MXV, expecting results from the April/May drilling of Hope Bay, any day now. MAE(MNG) has pulled monster results out of Hope Bay this spring. Curious to see if MXV can follow.

China's coal demand to reach 2.5 bln tons by 2010 - report
06.22.2005, 07:11 AM

BEIJING (AFX) - China's annual coal demand is expected to reach 2.5 bln metric tons by the end of the decade and 2.9 bln tons by 2020, the 21st Century Business Herald reported, citing an industry source.

Guo Yuntao, director of the China Coal Industry Development Research Center, predicted coal demand for this year to hit 2.13 bln tons, the newspaper said.

Guo also said coal supply capacity is predicted to reach 1.6 bln tons in 2010 and 2.0 bln tons in 2020, leaving shortfalls of 0.5 bln tons and 1.3 bln tons respectively.

The report said coal consumption by power producers will reach 1.1 bln tons this year, 1.5 bln tons by 2010 and 1.9 bln tons by 2020.

sharon.wu@xinhuafinance.com
http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2005/06/22/afx2105287.html

US power plants could run short of coal
Mon Jun 20, 2005 06:08 PM ET

By Steve James
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Some U.S. power stations could run out of coal if a long hot summer pushes up demand at plants with already low stockpiles, the chief executive of the No. 2 U.S. coal producer said on Monday.

"I don't think there'll be blackouts but I think there's a possibility in a hot summer that somebody could go very, very low on coal," Arch Coal Inc. (ACI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Chief Executive Steven Leer told the Reuters Energy Summit. Arch fuels approximately 7 percent of the electricity generated in the United States.

Coal inventories at many power stations are historically low, he said, and rail disruptions have delayed shipments of coal at a time when demand is soaring from higher oil prices.

"It is a concern and if there is a hot summer and supply disruptions at mines, or with transport, they could run out," said Leer.

But he dismissed the possibility of coal-related blackouts, saying utilities typically operate several power plants and would be able to supply those in danger of running out of coal from other plants.

Earlier, executives of power company Dominion Resources (D.N: Quote, Profile, Research) were asked during the Energy Summit at Reuters New York offices about the possibility of summer blackouts.

"I don't think anybody's too concerned about it right now," said Thomas Farrell, Dominion's chief operating officer. CEO Thomas Capps said there was a need for federal reliability standards "with some teeth in them."

Leer, the head of St. Louis-based Arch Coal, said rail disruptions were a major headache. "The railroads keep me up at night," he said.

He said the rail problems had returned after easing in the first quarter after major disruptions last year related to major track repairs and crew shortages.

"In February, March and even into April they were operating well, and then there were two major derailments in the Powder River Basin," Leer said. Heavy rains buckled tracks in the area in northeast Wyoming and southern Montana, and repairs could take weeks or months.

Also eastern railroads hauling coal from the Appalachian coalfields were struggling to handle the added capacity.

"The rail system is wound so tightly right now that when there's a significant derailment it backs the system up so much they're still unwinding.

"I don't think we have seen the performance we would like to see out of any of the four Class 1 railroads," said Leer, who also serves on the board of the Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , the No. 4 U.S. railroad.

"In general, they seemed to be getting better," said Leer. "Do we expect them to be full capacity in the second quarter? Well here we are at the end of June and my answer is no."

Earlier this month, the two largest U.S. railroads, Union Pacific Corp. (UNP.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. (BNI.N: Quote, Profile, Research) , said the two Powder River Basin derailments and bad weather would hurt financial results in the current quarter.

Union Pacific Chief Financial Officer Robert Knight said the problems could cost more than 7 cents a share in profit this quarter while Burlington Northern Chief Executive Matthew Rose reiterated the railroad's full-year earnings and cash flow forecasts but did not address the second-quarter outlook.

Arch Coal's Leer declined to comment on how rail disruptions would affect earnings. (News from the Reuters Energy Summit will be delivered throughout the day Monday through Thursday to Reuters terminals and to the Reuters.com Web site, http://reuters.com.)
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=electionsNews&storyID=8843561

Western Canadian Coal Corp. records fourth quarter operating profit
Tuesday June 21, 9:00 am ET


TSX: WTN and AIM: WTN
VANCOUVER, June 21 /CNW/ - Western Canadian Coal Corp. (TSX: WTN and AIM: WTN) ("WCCC" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following corporate and operating update including a summary of results for the three and twelve months ended March 31, 2005:

Fourth Quarter Highlights:

- The Company earned an operating profit of C$1 million for the quarter
ended March 31, 2005 on the sale of 152,000 tonnes of pulverized coal
injection ("PCI") coal at an average price of C$74.65
(US$60.63 per tonne).

- The Company settled pricing for its ultra low-volatile PCI for the
year commencing April 1 2005 at slightly more than US$100 per tonne,
an increase of US$40 per tonne on the average price per tonne recorded
in the first quarter.

