ABN Newswire

Asian Activities Report for January 4, 2012: LDK Solar (NYSE:LDK) Announces Takeover Offer for Sunways (ETR:SWW)

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 4 Jan 2012 12:00:51 GMT

LDK Solar Co., Ltd. (NYSE:LDK), a Chinese solar company has agreed to acquire approximately 33% increased share capital in Sunways AG (ETR:SWW) of Germany for 2.2 million euros. LDK Solar has also offered to take over all outstanding shares in Sunways. Subject to regulatory approvals, the completion of the takeover offer is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2012. After the takeover, Sunways will remain a separate brand and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (TYO:8031) says that its joint venture company Galaxy NewSpring Pte. Ltd. will operate two new plants in China - a waste water treatment plant in Chongqing and a water treatment plant in Shandong Province. Galaxy will invest approximately 6 billion yen for the two new operational assets, which are expected to significantly contribute to the development of the regional community and environmental preservation.

Nomura Holdings, Inc. (TYO:8604) has reached an agreement to invest in Jiu You Quan Xing Equity Investment Fund, a private equity fund based in Shanghai. The investment follows Nomura's approval as a Qualified Foreign Limited Partner (QFLP) by the Shanghai municipal government. The QFLP program in Shanghai allows approved foreign investors to convert foreign currency into yuan and directly invest in private equity funds based in Shanghai. Nomura was the first Japanese financial institution to qualify for the program.

Diploma Group Limited (ASX:DGX) has achieved Practical Completion on its Eleven 78 development on Hay Street, West Perth. Eleven 78 is a A$75 million residential building with 128 apartments and two commercial tenancies. Titles for the 130 lots have now issued with settlements expected to commence in the first week of January 2012.

AEON Co., Ltd. (TYO:8267) says that its subsidiary, Petcity Co., Ltd. will be merging with AHB International Inc., a Japanese company which owns and operates pet retail stores and provides pet grooming services. The merger will create the largest pet service company in Japan's rapidly-growing pet beauty care and medical services market, with 165 pet retail stores, 146 pet grooming stores and 49 pet hospitals.

Qiubei Fu
Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for September 26, 2011: Globe Metals and Mining (ASX:GBE) Report Significant Fluorite and Rare Earths Drilling Results in Mozambique

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 26 Sept 2011 12:00:19 GMT

Globe Metals and Mining Limited (ASX:GBE) has received initial analytical results for the 2011 Main Fluorite/Rare Earths Elements Zone drilling program at the Mount Muambe Project in Mozambique. Drill intersections from initial 8 RC holes show wide, high-grade, near surface fluorite zones. Significant enrichment in heavy rare earths were also returned with HREO/TREO ratios ranging from 10% to 40%. Further drilling results are expected to flow in over the next four months. Much of the remaining drilling in 2011 will focus on pure Rare Earths Elements targets.

Siburan Resources Limited (ASX:SBU) has lodged an application for an Exploration Permit in an area prospective for tungsten and gold in the South Island of New Zealand. It is anticipated that the approval process will take between 3-5 months and the Exploration Permit is granted for a period of five years. Previous work undertaken in the area has indicated that the mineralisation continues to a significant depth of up to 180 vertical metres with potential to host a high tonnage tungsten deposit.

Metminco Limited (ASX:MNC) has commissioned drilling programmes in June 2011 comprising 16,000 metres of Reverse Circulation drilling and 12,000 metres of Diamond Drilling at the Mollacas, Vallecillo, Camaron and La Piedra projects in Chile. This drill program is expected to be completed during the first quarter 2012. The Mollacas copper project currently has a JORC compliant resource of 17 million tonnes and the Vallecillo gold zinc project has a JORC compliant resource of 10.1 million tonnes.

Wave energy developer Carnegie Wave Energy Limited (ASX:CWE) says that its next generation commercial scale CETO 4 unit has been manufactured and delivered to Reunion Island, and offshore installation is currently scheduled to take place during the Southern Hemisphere summer. Activities to date have been two-thirds funded by French Government grants.

VA Tech Wabag (BOM:533269), a leading global player in water and wastewater management, has received an EU$8 million contract for the expansion of Andermatt wastewater treatment plant in Switzerland. VA Tech Wabag will provide its innovative wastewater treatment technologies for the plant. Expansion work will commence in spring 2012 and the plant will be ready for operations at the end of 2013.

Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

Asian Activities Report for September 7, 2011: AnaeCo Limited (ASX:ANQ) Formed a Joint Venture Company to Market Innovative Waste Management Solutions in Asia

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 7 Sept 2011 12:02:51 GMT

Australia-based AnaeCo Limited (ASX:ANQ) and Singapore-based Sindicatum Sustainable Resources have formed a 50/50 Joint Venture Company for the deployment of AnaeCo's patented DiCOM(TM) System in Asia. The System efficiently processes the organic part of municipal solid waste, producing biogas for the generation of renewable energy and nutrient rich compost. The joint venture will market the DiCOM(TM) System in India, China, South-East Asia and North-East Asia, targeting selected local development partners, such as waste management companies, government entities and infrastructure developers.

Integra Mining Limited (ASX:IGR) says today that the first month of production following the Randalls Gold Project processing facility upgrade has exceeded expectations with production of 8,873 ounces for the month of August, and the Company has achieved the target production rate of 100,000 ounces per annum. The processing facility has been upgraded by 25% to 1Mt per annum and will be optimised to greater levels of efficiency over coming months.

Krucible Metals Limited (ASX:KRB) has received drilling results for 15 of the 39 drillholes at the Korella Phosphate and Rare Earth Project in Queensland. The JORC Inferred Resource has increased from 4.2Mt at 0.96kg per tonne Y2O3 to 6.05Mt at 0.92kg per tonne Y2O3, representing an increase of 40% in contained Y2O3. The Company expects further increase in JORC Inferred Resource when all analytical results are received in 3-5 weeks' time.

ZYL Limited (ASX:ZYL) announced the interim results of the Bankable Feasibility Study at the Kangwane Anthracite Project. The Open-Cut Resources have increased 373% to 60.79Mt Indicated Resources in the south and north pits, supporting ZYL's strategy to become a large scale open-cut coal producer. Drilling at the Kangwane Anthracite Project is near completion, analysis of the drilling program is currently underway with all results expected in late October.

Suven Life Sciences Limited (BOM:530239) announces the grant of four product patents, three from Australia and one from New Zealand for the treatment of disorders associated with Neurodegenerative diseases, and all these patents are valid until 2027. With these new patents, the Company now has a total of 11 granted patents from Australia and 12 granted patents from New Zealand.

Asia Business News
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
http://www.abnnewswire.net

UNFCCC To Meet World's Carbon Buyers And Sellers In China

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:02:23 GMT

Dr. Yvo de Boer, Executive Secretary of the UN agency in charge of the Kyoto Protocol, has just confirmed that a representative from their Accreditation and Project Assessment unit will be meeting with carbon buyers and sellers in China, in a last chance for the industry to meet before the Copenhagen climate negotiations determine a successor to the current treaty expiring in 2012. Ms. Maria Laura Vinuela will be joining them at the World Carbon Conference in Beijing together with China's NDRC Energy Research Institute, the European Commission, and likely representatives from the Indian negotiating team and the World Bank. Ms. Vinuela will be meeting with CEOs and Managing Directors from across the worldwide carbon finance industry to gain feedback on the project registration process and provide updates on the latest developments in the current carbon trading framework.

"Truly it is an honour that such high-level representatives from the public and private sectors are joining us for such a momentous event," says Rex Ian Sayson, creator of highly successful energy industry events and director at the Singapore-based AMG Center for Energy Sustainability and Economics, which is hosting the meeting. "This is the last chance for industry and government to come together before Copenhagen and solve the current challenges in carbon trading, and engage key markets in China, India, Japan, Europe and the United States."

Also joining the meeting are key industry players such as China carbon industry doyenne Victoria Wang, Garry Kolafa of the Kuwait Oil Company, Kisor Mukherjee and Gauri Bholay of Reliance Industries, Jeff Huang, Assistant Chairman of the Tianjin Climate Exchange, Kenneth Wong and Xenos Hung of CLP Holdings (Hong Kong's biggest power producer and one of the top investors into mainland China's power industry), Junji Hatano, Kyoko Tochikawa and Coty Tsui of Carbon Partners Asiatica, among an estimated over 100 attendees total.

Media giants Bloomberg, CNBC and Platts will also be sending representatives to the event, along with 16 media and association partners that have joined the event including the European Chamber of Commerce in China.

