Recent Interviews

In this Company Insight interview the Buru Energy Executive Director, Eric Streitberg, discusses why Buru engaged McDaniel; explains conclusions of McDaniel Report (very sig. size of Valhalla); 2012 program to help define extent of Valhalla; explains ‘basin centred gas accumulation’ (BCGA) & what it means for potential volumes; implications of Valhalla results for unconventional prospectivity of Canning Superbasin; potential of Yulleroo & plans to test it; further exciting plays identified outside Valhalla & Yulleroo; and increasing interest of third parties in Canning Superbasin.

In this Company Insight interview, Mark Strizek, Managing Director of Vital Metals Limited, reflects on the three months of very positive results from the Doulnia Gold Project in Burkina Faso, culminating in exceptional gold intersection assays from Kollo; and observes that Kollo's open pit potential has been reaffirmed by positive drilling results from shallow depths. Mark discusses how the Company is currently assessing its four phases of drilling results with the objective of delineating a Doulnia gold resource by mid-year, and discusses the broad attractiveness of Burkina Faso, and the proximity of infrastructure to Doulnia. Mark also relates his management expertise to operating in Burkina Faso, and tells of the impact of the late arrival of the final Kollo results on Vital’s recent rights issue.

In this Company Insight interview, Dalton Hallgren, the new Acting CEO of Central Petroleum Limited, discusses his ‘business as usual’ focus for work on the appraisal of Surprise-1 REH, and the 3D and 2D seismic data acquisition program that is due to commence shortly, and the preparatory work for the extended production test that is on schedule. Mr Hallgren also discusses the applicability of his extensive US drilling experience to the conditions found at Surprise, and the growing industry recognition of the potential of Central’s Amadeus Basin acreage in the EP-115 Block where Surpise is located.

In this Company Insight interview the Trafford Resources Managing Director, Ian Finch, discusses Death Adder & Olympic Hill now drilling; ranked as number one exploration prospects; reasons for excitement about Death Adder & Olympic Hill; approach to drilling Death Adder & Olympic Hill; cash flow from the Wilcherry Hill Iron Ore Project soon to be producing; discusses other exploration such as Weednanna & Telephone Dam; and plans for additional cash from production at Wilcherry Hill Iron Ore Project.

In this interview with Mark Sumich, Managing Director of Globe Metals & Mining, Mark provides an overview of the Kanyika Niobium Project in Malawi; explains the uses and limited substitutability of niobium, and why the niobium market has underlying strength; discusses recent advances in the Project, and the underlying value drivers being examined in the DFS - due for completion in December 2012; and summarises Globe’s overall corporate strategy to add value for shareholders and the importance of its ECE relationship.

In this Company Insight interview, Richard Tacon, the new Chief Operating Officer of Bathurst Resources Limited (ASX& NZX code: BTU; market cap of ~$450m) discusses the NZ Environment Court's finding in Bathurst’s favour that 'climate change' is not a relevant matter in law in the Escarpment Mine appeal, and discusses the likely process and timeline for resolution of the remaining appeal issue. He also outlines Bathurst's amended project plan that has been developed to allow expanded production, which importantly, can proceed in parallel with securing new approvals and building infrastructure and processing facilities. Richard also outlines the expected production profile for the Company under the new plan.

In this Company Insight interview, Malachite Resources Chief Executive, Geoff Hiller, discusses the Company's recent announcement that the first of several new holes at Lorena has intersected a new high grade gold mineralisation zone containing two high grade gold intersections of 5.3metres at 12.9g/t including 1.4metres at 32.9 g/t) and 0.4 metres at 20.3 g/t. He explains how Lorena’s gold mineralisation has now been shown to extend at depth; discusses the implications for Lorena’s exploration and drilling program; and provides an update on Lorena’s on-track feasibility work and mine development pathway.