- WCCC has made application to the BC Government to amend its
Dillon Mine annual production limit from 240,000 tonnes per year to a
monthly rate of 80,000 tonnes. Subject to receipt of the Dillon Mine
amendment, the Company would expect to produce and sell approximately
800,000 tonnes of ultra low-volatile PCI coal for its first fully
operational fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.

- Subsequent to quarter-end, WCCC received a BC Government Mines Act
permit for its Wolverine project and immediately began construction of
a 2.4 million tonne per year coal preparation plant, rail load-out and
related facilities that are expected to cost C$180 million. The permit
allows for production of 1.6 million tonnes annually and in May the
Company made application to amend the permit to 2.4 million tonnes.
The project is being engineered for 3 million tonnes per annum.

- In February, WCCC raised C$110.3 million in net proceeds through a
private placement of 18,852,460 units at a price of C$6.10 per unit.
As at March 31, 2005, the Company had a working capital surplus of
C$119.4 million compared to a working capital deficit of C$1.3 million
as at March 31, 2004.

- Subsequent to quarter-end, on April 19, 2005, the Company's shares
commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") under the
symbol WTN.


Operations

The Burnt River Property:


The Burnt River property, within the Company's Brazion Group of properties, incorporates the Dillon Mine and the proposed Brule mine project and is located between Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge in northeastern British Columbia.
Full-scale production from the Company's Dillon Mine during the quarter produced approximately 284,000 tonnes, of which 152,000 tonnes was sold for aggregate sales revenue of C$11.3 million.

The Dillon Mine produces ultra low-volatile PCI coal. The Dillon product is mined and crushed and requires no washing prior to shipment. The Company has made application to the BC Government to amend its annual production limit from 240,000 tonnes per calendar year to a monthly rate of 80,000 tonnes and a decision is expected shortly.

During the quarter, the Company submitted the Brule Project Description report to the BC Environmental Assessment Office. The application for the Environmental Assessment (EA) Certificate is expected to be submitted by the third quarter of 2005. Should this certificate be granted, the Company envisages production of PCI increasing to an annual rate of 2.0 million tonnes per year by 2009.

Reflecting the strong demand for ultra low-volatile PCI and the premium quality of WCCC's product, the Company was successful in negotiating prices of in excess of US$100 per tonne for the year commencing April 1, 2005, an increase of US$40 per tonne over the fourth quarter's prices. Cash flow generated from these sales will be directed toward the development of Wolverine.

Customer response to the trial shipments has been positive and WCCC confirmed POSCO's intention to proceed in finalizing one of two long-term purchase and sale agreements for the supply of approximately 2.8 million tonnes of ultra low-volatile PCI coal over six years. Coal prices under the agreement would be negotiated annually prior to the start of each contract year. Trial PCI shipments are continuing to several other important steel mills around the world.

The Wolverine Group:

The Wolverine Group of properties covers the Perry Creek, EB and Hermann deposits and is located 23 km west of Tumbler Ridge, BC. In January, the Company received its EA certificate from the BC Government enabling the development of this group of properties to proceed. The EA Certificate covers production of 1.6 million tonnes of clean metallurgical coal per annum over a projected 11-year period. Subsequent to quarter end, the Company received its BC Government Mines Act permit for Wolverine and immediately began construction of the C$180 million, 2.4 million tonne per year, coal preparation plant, rail load-out and related facilities. In May 2005, application was made to amend the permit to allow the Company to increase the Wolverine annual coal production from 1.6 million tonnes to 2.4 million tonnes.

Production from Wolverine will be hard coking coal, the international price for which in the current financial year has been settled at around US$120 per tonne.

Drilling of the Hermann deposit will be carried out in the current year with a view to bringing on this mining production to supplement that of Perry Creek and enabling the Company to achieve its objective of producing 3 million tonnes of metallurgical coal per annum at Wolverine, and 5 million tonnes company-wide by 2009.

WCCC and NEMI Joint Venture:

In March 2005, WCCC and NEMI Northern Energy and Mining Inc. ("NEMI") completed the documentation to formalize the Belcourt Saxon Coal Limited Partnership. The 50-50 joint venture was formed to further explore and develop the Saxon and Belcourt coal properties, also located in northeastern British Columbia. The companies have committed a combined C$20 million to advance the properties to feasibility. WCCC considers the Belcourt Saxon joint venture as a vehicle through which it will continue to expand its production beyond 5 million tonnes per annum. Initial studies center on determining the economics for the development of a series of large scale mines. The pre-feasibility study is expected to be complete by the third quarter of 2006.