The World Carbon Conference is the only international carbon industry meeting in China before the Copenhagen negotiations, providing a venue for project developers, carbon funds, government agencies, project owners, technology providers, law firms, investors, carbon compliance buyers, carbon exchange operators, DOEs and other stakeholders in emissions reduction to work out current challenges and build relationships for future projects. The conference will cover projects and opportunities in China, India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the rest of the world.

Paul Adams
TEL: +65 6844 2080
Email: padams@arcmediaglobal.com
Web: www.arcmediaglobal.com/carbon

Australian Market Report of July 21: More Upbeat Financial Results

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 21 July 2009 13:00:51 GMT

US stocks continued to its gaining steak overnight inspired by improve earnings from major companies and economic data suggesting the worst of recession is over. The market was also boosted by the news that the troubled lender CIT may avoid bankruptcy with a lifeline from bondholders.

The Australian market closed firmer yesterday on stronger commodities prices and good leads from overseas markets. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index rose 49.5 points, or 1.24 per cent, at 4050.3 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index gained 51.3 points, or 1.28 per cent, to 4044.2 points.

Key Economic Facts and Figures

The Bureau of Statistics' producer price index (PPI), which measures business inflation, showed that prices had plunged 0.8 per cent in the June quarter after a 0.4 per cent fall in the March quarter. Economists anticipated the CPI figures for the June quarter to show a mild reading of 0.5 per cent.

Today the Reserve Bank of Australia publishes minutes of its July 7 monetary policy board meeting. The Australian Bureau of Statistics releases new motor vehicles sales data for June.

M&A News

Dioro Exploration (ASX:DIO) is in talks with Canadian copper and gold miner Northgate Minerals Corporation (TSE:NGX) about a potentially superior transaction to the hostile Avoca Resources (ASX:AVO) takeover bid. Dioro said it expected to announce details of a proposed transaction with the Toronto Stock Exchange-listed company within a week. Monday Avoca extended its offer for Dioro for a week until July 28.

Important Corporate News

Uranium miner Energy Resources of Australia (ASX:ERA) forecasts its first-half unaudited net earnings in the range of A$120 million to A$130 million. This will be up more than three times from the A$38.9 million in the corresponding period in the previous year.

Centrex Metals Limited (ASX:CXM) and China's Wuhan Iron & Steel (Group) Corporation (WISCO) have signed a series of formal transaction agreements that formalise the terms and conditions of the magnetite joint venture between the groups. WISCO will pay Centrex a total of up to A$186 million for a 60% equity in the joint venture.

Waste management company Transpacific Industries Group (ASX:TPI) has raised about A$560 million from the institutional component of its share entitlement offer.

Grain trader AWB Limited (ASX:AWB) requested a trading halt late yesterday, pending an announcement today or tomorrow on its Brazilian operations and the impact on full-year result expectations. AWB in May sacked the management of its Brazil operations and launched an investigation of accounting errors.

Leighton Holdings Ltd. (ASX:LEI) said Tuesday that one of its joint ventures has won a A$410 million Hong Kong sewage tunneling project. Leighton Asia in joint venture with Leonhard Nilsen & Sonner has been awarded the contract by the Hong Kong Drainage Service Department for the construction of a sewage conveyance system from Aberdeen to Sai Ying Pun on Hong Kong Island.

Skycity Entertainment Group (ASX:SKC) says that it expects to exceed consensus market expectations for net profit after tax (NPAT) for the 2009 financial year due to improved fourth quarter revenues and earnings across its core casino operations. Skycity's revised expectation for NPAT for 2009 is in the range of A$113 million to A$116 million.

Michelle Liang
Asia Business News Asia Bureau
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
Email: michelle.liang@abnnewswire.net

Australian Market Report of July 16: Strong Gains to Continue

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Thu, 16 July 2009 13:00:48 GMT

US stocks posted strong gains overnight after Intel Corp. forecast sales that beat analysts' estimates. Optimism was further boosted as manufacturing data suggested the recession is abating, and the Federal Reserve also raised its expectations for GDP growth.

The Australian share market yesterday ended higher for a second day, following another rise on Wall Street. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 57.4 points, or 1.5 per cent, at 3924.5 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 58.7 points, or 1.5 per cent, to 3917.5 points. Trading volumes were still light as the local market was awaiting more upbeat earnings reports from the US to solidify confidence.

