per cent in 2007, compared with an estimated rate of 4.8 per cent in 2006.
The recent signifi cant decline in world oil prices, if sustained, will help to lessen infl ationary pressures. However, further monetary tightening cannot be ruled out as many major world economies are approaching their productive capacities.
Taking into account the impact of drought on the Australian farm sector and the fl ow-on effects on the rest of the economy, economic growth in Australia is assumed to be little changed in 2006-07 at around 2.5 per cent............. - Web Site

WEDGETAIL MINING

Weekly Resource Brief by DJ Carmichael dated 15 December 2006 - Title: Resource Brief - Site Visit Confirms Potential - Web Site

ALINTA

Supreme Court QAL Litigation Decision

Change of Director's Interest Notice x 4 - Web Site

EUROPEAN GAS

Heritage Petroleum Plc Offer Documents

.........Summary of the terms of the Offer
The formal Offer and the actions you should take to accept it are set out in the letter from Ambrian in Part II of this document, the conditions and further terms of the Offer set out in Appendix I to this document and in the accompanying Form of Acceptance. The Offer is being made by Ambrian, on behalf of European Gas for all of the issued and to be issued Heritage Shares, on the following basis:

For each Heritage Share 0.55 New European Gas Shares and 1.5 pence in cash

and so in proportion for any other number of Heritage Shares held. The number of New European Gas Shares to be issued to each Heritage Shareholder will be rounded down to the nearest whole number of European Gas Shares, and the cash consideration payable to each such Heritage Shareholder shall be rounded down to the nearest whole 1 penny.

The Offer values the current issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Heritage (assuming that all Heritage Options and Heritage Warrants are exercised and the Offer accepted in respect of the resulting Heritage Shares and that none of the Out-of-the-Money Heritage Warrants are exercised) at approximately £10.4 million, based on the closing mid-price of European Gas Shares on 14 December 2006 of A$0.76...... - Web Site

EUROPEAN GAS

Offer for Heritage Petroleum Plc - Web Site

EASTERN STAR GAS

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

ENERGY WORLD CORPORATION

Appendix 3B - Web Site

FOX RESOURCES

Appendix 3B & Section 708A - Web Site

GINDALBIE METALS

Change in substantial holding - Web Site

GLENEAGLE GOLD

Results of EGM - Web Site

GREEN ROCK ENERGY

Reinstatement to Official Quotation - Web Site

HILLGROVE RESOURCES

KANMANTOO DEFINITIVE FEASIBILITY STUDY LAUNCHED

Hillgrove Resources Limited (ASX:HGO) is pleased to announce that it has commissioned Lycopodium Limited to lead manage the completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) by a group of leading Australian resources consultants into the potential re-development of the Kanmantoo Copper Gold Mine in South Australia....... - Web Site

HUDSON RESOURCES

Sale of WA Coal Leases - Web Site

INDEPENDENCE GROUP

Appendix 3B - Web Site

JINDALEE RESOURCES

Change of Director's Interest Notice x 3 - Web Site

MOUNT GIBSON IRON

Appendix 3B - Web Site

MEC RESOURCES

GBA's ann: MEC Renounceable Issue - Web Site

MONARCH GOLD

Ceasing to be a substantial holder - Web Site

MONARO MINING

Section 708A - Web Site

MARATHON RESOURCES

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

METALS EXPLORATION

Approval of Scheme of Arrangement

NORWEST ENERGY

Withdrawal from Perth Basin EP437 - Web Site

NORTHWEST RESOURCES

Placement - Web Site

PETRA DIAMONDS

Update - Koffiefontein mine

Petra Diamonds Limited ('Petra' or 'the Company'), the AIM-quoted and ASX-listed diamond group, announces that it and its wholly owned subsidiary, Blue Diamond Mines (Pty) Limited ('BDM'), have entered into a conditional agreement ('the Agreement') with De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited ('De Beers') to acquire the mining and associated capital assets ('Assets') previously used by De Beers in the operation of the Koffiefontein diamond mine ('Koffiefontein') situated in the Free State province of South Africa.

BDM has also applied to the South African Department of Minerals and Energy (' DME') for a mining right in respect of Koffiefontein; De Beers ceased mining at Koffiefontein when its old order mining right expired in February 2006. In accordance with South African mining legislation, BDM is not permitted to commence mining until the new mining right is issued; Petra expects this to be issued shortly and BDM will then use the assets acquired from De Beers to operate Koffiefontein.