Financial Summary - unaudited:



(In thousands of Canadian dollars, March 31, 2004
except per share data) March 31, 2005 (As restated)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash $ 115,186 $ 97
Other current 7,041 151
Inventory 8,831 -
Total Assets 149,802 2,042

Current liabilities 11,682 1,584
Long-term liabilities 966 -
Shareholders' equity 137,154 144


Three months Twelve months
ending ended
March 31, 2005 March 31, 2005
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue $ 11,347 $ 11,347
Cost of goods sold 10,309 10,772
Operating profit 1,038 575
Other expenses 4,388 11,547
Net loss (3,350) (10,972)

Loss per share, basic and fully diluted $ (0.05) $ (0.22)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


Included in the above balances and results are the Company's
proportionate share of its interest in and results from the Belcourt Saxon
joint venture, as follows:

(In thousands of Canadian dollars) March 31, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------
Cash $ 4,829
Due from the Company 3,000
Due from NEMI 2,000
Total Assets 10,908

Current liabilities 56
Equity 10,852

Three months and year
ended March 31, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------
Expenses $ (74)
--------------------------------------------------------

News Release

This news release is prepared as at June 21, 2005 and should be read in
conjunction with the Company's 2004 Annual Report and the audited financial
statements and notes contained therein, as well as the interim unaudited
financial statement and MD&A's for the three, six and nine months ended
June 30, September 30, and December 31, 2004. This news release does not
constitute Management's Discussion and Analysis as contemplated by relevant
securities rules. Western Canadian Coal Corp.'s 2005 Annual Report and MD&A
will be released at a later date in conjunction with its audited financial
statements for the year ended March 31, 2005 and will be available on SEDAR at
www.sedar.com.

Revenue

The fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 marked the
commencement of commercial sales for the Company with the first ship loading
at Ridley Terminals on January 13, 2005. The Company realized production of
approximately 284,000 tonnes and FOB sales of 152,000 tonnes for total
revenues of C$11.3 million. The average selling price realized on the
four trial shipments made during this period was C$74.66 or US $60.93 at an
average foreign exchange rate of 1.2253. Selling prices during the quarter
reflect commitments made by the Company prior to commercial production based
on spot prices of PCI coal.

Cost of goods sold

Cost of goods sold during the three months ended totaled C$10.3 million
or C$67.83 per tonne with cost of goods sold for the year ended March 31, 2005
being slightly higher at C$10.8 million or C$70.88 per tonne. Cost of goods
sold include cost of product, transportation and other, and depletion,
amortization and accretion charges as presented in the table below:

(In thousands of 4th Fiscal
Canadian dollars) quarter 2005 $/tonne Year 2005 $/tonne
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cost of product $ 3,258 $ 21.44 $ 3,258 $ 21.44
Transportation and other 6,140 40.40 6,140 40.40
Depletion, amortization
and accretion 911 6.02 1,374 9.04

Total cost of goods sold $ 10,309 $ 67.83 $ 10,772 $ 70.88
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


Operating profit

Operating profit for the fourth quarter totaled C$1.0 million or 9.1% of
fourth quarter revenues and C$0.6 million or 5.0% of revenues for the year
ended March 31, 2005.

Other expenses

Other expenses for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2005 amounted to
C$4.4 million and C$11.5 million, respectively. Other expenses include
general, administration and selling costs, coal exploration expenses and other
expenses/(income) as presented in the table below:


4th Fiscal
(In thousands of Canadian dollars) quarter 2005 Year 2005
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

General, administration and selling $ 2,421 $ 6,703
Coal exploration (see change in
accounting policy below) 2,148 5,242
Other expense (income) (181) (398)

Total other expenses $ 4,388 $ 11,547
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


General, administration and selling costs include non-cash charges for
stock-based compensation expense of C$0.6 million and C$1.9 million for the
quarter and year ended March 31, 2005, respectively.

Change in accounting policy

Accounting for exploration costs within the mining industry in Canada
varies. Junior mining companies generally capitalize all exploration costs,
while more mature companies typically expense such costs as incurred. With the
commencement of commercial production at Dillon on December 1, 2004, the
Company transitioned from a development stage company into a producing mining
company. Accordingly, the Company changed its accounting policy on exploration
costs to that more commonly used by operating mining companies, effective
April 1, 2004, and applied the new policy retroactively.
Exploration costs are charged to earnings in the period in which they are
incurred, except where these costs relate to specific properties for which
economically recoverable reserves have been established, in which case they
are capitalized. Upon commencement of commercial production, these capitalized
costs are charged to operations on a unit of production method based upon the
proven and probable coal reserves to which they relate. If the coal properties
are abandoned or otherwise impaired, the related capitalized costs are charged
to operations in the period in which the property becomes impaired or is
abandoned.

Net loss

Net loss for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2005 was C$3.4 million
and C$11.0 million, respectively. The losses reflect operating profits of
C$1.0 million and C$0.6 million for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2005,
respectively, offset by other expense of $4.4 million and $11.5 million,
respectively, as described above.