In this Company Insight interview, Robust Resources MD, Gary Lewis, explains the advances in project development work since announcing the maiden JORC Resource for the Lakuwahi Project on Romang Island of 592,000 ounces Au and 27.7 million ounces Ag (1.18 million ounces Au Equivalent). Early development (2014) is scheduled for Lakuwahi’s near-to-surface oxide zone (232,000 ounces Au, 9.8 million ounces Ag) using low-CAPEX and low-OPEX heap leaching, so that after 2-3 years’ mining, access will be obtained to develop Lakuwahi’s underlying polymetallic sulphide zone (360,000 ounces Au, 17.8 million ounces Ag, 697 million pounds Pb, and 678 million pounds Zn, 95 million pounds Cu). Gary notes that the maiden resource addresses only a small component of the Lakuwahi and Romang prospectivity, and that the Company’s well-funded drilling program (using 8 company-owned rigs, building to 10) will drill high potential targets at Lakuwahi, and North Romang. He also explains that Lakuwahi will play the pivotal role in potentially funding most of Romang’s development, including the exploration of North Romang.

In this Company Insight interview the Sino-Excel Energy Executive Director, Leo Peng, discusses Operation Profit of US$10.2 million for 12 months to 31 December 2011; Profit of US$7.04 million after listing cost of US$3.5 million; Profit could be stronger in future; points of difference with other coal trading companies; explains the ‘3Ms service’ – Mining, Marketing & Money/Treasury; how Sino-Excel improves existing coal mines, with an intention to acquire them; and growth outlook bright – still a relatively small player in the market.

In this Company Insight interview the Kentor Gold Managing Director, Simon Milroy, discusses that the Scoping Study finds strong financial returns for Jervois; objectives and timing of the Feasibility Study for Jervois; improving the financial resturns for Jervois; plans to increase the JORC Resource; outlines process flow sheet; and updates progress on Murchison Gold Project.

In this Company Insight interview the Intrepid Mines Managing Director, Brad Gordon, discusses clarity on Divestments Regulations & impact on Intrepid; impact on developing Tujuh Bukit mine; next steps in advancing Tuju Bukit; impact on financial & operating parameters; next exploration plans including expanding the resource at Tumpangpitu; and funding position & upside for investors.

In this Company Insight interview Buru Energy Executive Director, Eric Streitberg, discusses pre-drill expectations and results of the Valhalla North-1 well; whether the results were in line with expectations; what results mean for the potential size of Valhalla accumulation; implications of Valhalla North for overall Canning Superbasin; next plans for appraisal of Valhalla and approximate timeframe to book resources or reserves; potential development plans for Valhalla; next well to be drilled in 2012 programme and discusses newly awarded acreage; and discusses the interest from outside parties in Buru’s Canning acreage, given the successes.

In this Company Insight interview the Heemskirk Consolidated Managing Director, Peter Bird, outlines his background & role as new MD on growing Heemskirk, recent achievements & objectives; financial strength of Heemskirk and new Moberly Frac Sand Project; value upside in Heemskirk; reasons for investing in Frac Sand Project; process for producing sand & how it is used in oil/gas drilling; demand growth for sand as a proppant, quality of Moberly sand & environmental aspects; Heemskirk’s potential customers & pricing discussion; and longer term investment case for Heemskirk.

In this Company Insight interview, Alkane Resources' Managing Director, Ian Chalmers discusses the very strong interest from investors for the $107 million capital raising; the intended use of funds; why investors should take up the Entitlement Offer; why funds are being raised now; the attractiveness of Alkane's projects; and options for further fund raisings.

In this Company Insight interview the OceanaGold Managing Director, Mick Wilkes, outlines corporate vision for 2016; construction progress at Didipio – project parameters unchanged; experience operating in the Philippines; OceanaGold’s contribution to community, health, environment & education; financial benefits for the Philippines from Didipio; interpretation of any possibly legislatative changes for mining in the Philippines; and longer term growth strategy in the Philippines.

In this Company Insight interview the Red 5 Limited Managing Director, Greg Edwards, discusses the expectations for ramp-up in gold production at Siana; optimising the plant and mining operations; reviewing project parameters – to be announced in the coming weeks; drilling around Siana mine site; discusses potential increase in Resources; plans to resume drilling at Mapawa in the next couple of months; and expected final capital cost for Siana.