The consideration for the Assets is R81.9 million (£5.98 million); this consideration is to be settled by BDM assuming De Beers' rehabilitation obligations at Koffiefontein, which amount to R80 million (£5.84 million), plus the payment in cash by BDM to De Beers of R1.9 million (£138,700). There is no further consideration with regards to the Assets...... - Web Site

PLUTON RESOURCES

Initial Director's Interest Notice x 6 - Web Site

SINO GOLD

Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting - Web Site

SIPA RESOURCES

Newmont to Farm-into Sipa's Woodline Gold & Basemetals Project

Sipa is pleased to announce that agreement has been reached with Newmont Exploration Pty Ltd (Newmont) for Newmont to earn interests in Sipa's Woodline Gold and Basemetals Project. This arrangement is separate from the existing Sipa-Newmont Gold Exploration Alliance.

Woodline is located in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia and in part sits astride about 70 kilometres of the same structural position as AngloGold Ashanti-Independence Group's Tropicana Project, which is one of the most exciting new greenfields discoveries in Australia in the last decade.

Sipa's 1,785 square kilometre Project comprises 1,165 square kilometres of 100% Sipa tenements and applications, 450 square kilometres held by Comet Resources Limited (Comet) and 170 square kilometres held by Image Resources NL (Image). Sipa may earn a 70% interest in both the Comet and Image tenement blocks, which will entitle Newmont a 51% interest in those tenements.

Highlights of the Farm-in and Joint Venture

Newmont will reimburse Sipa $450,000 of Sipa's Exploration Expenditure to the end of the September Quarter 2006
Newmont may earn a 70% interest in Sipa's tenements and a 51% interest in each of the Comet and Image tenement blocks by expenditure of a further $4 million
During the initial period of 18 months Newmont will spend $1 million. In order to remain in the Farm-in and to progress beyond the initial 18 months Newmont will also subscribe for $450,000 worth of Sipa shares, at a 10% premium to market. If the initial period of expenditure is extended, Newmont will continue to subscribe annually for a further $450,000 worth of Sipa shares at a 5% premium to market to remain in the Farm-in..... - Web Site

TAP OIL

Bambra-3 Appraisal Well Update

Location
The Bambra-3 well is located in Production Licence TL/1 and the sidetrack was drilled from the Bambra-3 surface location. The sidetrack was drilled to a target depth of approximately 2,100 metres measured depth, around 150 metres from the Bambra-3 reservoir intersection.

Progress
At 06:00 hours today, the Ensco 67 drilling rig had completed logging operations after drilling ahead to planned total depth, and was commencing P & A operations.

Tap Comment
The Bambra-3 well was drilled in October 1988 and suspended as a potential oil and gas producer. The Bambra field was developed in 2005 via a long reach horizontal multi-lateral (Bambra-7H) from the Harriet-Bravo facilities. This well was producing less oil than expected at this time and hence Bambra-3 ST1 was drilled to better evaluate the producing reservoir. Logging and testing operations have confirmed expected oil and gas movement at the Bambra-3 location and have indicated that the Bambra-7H development well is effectively recovering oil and gas from the Bambra Field. The data from the Bambra-3 ST1 well will now be incorporated into the reservoir model for the Bambra Field. - Web Site

VENTURE MINERALS

Letter to Shareholders - Web Site

VICTORIA PETROLEUM

Donga-4 well to be cased and suspended as future oil producer, ATP 805P, Surat Basin, Queensland
Summary:
Victoria Petroleum NL has been advised by Bow Energy Limited (Bow) operator for the Donga-4 oil appraisal well located in the Donga Oil Field in ATP 805P in the Surat-Bowen Basin, Queensland, that the Donga-4 appraisal well has been cased as a future oil producer and drilling rig ADS Rig 6 released. - Web Site

VOLANT PETROLEUM

Takeover bid by Sky Energy Investment Ltd for VOL - Web Site

WASHINGTON RESOURCES

Drilling at Yarawindah Block - EL 70/2301 - Web Site

Monday, December 18 2006, 3:16 PM

FRONTIER RESOURCES

Placement of Shares Completed - Web Site

MITHRIL

Results of General Meeting - Web Site

ADMIRALTY RESOURCES

Rincon Update - Web Site

AZTEC RESOURCES

Letter to Shareholders re Takeover Update

MOUNT GIBSON IRON LIMITED TAKEOVER OFFER FOR AZTEC RESOURCES LIMITED

As you would be aware, the board of Aztec Resources Limited (Aztec) has recommended that Aztec shareholders accept Mount Gibson Iron Limited's (Mount Gibson) offer for all the fully paid ordinary shares in Aztec.