Forward-Looking Information

This release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve
risks and uncertainties. Such statements relate to the Company's expectations,
intentions, plans and beliefs. As a result, actual future events or results
could differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking
statements. Readers are referred to the documents filed by the Company on
SEDAR. Such risk factors include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity
prices; strengths of various economies; the effects of competition and pricing
pressures; the oversupply of, or lack of demand for, the Company's products;
currency and interest rate fluctuations; various events which could disrupt
operations; the Company's ability to obtain additional funding on favourable
terms, if at all; and the Company's ability to anticipate and manage the
foregoing factors and risks. Additionally, statements related to the quantity
or magnitude of coal deposits are deemed to be forward-looking statements. The
reliability of such information is affected by, among other things,
uncertainties involving geology of coal deposits; uncertainties of estimates
of their size or composition; uncertainties of projections related to costs of
production; the possibilities in delays in mining activities; changes in plans
with respect to exploration, development projects or capital expenditures; and
various other risks including those related to health, safety and
environmental matters.



WESTERN CANADIAN COAL CORP.

"Gary K. Livingstone"

President and Chief Executive Officer


For further information

please contact: Gary K. Livingstone, President & CEO or Fausto Taddei, CFO & Corporate Secretary, Western Canadian Coal Corp., 900 - 580 Hornby Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3B6, Phone (604) 608-2692, Fax (604) 629-0075, Email info@westerncoal.com, www.westerncoal.com

http://biz.yahoo.com/cnw/050621/western_cdn_coal_q4.html?.v=1

Diaz Confirms Interest in New Texas Gas Discovery, Increases Production to 1,450 BOEd
Tuesday June 21, 9:02 am ET


CALGARY, ALBERTA--(CCNMatthews - June 21, 2005) - Diaz Resources Ltd. (TSX:DZR - News) today announced that its Dickson #1 well on the Hound Dog prospect, Lavaca County, Texas was flowing to market at 4.2 MMcfd with a flowing tubing pressure of 2,075 psi. The well, in which Diaz holds a 22.5% working interest, is still flowing to clean-up following a fracture treatment.



Diaz also reported that its Hancock #1 well on the Allen Ranch prospect, Colorado County, Texas is steadily producing at 3.4 MMcfd. Diaz holds a 20% working interest in this well.

With the addition of the above captioned wells, Diaz production has now reached 7.2 MMcfd and 250 Bopd, to total a combined 1,450 BOEd.

Diaz is an oil and gas exploration and production company based in Calgary, Alberta. Diaz's current focus is on shallow gas developments in southern Alberta, natural gas exploration in central and southern Alberta and deep gas exploration in Texas.

Forward-looking statements - statements included in this press release that are not historical facts may be considered "forward-looking statements." All estimates and statements that describe the Company's objectives, goals or future plans are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties where actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:

Diaz Resources Ltd.
Robert W. Lamond
Chairman
(403) 269-9889
Fax: (403) 269-9890
OR
Diaz Resources Ltd.
Charles A. (Tony) Teare
Executive Vice President
(403) 269-9889
Fax: (403) 269-9890
Email: info@diazresources.com
Website: www.diazresources.com

http://biz.yahoo.com/ccn/050621/306317f32ca1889a85fd0ffad1a4f7f9.html?.v=1

Symbol change, DZR.TO (Canadian)and DZRFF.PK (USA).

Palladon News... Getting very close to shipping ore.
Excerpt from news release...

Palladon president George Young said, "We are extremely pleased with how easily this material upgrades to direct shipping levels. This provides us the opportunity to design a final product to meet a buyer's needs. We believe these tests demonstrate the amenability of nearly 20,000,000 tonnes of pre-stripped material to rapid enhancement without incurring significant capital costs."

Currently, Palladon is finalizing the selection of a contracting firm that will provide contract mining in conjunction with iron ore processing. It is anticipated that the contractor will provide all ancillary equipment, including crushing, conveyor and magnetic separation equipment, thus dramatically reducing Palladon's capital cost requirements. Palladon plans to mobilize a contractor to the site by July 15, 2005 to commence preparations for mining and prepare a feed stockpile for upgrading and shipping.

New release is here.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ccn/050615/4017f57d7898d652ada85dfe26a452e1.html?.v=1

Quarterly production #'s for Canadian Juniors

http://iradesso.com/i/IOR/pogcompanydir.html

The third Harmattan well is completed and awaiting flow testing.
Read the Rally Energy news release that follows. I believe this third well is also 40% Diaz's, 10% Sharon Energy, and 50% Rally Energy.



