Stiger,
Refer the link below, its straight from Exco's website on their operations at Colncurry:
http://www.excoresources.com.au/documents/CloncurryCopperProject.pdf
On the mid left of the first map there is an inverted "L" shape piece of tenament that belongs to Exco, AUM's site is just North East of this tenament. I don't have confirmation as to whether Exco has started mining yet at this part, should have confirmation on Monday, will post again then.
The things to note are that Exco's tenaments are significantly larger than that of AUM's. Sure, all of this is still a lot of dirt till proven. However, I have also considered Exco on a stand alone basis. My chief considerations have been:
Its operations at Cloncurry are closest to Ernest Henry Mine (EHM) owned by Xstrata, which has a life of another 6 years. EXS has openly stated that they are in discussions with Xsrata (please see opening para on the link above). If you read the broker report in EXS' web site:
http://www.excoresources.com.au/documents/StrachanCorpEXSJan05.pdf
it estimates EXS' Mt. Margret's resources (this is next door to EHM) alone is worth 40 to 70 cts per share. Hence, I expect an offer by Xstrata for this operation. At the worst at least a JV. I think it's a worthwile punt.
Its major shareholder Lion Selection Group (LSG), holding 14.4% with representation in the board (
http://www.lionselection.com.au/exco.shtml) has in the past bought a company called IAMGOLD and sold-off when it was taken over.
http://www.asx.com.au/asx/statistic...sg&timeFrameSearchType=D&releasedDuringCode=6
select announcement No. 2 dt. 22/06/2006
LSG's presence also adds credibility to the Xstrata deal possibility.
The managment of EXS also seem like a decent bunch.
Unlike URL, EXS' shares are far more closely held and hence it has been able to hold its sp.
Based on the above, I have made bets of this company.
Like always, please do your own research before you invest your hard earned money.
Best of luck and if you need any help please post here and I'll try and get back to you.
JaR