In this Company Insight interview the Uranex Limited Managing Director, Matthew Gauci, explains exploration results adding to knowledge & value of Mkuju Uranium Project; only 5% of tenements have been explored & additional targets identified for 2012 drilling; on track for maiden Mkuju resource in March quarter 2012; results of maiden drilling program at Songea Coal Project and further plans; land holding & infrastructure at Songea; funding position, possible sale of non-core assets & potential for JV development of Mkuju; and Uranex’s growth strategy now that it has potentially quality uranium & coal assets.

In this Company Insight interview the Kentor Gold Managing Director, Simon Milroy, explains 4 stage expansion at approved Murchison Gold Project; strong cash flow from Phase 1 despite modest initial production & operating costs; larger Andash & Jervois projects to follow; Andash ready for development and waiting final approval – exceptional costs; Jervois potentially the largest project & with strong exploration upside; and scoping study at Jervois nearing completion & expected to enter feasibility stage shortly.

In this Company Insight interview the Alkane Resources Managing Director, Ian Chalmers, discusses feedback on Toronto rare earth conference; nearly all 100% product off take signed under MOUs for Alkane’s 100% Dubbo Zirconia Project; update on financials for the Dubbo Zirconia Project; the importance of Alkane’s two Gold growth projects – Tomingley & McPhillamys; 3 other promising exploration targets; and the growth objective with several development projects & discoveries.

In this Company Insight interview the Tap Oil Managing Director, Troy Hayden, explains reasons for selling Harriet JV stake; explains the legal implications if Tap remained in the Harriet JV; explains what exactly Tap is selling – retains third party gas sales; discusses whether $10 million is a fair sale price; outlines accounting treatment of the sale; and explains intended use of cash & reiterates prudent management of asset portfolio.

In this Company Insight interview the Bathurst Resources Managing Director, Hamish Bohannan, discusses an update on the permitting process & confidence in gaining approvals; Company achievements while approvals process continues; next issues for management to focus on; discusses appointment of COO & other staff in future; planned developments – Coalbrookdale and North Buller; and Resource/Reserve drilling plans & broad production expectations.

In this Company Insight interview, Kent Swick, the MD of Swick Mining Services Limited outlines the Company’s strong revenue growth in H1 of FY12 and an NPAT increase of 193% on the previous corresponding period. He also outlines Swick’s strategic business focus and its strategic approach to pricing conditions, contracting and cost control; and explains how Swick is attending to the key drivers in the business. He further explains the positive impact on the business of the 2011 restructuring and the degearing this has made possible; and the productivity intiatives that should benefit Swick’s future performance and cashflows. Finally, he outlines Swick’s approach to maintaining future dividends.

In this Company Insight interview the Buru Energy Executive Director, Eric Streitberg, explains highlights of 2011 exploration program; the forward program for Ungani and the likely size of the reservoir; discusses the potential for ‘look a like’ structures to Ungani; implications of the Valhalla North well; 2012 broad exploration plan; the wells to be drilled in 2012; Buru’s funding position; and increasing Australian and international focus on the Canning Superbasin.

In this Company Insight interview, Central Petroleum's Managing Director, John Heugh,explains the significant oil flows achieved (380 popd) from the Surpise-1 well in the Amadeus Basin in the Northern Territory. This is the most significant event in the Company’s history, and represents the first oil to surface in Central Australia since mid-1960s. Proposed extended production testing could deliver cash flows in 2 to 3 months. He further discusses the impact on prospectivity and Central Petroleum’s tenement values, and the impact on Central Petroleum’s funding position and current Share Purchase Plan.

In this Company Insight interview the Tap Oil Managing Director, Troy Hayden, discusses the reasons for the sale; the price received; outlines the sale process; intended use of the funds; and outlines the growth strategy for Tap Oil.