CALGARY, ALBERTA--(CCNMatthews - June 13, 2005) - Rally Energy Corp. (TSX VENTURE:RAL - News; FWB:RLE) is pleased to confirm that, effective immediately, Good Production Practice status has been granted for the Harmattan discovery well. This well, drilled late in 2004, encountered 21 feet of oil pay in the Glauconite formation and production tested at an average gross flow rate of over 600 bbls/d of oil and 980 mcf/d of gas. With the granting of GPP status, this well is being placed on production at an initial rate of approximately 400 bbls/d of oil and 900 mcf/d of gas. Rally Energy holds a 50% non-operated interest in this well.

Rally Energy's third Harmattan well, located approximately 1.6 kilometres east of the first discovery well, has been drilled to target depth and has been cased. Completion and testing activities will commence once wet field conditions improve.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:

Rally Energy Corp.
Lamont Tolley
http://biz.yahoo.com/ccn/050613/a4f02ed07e53cfe737f14c87a6ea6ef0.html?.v=1

Diaz Confirms Harmattan Oil Discovery and Announces Change in Capital Structure
Friday June 10, 1:05 pm ET


CALGARY, ALBERTA--(CCNMatthews - June 10, 2005) - Diaz Resources Ltd. (TSX:DZR.SV.A - News; TSX:DZR.MV.B - News) confirmed today that it had encountered 21 feet of oil pay in the Glauconite formation at its previously announced Harmattan discovery. The well tested at over 650 Bopd and 980 Mcfd and has since been granted Good Production Practice. This will allow Diaz to increase the production rate to approximately 400 Bopd and 900 Mcfd, effective immediately.



Diaz, operator of the well, holds a 40% working interest in the Harmattan well with partners Rally Energy Corporation - 50% and Sharon Energy Ltd. - 10%.

Diaz confirms that at its Annual and Special Meeting on June 9, 2005, the Shareholders approved a resolution to amend the articles of the Corporation to change the issued and outstanding Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares into Common Shares on a one-for-one basis. The amended articles to reflect the change have been filed and the Common Shares have been conditionally approved for listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Upon receipt of final approval, Diaz anticipates the shares will trade as Common Shares under the symbol: DZR at mid-next week, at which time the Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares will no longer trade.

Diaz also announces that Robert L. McPherson, President of KVR Resources Ltd. and John G.F. McLeod, President of Onco Petroleum Inc. have been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors.

Finally, the Corporation's Board of Directors approved a capital budget of $12.6 million for 2005.

A copy of the Corporation's Annual and Special Meeting presentation may be viewed at www.diazresources.com.

Diaz is an oil and gas exploration and production company based in Calgary, Alberta. Diaz's current focus is on shallow gas developments in southern Alberta, natural gas exploration in central and southern Alberta and deep gas exploration in Texas.

Forward-looking statements - statements included in this press release that are not historical facts may be considered "forward-looking statements." All estimates and statements that describe the Company's objectives, goals or future plans are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties where actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:

Diaz Resources Ltd.
Robert W. Lamond
Chairman
(403) 269-9889
Fax: (403) 269-9890
OR
Diaz Resources Ltd.
Charles A. (Tony) Teare
Executive Vice President
(403) 269-9889
Fax: (403) 269-9890
Email: info@diazresources.com
Website: www.diazresources.com

The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Diaz Resources Ltd.


http://biz.yahoo.com/ccn/050610/662f609daf546353ae5d671b59f9da6a.html?.v=1

Coal exports predicted to pick up
A commodities forecaster predicts the export earnings for coal will increase after falling in the March quarter.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) says the takings for steaming and coking coal have risen by more than $1 billion in the past 12 months.

ABARE senior economist spokesman John Hogan says the March quarter was slower.

He says the slump is not unusual and predicts new contracts will improve the earnings in the next three months.

"Coal export earnings were down in the March quarter compared to the December quarter 2004," he said.

"Compared to the March quarter 2004, steaming coal exports were up $546 million and coking coal exports were up $904 million.

"The other thing of course to take into account is that contract prices with China and Japan have recently been concluded and there'll be some big price rises coming through, which actually start on April 1.

"So we expect to see increased values coming through in the June quarter."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200506/s1388996.htm

It's repeated articles, such as the following, that convince me this sector should continue to do well, the next few years.

Coal shortage in China to hit 330 million tons by 2010

Experts estimate that China will consume 2.2 billion tons of coal by 2010, causing a shortage of 330 million tons, Wang Xianzheng, vice director of the State Administration of Work Safety, said Tuesday at an annual exposition.

"The present size and scale of China's coal industry are far from being able to meet the country's future market demand. Insufficient supply will continue to be a major problem," Wang said.

Wang addressed a high-profile forum on China's energy strategy at the ongoing Eighth China Beijing and International High-tech Exposition, which opened Monday.

He said China's current coal production capacity, with all types of coal mines included, is about 1.67 billion tons. Of the total, only 1.2 billion tons were produced by mines up to the country's safety production standards. By 2010, China's coal output may reach 1.87 billion tons, he said.