Since providing this recommendation, Mount Gibson has become an 85% holder (as defined in the Corporations Act) in relation to the fully paid ordinary shares in Aztec and will have the right to compulsorily acquire all of the Aztec shares which it does not already own if it becomes a 90% holder of those securities.

BGF & LHG Proposed Merger - Explanatory Statement - Web Site

LEYSHON RESOURCES

Raises GBP8.3 million from US and UK institutions

Leyshon Resources Limited ("Leyshon") (AIM & ASX: LRL) today announces that it has raised £8.3 million (US$16.25 million) enabling it to rapidly progress the Zheng Guang gold zinc project to construction status and to continue to expand the 1.2 million ounce gold equivalent resource through a major exploration programme.

The placement was made to institutional clients of Mirabaud Securites Limited and Seymour Pierce Limited and include a number of the largest funds in the UK and US resources sector.

It is planned to invest US$5.5 million into pre production development activities which are expected to commence early in 2007, US$4.8 million towards a major generative exploration programme commencing in April 2007 and final joint venture payments with the balance being applied for working capital purposes.

The placement was made at 22 pence per share before issue costs and will occur in two tranches, 23,786,984 shares this week pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 7.1 (15% placement limit) and the remaining 13,944,016 shares immediately following shareholder approval at a shareholder meeting to be held on 17 January 2007.

Managing Director Paul Atherley commenting today said "We are delighted to welcome these institutions to the register and are pleased to note the number of existing UK institutional shareholders which have increased their holdings through the placement. The funds will enable us to rapidly progress Zheng Guang, one of China's newest and most exiting gold projects to construction status whilst at the same time continuing to aggressively expand the resource inventory." - Web Site

LEYSHON RESOURCES

Presentation December 2006 - Web Site

MORNING STAR GOLD

Morning Star Project - Bush Fire Update - Web Site

METEX RESOURCES

MMB ann: Thunder Bay North in Canada - Web Site

NARE DIAMONDS

Appendix 1A - ASX Listing application & agreement - Web Site

NARE DIAMONDS

Constitution - Web Site

NIDO PETROLEUM

TENNANT CREEK GOLD

Change of Director's Interest Notice x2 - Web Site

WEST AUSTRALIAN METALS

$1.9M Placement Finalised - Web Site

Monday, December 18 2006, 11:16 AM

ALKANE EXPLORATION

BC Iron commences trading on ASX

Alkane Exploration Ltd (Alkane) congratulates BC Iron Limited (BC Iron) on its impressive debut on the ASX on Friday 15 December (ASX-BCI). BC Iron was formed through the combination of the tenement holdings of Alkane and its partner, the Randolph Syndicate, with those of Consolidated Minerals Limited in the Nullagine area of the East Pilbara region of Western Australia. BC Iron's IPO raised $6 million from the issue of 24 million shares. ......

Alkane will retain 9 million shares, or 16.67% of the issued capital of BC Iron at listing. ........- Web Site

AMADEUS ENERGY

Daily Share Buy-Back Notice - Web Site

ANTARES ENERGY

SPUD OF GARCITAS RANCH C-1 WELL LITTLE BEAR PROJECT

Key Point : Antares Energy is pleased to announce the spudding of the Garcitas Ranch C-1 well at 18:00 hours on 16 December 2006 (local time). The well is anticipated to take approximately 30-40 days to drill to the prognosed total depth of 13,000 feet. Antares has a 23.5% working interest......- Web Site

BC IRON

Media release: BC Iron Set to List on the ASX Today - Web Site

BHP BILLITON

BHP Billiton Plc - Transaction In Shares - Web Site

BHP BILLITON

FMG ann: Federal Court finds in favour of Fortescue - Web Site

BHP BILLITON

Federal Court Decision Threatens Australian Exports

Today's ruling by the Federal Court that BHP Billiton's Mt Newman and Goldsworthy iron ore rail lines are not part of the Company's production process will work against the national interest.

Chris Lynch, BHP Billiton Executive Director and Group President Carbon Steel Materials, said he was extremely disappointed with the decision, which threatened the further growth of one of Australia's critical export industries.

"It is important to remember that this decision has much broader implications beyond BHP Billiton. Open access to dedicated rail infrastructure would compromise the efficient production of iron ore and cause delays in future investment decisions, making Australian producers less reliable," he said.

