Boardroomradio takes Australian Mining Companies to UK & EU

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Fast growing investor relations portal Boardroomradio has extended its reach into the important UK and European investor markets, today announcing a new distribution agreement with leading mining news hub, Minesite.com.

The deal gives capital hungry Australian resource companies an avenue to speak directly with one of the largest and most sophisticated investor pools in the world.

The alliance has been welcomed by the local resources industry, which is increasingly looking to new markets for access to affordable capital to help boost Australia’s declining exploration expenditure.

John Murray, co-founder of Boardroomradio, said the alliance was an important step for Australian listed companies looking to Europe for investment dollars. “Australia’s economic dependence on the mining industry is indisputable and many mining companies rely on foreign investment to fund their exploration projects. Trying to obtain funding from investors in Australia for projects in Asia or Africa is extremely difficult. Australian companies developing offshore projects must have access to foreign markets. Much of their investment comes from the UK and Europe, so this alliance will give companies an effective, low cost way to speak with those large markets, attract new investors and ultimately, fund their projects.”

According to the Minerals Council of Australia, Australian mining companies spent $551 million on exploration in the 2004/2005 financial year, compared to $606 million for the previous year. The Council also stated that in 2004/2005: “Australia’s share of worldwide exploration fell to a record low of around 13 per cent from 14.7 per cent in 2003/04.” Exploration is predicted to further decrease with the Council reporting an expected additional drop of 3 per cent for 2005/06.*

Today’s announcement has been welcomed by those in the industry, many of whom believe the new arrangement will help companies attract more investment from Europe and the UK.

Dr Justin Walawski, Chief Executive of mining industry body, The Association for Mining & Exploration Companies (AMEC), said: “Access to investors from Britain and Europe is vital for many junior exploration companies. Finding effective ways to reach these investors is something companies spend considerable time and resources attempting to achieve. AMEC is pleased and excited about the initiative and believe it will bring considerable value to those companies who have leveraged the Boardroomradio service.”

Mr Duncan McBain, Managing Director Goldstream Mining Ltd, said: “With Goldstream having projects in Tanzania, international distribution through Boardroomradio will give us more exposure to markets with a greater depth and understanding of the African markets. London has a long understanding of Africa and for us any increased exposure in that market will be valuable.”
Mr Murray said that the number of Australian companies listed on the London Stock Exchange’s growth market, AIM, demonstrates that access to finance from the region is vital for many Australian mining and resource companies.

“Aside from British companies, there are more companies listed on AIM from Australia than any other nation. Of the 45 Australian companies listed on AIM, 35 percent have listed in the past twelve months and around 80 per cent are mining or related industry companies,” Mr Murray said.

Mr Murray said it was important that AIM-listed companies and others seeking investment from the region made their communications accessible to investors. “Any CEO will be well aware of cost of time and money communicating with this region brings. Roadshows are not only expensive, but also take a considerable amount of time and other resources, particularly around results time when demand for communication from investors reaches its peak.

“This alliance will allow companies to keep in regular contact with their international investors and free up resources for the things that really matter – running the company and generating shareholder value.”

Minesite is Europe’s leading website for junior to mid-tier mining and exploration companies. It provides them with a continuing presence in front of London’s mining community and has influence with investors and advisers. Around 1.25 million visits are received every month from potential investors in the UK, Europe and further afield.

In addition to providing regular company news and information broadcasts to investors, Boardroomradio has developed a comprehensive calendar of company reporting dates and is making this available to the entire investment community. The calendar has been welcomed by the market which has long sought a reliable and accessible source of free information on upcoming AGMs, reporting dates and dividend payments. To view the calendar click here: www.brr.com.au

Over the coming year, Boardroomradio will continue to expand its distribution network to Australian investors, as well as seek new partners in offshore markets. The group will also further develop its communications offering to listed companies.

About Boardroom Radio

Launched in 2005, Boardroom Radio is a unique investor relations portal designed to help Australian listed companies communicate with the spectrum of current and potential investors. Through a comprehensive online information and delivery platform, Boardroom Radio uses the latest technology to communicate company information clearly, simply and cost effectively. Boardroom Radio broadcasts deliver a company’s message to a potential audience of more than 500,000 investors through a range of distribution partners including financial information portals, broker websites, share trading chat rooms, industry bodies and other relevant financial entities. The service is available for all listed companies, with one flat, annual fee designed to encourage small and medium cap companies to embrace their investor relations opportunities. For further information, including a list of distribution partners, please visit www.brr.com.au  

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