With 87.4 percent of China's proven energy reserve being coal, the Chinese people have long been taking coal as their fundamental energy resources. China's coal sector, however, is still plagued by problems such as irrational industrial structure, expensive operation costs and higher production risks, Wang said.

To remedy the situation, the Chinese government has begun to diversify its energy supply structure, tighten safety control on coal mine production and to optimize its utilization of coal products, Wang noted.

About 56 foreign delegations and 31 domestic missions have attended the exposition, which will close Friday. Participants will exchange their views on a number of issues including China's cyclical economy, high-tech enterprises' development, energy strategy, agriculture industrialization, China's transportation technology and management, China's resources and environmental protection, disaster protection and relief in urban areas and the development of China's software and medical industries.

Source: Xinhua


http://english.people.com.cn/200505/24/eng20050524_186587.html

Dow Jones Coal Index another all time high today. Maybe some of these laggards will get energized.

MXV.V, Maximus Ventures recently acquired 12 mining claims in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Fred Graybeal, CEO, was recently in Nevada mapping drill targets.
http://www.maximusventures.com/s/NewsReleases.asp?ReportID=101822&_Type=News-Releases&_Title...

MXV.V is also active with MNG(MAE.TO)in the Hope Bay Project, Canada. Drilling resumed the last week of April, 2005. Should have results from initial drilling fairly soon. Last years' drill results were very promising.
http://www.maximusventures.com/s/NewsReleases.asp?ReportID=104069&_Type=News-Releases&_Title....

This one has been flying under the radar, thought I would mention it.

Sennen Resources, Nothing new since the March 4, 2005, press release stating an agreement had not been reached for the sale of the Middlemount deposit.

http://www.sennenresources.com/s/NewsReleases.asp?ReportID=101793&_Type=News-Releases&_Title...

Good 1st qtr., 2nd qtr. going to be much better.

http://www.stockwatch.com/nocomp/newsit/newsit_sedardoc.aspx?docid=847105

"be patient while it loads"

National Coal Buy Rating in Initiating Coverage by Dutton Associates

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 2005--Dutton Associates initiates coverage of National Coal Corporation (Nasdaq:NCOC - News) with a Buy rating and an $8.64 price target. The 26-page report by Dutton senior analyst Richard Wolfe, CFA, is available at www.jmdutton.com, as well as from First Call, Bloomberg, Zacks, Multex, and other leading financial portals.
National Coal, a Central Appalachian (CAPP) coal producer established in 2003, grew rapidly during 2004 and is now poised for a leap to critical mass in 2005, a year in which the Company should turn cash-flow positive and begin posting what we anticipate will become a record of steady earnings growth. The basis for the Company's growth is a formula for rolling-up available CAPP properties through a combination of effective financing strategies, farsighted management with long industry experience, and leveraging today's favorable coal market economics. In the last six months, NCC has turned a corner in terms of contract sales arrangements and now has most of its scheduled output committed for purchase by large, high-quality utility and industrial customers. We anticipate more favorable contract news from the Company scheduling the sale of its production out over the next two to three years. Geography gives NCC a competitive edge, thanks to the location of its key property, the Eastern Tennessee New River Tract, which gives it direct access to all utility and large industrial customers in states to the south. The New River Tract also puts the Company in a favorable position for developing future coal reserves, since it is a single large block of acreage, uninterrupted by third-party properties and with all coal mineral rights owned outright by NCC. Our rating and target price of $8.64 are based on our multi-year cash flow analysis of NCC and reflect the comparative prospects of NCC's peer companies in the coal industry. We feel that NCC represents an opportunity for investors in comparison to other stocks in the coal sector.

About Dutton Associates

Dutton Associates is one of the largest independent investment research firms in the U.S. Its 27 senior analysts are primarily CFAs and have expertise in many industries. Dutton Associates provides continuing analyst coverage of over 95 enrolled companies, and its research, estimates, and ratings are carried in all the major databases serving institutions and online investors.

The cost of enrollment in our one-year continuing research program is US $33,000 prepaid for 4 Research Reports, typically published quarterly, and requisite Research Notes. Dutton Associates received $33,000 from the Company for 4 Research Reports with coverage commencing on 5/12/2005. We do not accept payment of our fees in company stock. Our principals and analysts are prohibited from owning or trading in securities of covered companies. The views expressed in this research report accurately reflect the analyst's personal views about the subject securities or issuer. Neither the analyst's compensation nor the compensation received by us is in any way related to the specific ratings or views contained in this research report or note. Please read full disclosures and analyst background at www.jmdutton.com before investing.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Dutton Associates, LLC
John M. Dutton, 916-941-8119

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050512/125711.html?.v=1

AVLN:Well Development Plan and AFE in Process
Wednesday May 11, 7:00 am ET


BELLINGHAM, WA--(MARKET WIRE)--May 11, 2005 -- Avalon Energy Corporation (OTC BB:AVLN.OB - News) announces that it has retained Oso Energy Resources Corp., based in Durango, Colorado, to prepare a Well Development Plan and an AFE for the planned wells on our Uinta Basin prospect.