Key Economic Facts and Figures

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute leading index found that the annual rate of business activity had contracted by 3.9 percent in May, compared with a 4.1 per cent fall in April. The index, which indicates the likely pace of economic activity three to nine months into the future, had shown steady but modest improvement.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics releases international merchandise imports data for June. The Reserve Bank of Australia is to unveil its monthly bulletin.

M&A News

Cape Lambert Iron Ore (ASX:CFE) plans to acquire a substantial slice of junior uranium explorer Cauldron Energy (ASX:CXU). Cape Lambert said it would take a stake of up to 18.7 per cent in Cauldron following the conversion of a A$2.3 million convertible note. Cape Lambert would gain exposure to Cauldron's uranium projects in Australia and Argentina through the transaction. Cape Lambert also launched an off-market scrip bid for junior mineral sands explorer Corvette Resources (ASX:COV).

Important Corporate News

Waste management company Transpacific Industries Group (ASX:TPI) has launched a multi-pronged recapitalisation plan in an attempt to reduce its A$2 billion-plus debt. The proceeds from an A$801million equity raising involves a 1.77-for-one pro-rata renounceable entitlement offer to raise about A$737 million and a A$64 million placement to Hong Kong-based WP Holdings at $1.80 per share.

Toll-road group Transurban (ASX:TCL) announced that the refinancing of a A$515 million debt facility on Sydney's Eastern Distributor toll-road. Transurban will pay significantly higher interest rates on the new facility, with the five and seven-year tranches of the debt priced at up to 170 basis points above the maturing facility.

Macquarie Infrastructure Group (ASX:MIG) said the group's portfolio was valued at about A$5.1 billion as at June 30, with net asset backing estimated at about A$2.54 per stapled security. MIG said it expected economic conditions on the second half of 2008/09 would continue to be difficult.

Iluka Resources (ASX:ILU) announced in April a number of planned changes to its production base because of weaker demand associated with global economic conditions and high minerals sand feedstock inventories in major markets.

Australia's third largest gold producer Sino Gold (ASX:SGX) has delivered a 51 per cent increase in gold production compared with this time last year. The Sino group produced a record 53,367 ounces in the quarter ended June 30, up from 35,412 ounces in the June quarter last year.

Michelle Liang
Asia Business News Asia Bureau
Tel: +61-2-9247-4344
Email: michelle.liang@abnnewswire.net

Settler's Cove Proposed Stormwater Treatment System

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Tue, 4 Mar 2008 09:48:21 GMT

Noosa Council granted in-principle approval at its Ordinary Meeting on 14 February 2008 to allow Settler's Cove developer Cape Bouvard to reduce the environmental impact of untreated stormwater flowing from upstream in Noosa Junction and the surrounding Noosa Hill precinct into Noosa Sound by creating a wetland treatment system within an existing stormwater swale.

Nutrients and contaminants that continue to enter the Settler's Cove site via stormwater inflows currently disperse below the development zone into a large wet heath, ownership of which Cape Bouvard will transfer to the Noosa Community Environment Trust this year as the RF Thompson Conservation Park. On completion, the Settler's Cove Wetland area will also be vested in Council as a public park.

Cape Bouvard will bear the cost of the works, including engineering, environmental assessment, specialist supervision and landscaping, all of which will be strictly assessed and monitored by Council to its satisfaction. Cape Bouvard's funding and management of the wetland construction will allow the works to proceed earlier than otherwise contemplated by Council, and completes a treatment system that includes the upstream installation already begun by Council in accordance with its Urban Stormwater Management Strategy.

Council's agreement to partner Cape Bouvard in the Settler's Cove Wetland pending a full environmental management plan to ensure that habitat and fauna are appropriately considered in the final design was based on the obvious benefits to the community in enhancing the environmental values of a designated conservation reserve. Additional benefits include recreational and educational opportunities and removing a substantial cost burden from future infrastructure budgets.

"It is timely that a resolution has been reached to address the untreated stormwater that the site receives from a substantial urban catchment," says Settler's Cove Development Manager Gary Godfrey.

"A great deal of importance has been placed on the protection of the waterways, as evidenced by the 20 hectare environmental conservation buffer between Noosa Sound and the Settler's Cove development. The Settler's Cove Wetland is an appropriate solution to ensure a quality stormwater treatment system that maintains and enhances the environmental values of these natural features."