In this Company Insight interview, the Executive Chairman of IronClad Mining, Ian Finch, explains the implications of obtaining the final statutory approval from the SA Government for its Wilcherry Hill Iron Ore Project, that first production is likely to be achieved in the March quarter 2012, and that bank funding is on track for Stage One of the Project. He also outlines the basis of his views on the undervaluation of the Company.

In this Company Insight interview, Vital Metals' new MD and CEO Mark Strizek outlines the Watershed Tungsten Project's features and development trajectory with the project aiming for construction in 2013, and open-cut and concentrate production in 2014. He further outlines the deal with JOGMEC to finance Watershed's DFS, explains Watershed's low capital requirements and why - under his priorities - limited further exploration is required, and explains and discusses the tungsten market generally.

In this Company Insight interview the OceanaGold Managing Director & CEO, Mick Wilkes, outlines production & operating cost expectations for 2012 & 2013; reasons for adjustments to guidance & main cost influences; respective contribution to 2013 production from New Zealand & Didipio; discusses longer term target of 600,000 ounces per annum gold; and major objectives at the corporate level for 2012.

In this Company Insight interview the OceanaGold Managing Director & CEO, Mick Wilkes, outlines major themes discussed – plus feedback from visitors to the site; reiterates project parameters & financials; milestones achieved so far, timetable to production & risks in achieving timeline; discusses value of Didipio in the context of market capitalisation; funding remainder of project & copper off take agreement; progress on working with local communities; expectations on size of workforce & possible expansions beyond base case output; and exploration at Didipio & regionally.

In this Company Insight interview the Kentor Managing Director, Simon Milroy, explains great metallurgical test work at Jervois; Jervois ore body continuing at depth; grade increasing; Jervois potentially Kentor’s largest project; updates Burnakura feasibility study; confidence about start up for Andash project in the Kyrgyz Republic; and exploration & the outlook for 2012.

In this Company Insight interview the Alkane Managing Director, Ian Chalmers, discusses revenue assumptions unchanged for Dubbo Zirconia Project; market remains strong for main products; NPV for project of $1.2 billion confirmed; exploration program at the DZP; process for final approval of Environmental Assessment report at Tomingley; updates on Tomingley & McPhillamys; and big year expected for Alkane in 2012.

In this Company Insight interview the Buru Energy Executive Director, Eric Streitberg, discusses an overview of the Ungani oil discovery; potential size of the Ungani accumulation; development plans and costs of bringing Ungani into production; potential for Ungani “look a likes”; outlines remainder of 2011 exploration program; increased international focus on the Canning Superbasin; and acquisition of additional acreage.

In this Company Insight interview, Fortescue's Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Pearce discusses the analysis of the MRRT conducted by industry and Fortescue; pinpoints fundamental weaknesses in Commonwealth’s MRRT projections and identifies the Commonwealth's likely revenue ‘black hole’; identifies Fortescue’s likely MRRT liabilities over the next few years and clarifies its corporate tax obligations and payments; and outlines Fortescue’s fundamental objections to the proposed MRRT and why it should be scrapped, or at least amended.

In this Company Insight interview the Malachite Resources CEO, Geoff Hiller, discusses the recent positive drilling results that have demonstrated an enhanced high grade gold structure at its flagship Lorena Project near Cloncurry in Queensland; the Company's immediate progression to update Lorena's resource estimation; and to advance a mining feasibility study with a view to open-cut development.

In this Company Insight interview the IronClad Executive Chairman, Ian Finch, discusses the remaining approvals process for Wilcherry Hill Iron Ore Project; progress on site; production targets & operating profits of $240m by year 3; views on under-valuation of company; funding & future sales contracts; and growth beyond current plans at Wilcherry Hill.

In this Company Insight interview the Bathurst Managing Director, Hamish Bohannan, discusses the basis of appeals against resource consents granted to Bathurst; process to reach a conclusion on appeals; timing of appeals process; confidence of defending appeals & public support; contribution of Buller Project to community; and Bathurst’s environmental credentials.