Oso Energy Corporation is an engineering consulting firm serving the oil and gas industry with primary emphasis on project generation and management. The company has proven expertise in exploration including coring and pilot testing and production operations. Oso Energy has demonstrated its ability to develop and apply innovative solutions that increase reserve value and accelerate cash flow to projects that are known to be complex.

Oso Energy is currently assisting EIS Environmental and Engineering Consulting Ltd. with Avalon's process for permitting and regulatory approval for seismic work.

While in Utah recently, Management of Avalon flew over the Uinta Prospect and confirms that substantial parts of the prospect have been made fully accessible through road development along the ridgelines. This negates any likely need for building additional road access in the early phases of the development program. Full land access should be possible within forty-five days for surface work.

Avalon has an undivided 85% working interest in a giant gas field lease in the prolific natural gas producing Uinta Basin, located in the U.S. Rockies, Utah. The lease comprises 13,189 acres with a potential 4 TCF recoverable gas and is overpressured by a 0.55 - 0.85 gradient.

On behalf of the Company,

/s/Carlton Parfitt

Carlton Parfitt, President

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements contained herein which are not historical fact are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, certain delays in testing and evaluation of products an other risks detailed from time to time in Avalon's filings with the Securities & Exchange Commission.



Contact:
For further information contact investor relations:
1-888-488-6882
http://www.avalonenergy.ws


http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/050511/086429.html

AVLN, Avalon Energy's Website

http://www.avalonenergy.ws/

AVLN, Avalon Energy, Utah oil/ gas

These folks are in the heart of the Utah Oil/Gas rush...

Avalon Energy Corporation (OTC BB: AVLN) Issue # 36 - May 2005

Common Shares Outstanding 33,853,493
Fully Diluted 37,025,493

The Investment Opportunity

Avalon Energy Corporation has an undivided 85% working interest in a giant gas field lease in the prolific natural gas producing Uinta Basin, located in the US Rockies, Utah. The lease comprises 13,189 acres with a potential 4 TCF recoverable gas and is overpressured by a 0.55 - 0.85 gradient.

According to available data in the area, the prospect property has been delineated using several hundred miles of seismic. The seismic data confirms the thick Emery pay section and shows several sediment wedges in the prospect area. This giant gas lease borders other leases owned by EOG Resources Inc. (NYSE: EOG) and EnCana Corp (TSE: ECA.TO; NYSE: ECA). Bill Barrett Corporation (NYSE: BBG) is also nearby.

Major energy companies today recognize that tight gas reservoirs, where geological formations make production complex, and coal-bed methane, where gas is extracted from coal deposits, are two of the more important near term sources to boost North American production of natural gas as demand outstrips supply and drives up prices.

Avalon states that its Uinta Basin Prospect has the potential of being a Giant Gas Field similar to the Drunkards Wash Field and the Jonah Field, both recognized gas fields. The Drunkards Wash Field, just south of Avalon's prospect area, is estimated to be between 2-4 TCF of recoverable gas. The Jonah Field Overpressured Gas Plain, which is analogous to the Company's prospect area, has similar overpressuring, depth, reservoir rocks and is estimated to be 2.5+ TCF.

According to Carlton Parfitt, President, With natural gas selling at today's price of approximately $7.00 USD per cubic feet of gas (CFG), the value of the potential 4.2 TCF of recoverable gas is extremely positive, approximately $28 billion USD! It is very exciting to know that several of the major oil and gas companies who also own leases in the area are planning to drill this summer which shows that they share our enthusiasm.

Avalon Energy is positioned to exploit this domestic initiative and capitalize on a huge and expanding market and will update shareholders regularly concerning its activities via press release and/or shareholder conference call.

Recent News Releases - Management

Avalon announces that the Company's Management, Robert Klein and Dr. Robert Milam, met with several independent oil and gas professionals on April 26th and 27th in Utah. The purpose of the meeting is to review certain proprietary seismic data pertaining to the prospect and to confirm the initial three (3) drill targets for permitting purposes. In addition, a drilling budget report will be prepared based on the technical data and information from the experts.

Dr. Milam has a Masters Degree in Geology from Rice University, Texas and a Doctorate (PhD) in Geology from Stanford University, California. His professional affiliations include being a member of GSA, SIPES, Houston Geological Society, Certified Petroleum Geologist No. 5320 (AAPG), and a Licensed Professional Geologist No. 604 (Texas).

In his capacity as a Consulting Geologist, his clients have included Exxon Mobil, Mitchell Energy, and Apache Oil Co., Pemex and Conoco.

"Dr. Milam's expertise and experience in interpreting and assessing the available data on the Uinta Basin prospect will help Avalon decide the next plan of action," declares Company President, Carlton Parfitt.