Of the 36 hectare site bounded by Noosa Hill, Noosa Junction and Noosa Sound purchased by Cape Bouvard in 2005, more than 23 hectares will have been donated to Council as park and conservation land by mid 2008.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Gary Godfrey
Senior Development Manager
Settler's Cove
(07) 5448 0186

IPO: PrimeAg Australia Limited Investment Opportunity

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 08:53:38 GMT

CommSec is offering the opportunity to invest in PrimeAg Australia Limited (PrimeAg, the Company). PrimeAg Australia Limited will own and operate quality Australian agricultural land and water entitlements with a view to produce income and long-term capital growth through the production of soft commodities.

PrimeAg is seeking to raise A$300 million through the issue of 150 million Shares at a price of A$2.00 each. Applications must be for a minimum of 1,000 (A$2,000) Shares and in increments of 250 Shares (A$500) thereafter.

CommSec is a Co-manager to the Offer and is inviting clients to apply for Shares in PrimeAg.

Investment Highlights

- Exposure to the growing global demand for soft commodities

- Agricultural commodity prices are not strongly correlated with Australian share prices on the ASX. This creates the opportunity for portfolio diversification.

- Geographic spread of properties over 1,200 km mitigates climatic risk.

- Price risk is mitigated through the production of a diverse range of commodities and having the ability to switch between these commodities in response to price movements or climatic changes.

- Production is further secured through the ownership of irrigation water entitlements.

- Economies of scale and innovative "Hub" structure makes PrimeAg a globally competitive low cost producer of agricultural commodities.

- An experienced Board and management team with the skills and vision to build a significant Australian agricultural company.

- Sustainability focus on efficient water use, efficient chemical use, reduced carbon emissions, efficient nitrogen use and increased carbon sequestration.

To find out more about this investment opportunity and download the Prospectus please visit http://www.commsec.com.au

Carbon Disclosure Project 2006 Launch; Opening Key Note By Al Gore

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Sun, 17 Sept 2006 11:33:54 GMT

The Carbon Disclosure Project is delighted to announce that the launch of our fourth FT500 global report produced by Innovest will be held in New York on the morning of the 18th September 2006. Key note speakers include Al Gore and Adair Turner, for further details click here.

http://www.cdproject.net/download.asp?file=CDP4_web_launch_invitation_sp2006.pdf

There will also be launches around the world of various reports based on CDP responses focusing on countries, regions and sectors. For further details of these launches click on the links below or email james@cdproject.net for an invitation identifying your organisation.

Launches will be held in Hong Kong 19th September, London 20th September, Tokyo and Frankfurt 22nd September, Paris 3rd October, Amsterdam and Toronto 4th October, Stockholm 16th October, Melbourne 17th October, Sydney 19th October, Calgary 30th October, Curitiba, Brazil 28th November.

Invitations can be downloaded for the following locations.

London
http://www.cdproject.net/download.asp?file=CDP4_London_launch_invitation_web.pdf

Paris
http://www.cdproject.net/download.asp?file=CDP4Paris.pdf

Amsterdam
http://www.cdproject.net/download.asp?file=CDPInviteAmsterdam_for_Web.doc

Toronto http://www.cdproject.net/download.asp?file=Toronto.pdf

Calgary
http://www.cdproject.net/download.asp?file=Calgary.pdf

About Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) provides a secretariat for the world's largest institutional investor collaboration on the business implications of climate change. CDP represents an efficient process whereby many institutional investors collectively sign a single global request for disclosure of information on Greenhouse Gas Emissions. CDP has historically sent this request to the FT500 largest companies in the world however in 2006 has expanded the reach to over 1900 companies.

The Carbon Disclosure Project web site, www.cdproject.net, is the largest registry of corporate greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Responses from corporations can be downloaded without charge.

57A Farringdon Road 
London EC1M 3JB 
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 207 956 3055

Petrochina To Install CARDIA Water Recycling Systems In Shanghai

newsroom@abnnewswire.net — Wed, 4 Jan 2006 13:37:47 GMT

The Board of Cardia (ASX: CNN) is pleased to announce that following the successful trial of its carwash water recycling system at one of Petrochina's service stations in Shanghai, Petrochina has agreed to the installation of Aquenox's new and advanced commercial recycling system on the same site.

The new system, which is expected to be installed in Shanghai before the end of January, will be trialed for a period of 3 months after which Petrochina will decide on whether to assist to promote and market the Aquenox system to its network of service stations throughout China.

Telephone +61 3 9813 3228 
Facsimile +61 3 9813 2668 
Email: cardia@bigpond.com