BHP Billiton is reviewing the Federal Court judgment in detail and will consider its options with regards to an appeal....... - Web Site

BOW ENERGY

To start Eromanga Drilling Program - Donga Update - Web Site

CUDECO

Appendix 3B - Web Site

DISCOVERY METALS

PRW ann: Barnes Hill Nickel Project Acquisition - Web Site

EDEN ENERGY

Media Release re Hythane - India Agreement - Web Site

ELDORE

Initial Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

EUREKA ENERGY

KOYUNLU-1 WELL- LOGS INDICATE OIL PAY

Operations
The Operator reported that at midnight Eastern European Time on 17 December 2006, the well was waiting on cement to set after a remedial cement job to seal the base of the 7 inch casing prior to flow testing.

Since our last report on the 11 December 2006, swabbing operations to test the 41 metre interval of fractured Garzan Formation carbonates between 1,211 metres (depth adjusted after wire-line logging) and 1,252 metres (total depth) were terminated when water from an overlying formation was found to be entering the well-bore from behind the 7 Inch casing, thereby invalidating any test.

While preparations were made to re-cement the 7 Inch casing, wire- line logs were run over the 41 metre Garzan Formation interval which had oil and gas shows during drilling.

Uranium Initiative - Grant of explorations licences in SA - Web Site

MOUNT GIBSON IRON

Change in substantial holding - Web Site

MAGMA METALS

SULPHIDE ZONE INTERSECTED IN FIRST DRILL HOLE AT THUNDER BAY NORTH IN CANADA.

Magma Metals (Canada) Limited (Magma), a wholly owned subsidiary of Magma Metals Limited, is currently undertaking a five hole 1,500m diamond drilling program to test magnetic targets identified at its Thunder Bay North and Beaver Lake Projects in north-west Ontario, Canada. These contiguous projects are located approximately 50km northeast of the city of Thunder Bay and 50km southeast of the large Lac des Iles Pd-Pt mine and concentrator (Figures 1 and 2).

The Thunder Bay North drilling is initially targeting a magnetic anomaly approximately 1.5km long and up to 200m wide at Current Lake (Figure 3). The first drill hole (TBND001) has now been completed and the second drill hole (TBND002) is in progress.

Geophysical modelling of the anomaly indicates that it reflects a shallow steep dipping tabular intrusion which is interpreted to be the source of Platinum-Palladium-Gold- Copper-Nickel (Pt-Pd-Au-Cu-Ni) mineralised boulders found on the western and eastern shores of the lake (Figures 2, 3 and 4).

The main branch of the well GL15 had previously been completed on 1 December 2006 after reaching a total length of approximately 2,032m with approximately 1,161m drilled horizontally through the Bulli coal seam. Both SIS wells GL14 and GL15 were drilled from the same surface location where a previous vertical well, GL10 is located. The well site GL10 has now been cleared for work-over operations and to install the completion string for GL15.

GL15 has been drilled to test the horizontal production performance of the Bulli seam; nearby vertical wells have already demonstrated good production potential. Average thickness of the Bulli seam is approximately 4m. (A higher flow rate and hence higher ultimate recovery is expected from a SIS well compared to a vertical well due to a larger drainage area to be swept by a SIS well.)

Both SIS wells GL14 and GL15 together with earlier drilled directional wells LB11, GL16, GL12 and GL13 will be dewatered and production tested before being tied into the gas gathering system to produce to the Rosalind Park Gas Plant. The Joint Venture is planning to drill additional SIS wells with a view to accelerate production during this financial year.

AGL Energy Ltd is the operator of the Camden Gas Project in a 50-50 joint venture with Sydney Gas Ltd. - Web Site

TARGET ENERGY

US Drilling Update - Web Site

URAN LIMITED

URAN SECURES KEY URANIUM PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITY IN UKRAINE, EASTERN EUROPE THROUGH AGREEMENT OVER SEDIMENTARY URANIUM PROJECTS
FINAL FEASIBILITY STUDY COMMENCES

Landmark agreement with two key State agencies in Ukraine to jointly complete a final feasibility study on two sedimentary-hosted uranium deposits in eastern Ukraine.
The deposits, Surskoye and Gurevskoye, are located in the Dnipropetrovsky region of Ukraine, the nation's main uranium producing region.
Feasibility studies completed in 1972 at Surskoye and 1982 at Gurevskoye indicated that the deposits are suitable for mining by in-situ leaching ("ISL").
SRK Consulting (London) Ltd retained to assist with the final feasibility study, with technical reviews and confirmatory drilling to commence in early 2007 leading to project development by mid-year.
This is the first time that a foreign company has been offered an opportunity to participate in uranium mining in Ukraine...... - Web Site

U3O8 LIMITED

Final Uranium Results from Hinkler Prospect Drilling - Web Site

VIEW RESOURCES

Share Purchase Plan Heavily Over-Subscribed - Web Site

WESTGOLD RESOURCES

Trading Halt

ZINIFEX

Dugald River Project Advances to Full Feasibility Stage

Zinifex announced today that the pre-feasibility study of its Dugald River project has now been completed and indicates that the development of a 200,000 tonne per annum mine is viable. Accordingly, it has decided to progress the project to the next stage and a full feasibility study has been commissioned to commence in early 2007.

