Gloucester Coal Ltd

Yanzhou Coal Mining (HKG:1171) (SHA:600188) (NYSE:YZC), one of China's biggest coal producer, has signed a proposal with Australia-based Gloucester Coal Ltd., with an aim to merge Gloucester Coal with Yanzhou Coal's wholly-owned Australian subsidiary Yancoal Australia.

Asian Activities Report for November 16, 2011 includes: Marmota Energy Limited (ASX:MEU) announces 60-125 million tonnes of first stage iron ore exploration target for the Western Spur iron project in South Australia; Blackwood Corporation Limited (ASX:BWD) says today that its projects in the Galilee Basin in Queensland have been significantly advanced; Fox Resources Limited (ASX:FXR) has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Jiangxi Jiangli Sci-Tech Co., Ltd; Gloucester Coal Limited (ASX:GCL) has increased the total JORC coal resources at its Monash Coal Resources from 287 million tonnes to 577 million tonnes.

Asian Activities Report for July 15, 2011 includes: Malachite Resources Limited (ASX:MAR) has identified a new copper-gold prospect in northwest Queensland; C @ Limited (ASX:CEO) has successfully completed its technical due diligence exploration program on the coal licences in southern Mongolia; Gloucester Coal Limited (ASX:GCL) has completed the acquisition of Donaldson Coal Holdings Limited and the Monash coal prospects; Minemakers Limited (ASX:MAK) has received the Notice of Preparedness to Grant the Mining Licence from the Namibian Ministry of Mines and Energy regarding Minemakers' Sandpiper Phosphate Project in Namibia.

Australian shares were stronger in early trade Thursday as resources sector were boosted by expectations of a batch of positive economic data from China. The benchmark ASX200 index rose to above 5000-point territory for the first time in 19 months, following the recent rebound of the broader All Ordinaries share index. Asian markets broadly were higher today with Japan's Nikkei opened up 0.9 per cent.

US stocks on Monday rose to a fresh 18-month high on improved economic data. The market was encouraged as the Labor Department Friday released nonfarm payrolls report which showed a biggest job increase in three years. In addition, better-than-expected figures in service and real estate sectors also helped to support the US shares. Asian markets mostly opened higher on Tuesday. Resources shares today could be stronger after oil and metals prices rose. Asian stocks closed higher on Monday with Japan's Nikkei 225 ended at a new 18-month high for the third straight session. Regional volume was light, as markets in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan were shut for holidays. Most of these markets resume trading today, but Hong Kong bourse remains closing for Ching Ming Festival.

The Australian share market finished almost unchanged on Tuesday as weakness in resources stocks offset gains in the banking sector. Asian markets were lower yesterday ahead of testimony by US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index edged up 0.8 points or 0.02 per cent, at 4718.3 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index had slipped 1.7 points, or 0.04 per cent, lower to 4731.

The last trading day of January ended with a sharp loss on Friday. Australian shares plunged more than 2 per cent while the market was clouded with negative sentiment. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 103.7 points, or 2.2 per cent, to 4569.6, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 100.8 points, or 2.1 per cent, to 4596.9. For the month, a 6.2 per cent, or A$85 billion in value, was wiped off from the market.

The Australian sharemarket sharply fell on Wednesday with all sectors in the red. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index lost 73.3 points, or 1.6 per cent, at 4644.6 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index fell 73.1 points, or 1.5 per cent, to 4670.

The Australian share market posted a strong gain boosted by banks and miners on Tuesday after good lead from European markets and Wall Street. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 69.1 points, or 1.49 per cent, at 4704.2 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index surged 64.9 points, or 1.39 per cent, to 4724.4.

Australian shares gained 1.3% on Friday but still lost 4.3% for the week. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 49.8 points, higher at 3773.2 and the broader All Ordinaries index was also up 1.3%, or 48.1 points, at 3758.9. The local market is expected to soften on jitters over the US economy.