In this Company Insight interview the Heemskirk Managing Director, Kevin Robinson, gives opinion on Los Santos deal outcome; rationale for deal; healthy impact on balance sheet & reasons for reducing debt; background & outlook for Almonty Industries Inc. (tungsten, Heemskirk 22.7%); new Frac Sands business & performance of Canadian business generally; and strong position to develop new businesses & grow existing.

In this Company Insight interview the OceanaGold Managing Director & CEO, Mick Wilkes, gives thorough explanation of Didipio financials; explains impact on Company-wide production with Didipio in production; explains how New Zealand operations are tracking against new guidance; outlines exciting exploration in New Zealand; Didipio construction on track and successful initiatives with local community; strong potential for new ore bodies around Didipio; strong funding position & attractions for new CEO to join OGC; and growth strategy and achievable vision to get to 600,000 oz gold eq. per annum.

In this Company Insight interview, Peter Meurs who is Director Development at Fortescue, explains Fortescue's different approach to development, his role as Director Development, and Fortescue’s expansion plans in the Pilbara.

In this Company Insight interview the Buru Executive Director, Eric Streitberg, explains drilling results to date & the planned wells in current program; drilling adds to understanding of play types in Canning Basin; presence of potentially large hydrocarbon accumulations; and discusses commercialisation and development pathway.

In this Company Insight interview the Alkane Managing Director, Ian Chalmers, clarifies capital cost for Dubbo Zirconia Project; explains many options to fund the project and limit Alkane’s equity funding; explains main financials for the project; explains how it might optimise the project; outlines strength of product markets; environmental and development approvals the most difficult schedule to predict; and timetable to first production.

In this Company Insight interview the Kentor Managing Director, Simon Milroy, discusses the mineralised system continuing strongly at 450 metres, with improving grades at depth; waiting on results from 9 more holes before re-calculating JORC Resource at Jervois; first gold production at Burnakura confirmed for mid 2012 with 4 phase expansion; surprise at strength of initial Resources at Jervois and Burnakura; and sums up longer term growth strategy for Kentor.

In this Company Insight interview the Uranex Managing Director, Matthew Gauci, explains extent of mineralisation at Mkuju; potentially large resource to come out of Likuyu; rationale for selling non-core assets; impact of largest shareholder distributing UNX shares; plans & prospectivity for Songea Coal Project; and outlines team at Mkuju & longer term objectives.

In this Company Insight interview the Buru Energy Executive Director, Eric Streitberg, explains objectives of 2011 exploration program; explains preference for conventional or unconventional oil/gas; results from Valhalla-2 well extremely encouraging; possible size of targets in the Canning Superbasin; overall prospectivity of the basin; and Mitsubishi’s significant funding contribution.

In this Company Insight interview the Trafford Managing Director, Ian Finch, explains understanding of more gold minerisation at Weednanna; geophysical and geochemical studies and; the outlook for Trafford.

In this Company Insight interview the Trafford Resources Managing Director, Ian Finch, explains reasons for aggressive exploration; describes lead/zinc/silver mineralisation at Telephone Dam & gold potential near Weednanna; explains South Aust Govt assessment of the potential on Trafford’s newly awarded leases; future exploration; and future cash flows at Wilcherry Hill Iron Ore Project.

In this Company Insight interview the Minara Managing Director, Peter Johnston, discusses June quarterly production; 2011 production guidance; impact of failed acid plant heat exchanger; exploration, cash costs, sulphur prices and; receipt of insurance claim.

In this Company Insight, Chief Financial Officer Stephen Pearce discusses Fortescue's capital strategy and recent approaches to the debt markets; terms and conditions achieived, and potential future debt market approaches; expenditure profile and how it will be financed; financing optionality and natural hedging; and the outlook for Fortescue obtaining an investment-grade credit rating.

In this Company Insight interview the Kentor Gold Managing Director, Simon Milroy, explains plans for further Resources at new Australian assets; explains why that can be done quickly; hence, explains how early development and production is possible in Australia; discusses the most valuable of these new assets; and explains Andash in Kyrgyz Rebublic remains main focus.