Zinifex's Chief Executive Officer, Greig Gailey said "We are delighted that Dugald River has taken the next step to becoming an operating mine in 2011."

"If developed, Dugald River would increase Zinifex's zinc concentrate output by a third and is a key component of our strategy to vigorously grow our mining business," he said. "It would also extend Zinifex's mine life well beyond 2020."

Located near Cloncurry in North-West Queensland, Dugald River is one of the world's largest undeveloped deposits with good grades of zinc, lead and silver....... - Web Site

Appendix 3B - Web Site

ROYAL RESOURCES

Change of Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

REDPORT

Appendix 3B/Section 708A Notice - Web Site

SALINAS ENERGY

Successful Oil Production Test - Web Site

ST BARBARA MINES

Appendix 3B - Web Site

SHANNON RESOURCES

Nickel Sulphide Targets Identified

The Kurnalpi Nickel Project area covers a largely concealed northnorthwesterly trending ultramafic sequence. Previous exploration drilling has been assessed in order to estimate the exploration target size of a nickel laterite deposit present over a portion of the area of interest.

Based on a lower cut-off of 0.7% nickel and including internal waste, the Exploration Target is estimated to be within the following range:

Kurnalpi Nickel Exploration Targets:

Lower range: 3.9 Million Tonnes at 0.95% nickel and 0.09% cobalt
Upper range: 4.3 Million Tonnes at 0.95% nickel and 0.09% cobalt........ - Web Site

STRAITS RESOURCES

Straits Asia third quarter results - Web Site

SAMSON OIL & GAS

Correction to month in earlier announcement - Web Site

SANTOS

Successful testing of the Blackbird oil discovery - Web Site

SANTOS

Final Director's Interest Notice - Web Site

STUART PETROLEUM

Progress Report Dunoon 2 - Web Site

THUNDELARRA EXPLORATION

Section 708A Notice - Web Site

TALISMAN MINING

Appendix 3B - Web Site

WESTONIA MINES

Appendix 3B - Web Site

WILDHORSE ENERGY

Form 603 & Form 605 - Web Site

WESTERN AREAS

Section 708A Notice - Web Site

Friday 15 December 2006 (Close of Business - Wall Street)
All Ords	5557.0	+6.1	Dow Jones	12,445.52	+28.76
ASX100	4506.4	unch	S&P 500	1427.09	+1.60
ASX200	5575.4	+2.3	Nasdaq	2457.20	+3.35
ASX300	5582.7	+2.4	NYSE Volume	3,229,575,000
Materials (Sector)	10,734.9	+27.8	Gold - spot/oz	US$614.60	-11.50
All Ords Gold (Sub Industry)	4778.4	+31.6	Silver - spot/oz	US$12.81	-0.98
Metals & Mining (Industry)	3577.2	+17.8	Platinum - spot	US$1100.00	-10.00
Energy (Sector)	11,828.5	+195.8	Palladium - spot	US$318.00	-7.00
AGC Macquarie Au	5297	+22.1	Uranium - spot US$/lb	US65.50	unch
Hartleys Explorers Index	13,481	na	Bridge CRB Futures Index	396.20	-2.76
Shanghai Composite	2273.9	+24.8	Light Crude (NYM - $US per bbl.)	US$63.43	+0.92
FTSE 100	6260.0	+32.0	Natural Gas (NYM - $US/mmbtu)	US$7.51	-0.19
Nikkei	16,914.3	+85.1	Copper (LME - spot $US/tonne)	6644	-164
Hang Seng	19,110.7	+191.3	Lead (LME - spot $US/tonne)	1703	-7
A$ = US78.11		-0.18	Zinc (LME - spot $US/tonne)	4395	-75
A$ = 92.34yen		+0.08	Nickel (LME - spot $US/tonne)	35,245	-455
A$ = 0.597Euro		+0.001	Aluminium (LME - spot $US/tonne)	2852	-33
US 10-Year Bond	4.597%	+0.002	Tin (LME - spot $US/tonne)	11,210	+170
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Previous News - Week Ending 17 December 2006

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