In this Company Insight interview the Trafford Resources Managing Director, Ian Finch, describes lead/zinc/silver mineralisation at Telephone Dam; future exploration at Telephone Dam; potential value of minerals there; importance of Telephone Dam to Trafford; and overall Company objectives in 2011.

In this Company Insight interview Alkane Managing Director, Ian Chalmers, explains importance of MOU sales offtake for Dubbo Zirconia Project; explains zirconium oxychloride JV; confidence for more MOUs on attractive terms; explains supply/demand & price strength for products; explains expansion options for DZP; and possible funding options for DZP.

In this Company Insight interview the Executive Chairman, Ian Finch, analyses the new floating harbour – including the significance on Wilcherry Hill project returns; $600 million margins in Stage One alone; the logistics of the floating harbour & the overall progress at the project.

In this Company Insight interview the new Fortescue COO, Neville Power, discusses his background and new role at Fortescue; his approach to operational and expansion issues including co-operative approach to mining contractors, and dealing with cost and ramp-up questions; the relationship with customers and the dealing with iron-ore market issues; and Fortescue’s role in relation to the Boao Forum.

In this Company Insight interview the Uranex Managing Director, Matthew Gauci, discusses the success of the Strategic Review; the significance of drilling at Mkuju; the potential of Mkuju and the future plans; the potential overall value of Uranex; Uranex's other projects; and UNX’s longer term strategy.

In this Company Insight interview the Minara Managing Director, Peter Johnston, discusses March quarterly production; the impact of Murrin Murrin East ore; exploration, cash costs & sulphur prices and; dividends, offtake contracts & growth potential.

In this Company Insight interview the Kentor Gold Managing Director, Simon Milroy, explains the Company strategy including the Jinka acquisition; the attraction of the Jinka assets; progress at Andash; and funding & value creation.

In this Company Insight interview the Red5 Managing Director, Greg Edwards, outlines the operating parameters and progress at Siana; the timetable to production at Siana; rain mitigation, funding and exploration and; upside through Mapawa and other projects.

In this Company Insight interview the Trafford Resources Managing Director, Ian Finch, explains the funding of Trafford and IronClad; the value of Wilcherry Hill Iron Ore; the gold potential at Wilcherry Hill and; the plans and value for Telephone Dam and Romang.

In this interview Alkane Resources Managing Director Ian Chalmers explains Strength of Prices for Dubbo Zirconium, Updates on Major Projects and Explains Listing Stock in United States.

In this Company Insight, MD Simon Milroy discusses the Commission of Enquiry to expedite the project, explains that the project development is on track, corrects the incorrect reporting in the media, the improved project economics, that the debt mandate is proceeding well and the Government support for the project.

In this Company Insight, MD Ian Finch explains its four major project options, its impending iron ore production, its gold and base metals potential and the Company’s potential for growth overseas.

In this Company Insight, Chairman Ian Finch discusses funding, progress and the upside for the Wilcherry Hill iron ore project.

In this Company Insight, MD Chris Bonwick explains the economics of Tropicana, the exploration upside at Tropicana, Long and Greenfields projects, its funding position after the recent capital raising and its earnings and operations outlook.

In this Company Insight, MD Simon Milroy discusses its first gold mine Company-maker, the equity funding for the project financing just completed, explains why the DFS meets all hurdles, exploration upside and the outlook for the Company.

In this Company Insight, MD Gary Comb discusses the impact of increased reserve life on production & cash flow, updates its plans for exploration and the latest on developing Stockman and how it compares with Jaguar.

In this Company Insight, MD Peter Johnston discusses the reasons behind a downgrade in production, and outlines the future growth for the Company.

In this Company Insight, Chairman Ian Finch discusses the implications of recent announcements, explains why they are important in advancing Wilcherry Hill iron ore to production and discusses longer term growth for IronClad.

In this Company Insight, MD Ian Chalmers discusses the potential to expand its Tomingley Gold Project, updates and gives market feedback on its Dubbo Zirconia Project and outlines that Newmont is considering development concepts for the McPhillamys gold project.