Patrick T. Webb of Webb Exploration Partners, L.L.C. has also joined the Advisory Board of Directors and Management Team of the Company.

Mr. Webb received his Bachelor in General Business from the University of Texas in 1976, and a Masters in Finance from Texas A&M University in 1981. His professional affiliations include the American Association of Professional Landmen, Houston Association of Professional Landmen, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Independent Petroleum Association of America, Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association, and Houston Producers Forum.

Mr. Webb worked for The Houston Exploration Company from 2001 to 2003 handling their onshore U.S. business development and land matters. His accomplishments there included the acquisition of leases for over 200,000 acres of land and over $100 million in acquisitions of producing properties.

SilverCrest Updates El Zapote Feasibility Status

http://biz.yahoo.com/ccn/050504/536e2d0ab1ee50236e0496fab2b69fd8.html?.v=1

SilverCrest Updates El Zapote Feasibility Status
http://biz.yahoo.com/ccn/050504/536e2d0ab1ee50236e0496fab2b69fd8.html?.v=1

National Coal Corp. Approved for Listing on Nasdaq

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2005--National Coal Corp. (OTC BB: NCOC - News), an Appalachian Region coal producer, announces the Company's common stock is approved for listing on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market(SM) and will begin trading under its current ticker symbol "NCOC", effective at market opening on April 22.
Following a year of robust growth that successfully transformed the company from a start-up to a firmly established corporation, Jon Nix, president, CEO and chairman of the board for National Coal explains how this move compliments the Company's continued success, "When we reported our earnings results in March, we reiterated our desire to maximize shareholder value by solidifying a foundation for continued production and revenue increases. Trading on Nasdaq is going to help us expand our shareholder base and increase the liquidity of our stock, further enhancing the long-term value of the Company."

National Coal reports its annual meeting of shareholders will be held on June 7, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. EST, in the conference room of the Holiday Inn Select, Knoxville.

About National Coal Corp.

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., National Coal Corp., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, National Coal Corporation, is engaged in coal mining in Eastern Tennessee and Southeastern Kentucky. For more information visit www.nationalcoal.com.

This release contains statements that are "forward-looking" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current estimates and projections about National Coal's business, which are derived in part on assumptions of its management, and are not guarantees of future performance, as such performance is difficult to predict. Certain risks are more fully described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including the company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-QSB, which should be read in conjunction herewith for a further discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
National Coal Corp.
Kearstin Patterson, 865-690-6900 (direct)
865-207-3875 (cell)
kpatterson@nationalcoal.com
or
Cunningham & Company
Christine Pietryla, 312-334-9037 (direct)
312-208-8776 (cell)
cpietryla@cunninghamcomp.com


http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050421/215821.html?.v=1

Zihlmann Investments on silver, Silvercrest(SVL.V) mentioned as one of his picks, http://www.pzim.com/db_files/pzim_intro/5_6_Silver14.pdf

SilverCrest Announces Expansion of the Tajado Deposit at El Zapote
Monday March 7, 6:30 am ET


VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 7, 2005--SilverCrest Mines Inc. (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: SVL - News) is pleased to announce the results of the initial 13 drill holes completed at the Tajado Prospect ("Tajado") on the Company's 100% owned El Zapote Project in El Salvador. Tajado is a silver-gold-zinc deposit near the Cerro Colorado III and San Casimiro deposits which are the subject of a Feasibility Study being carried out by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. ("SRK"). The Company is pleased with the results of this initial drilling of Tajado as it presents the possibility of additional potential resources that could eventually be integrated into the ongoing Feasibility Study of the Cerro Colorado III and San Casimiro deposits.
The Tajado Prospect is located within the El Zapote Concession and is approximately 2.5 kilometres southeast of the Cerro Colorado III deposit. Tajado is one of several known mineral occurrences within the concession boundary that have not been previously drill tested. The results of the Company's initial drill program are presented in the table and figure below.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted Average Grades
---------------------------------------------------------------------
INTER- INTER- Zn
DH Hole FROM TO VAL VAL AG AG % Au
Number (metres) (metres) (metres) (feet) g/t opt (ii) g/t
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-01
R(i) 2.0 28.0 26.0 85.3 59.0 1.72 0.32 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-02(i) 0.0 24.1 24.1 79.0 117.3 3.42 0.06 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Includes 9.0 15.0 6.0 19.6 327.9 9.65 0.13 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-03(i) 1.0 11.0 10.0 32.8 40.7 1.19 0.04 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-03 21.0 61.0 40.0 131.2 18.5 0.54 2.54 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Includes 22.0 25.0 3.0 9.8 26.3 0.76 12.73 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-04(i) 3.0 28.0 25.0 82.0 145.7 4.25 0.28 0.49
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Includes 7.0 20.0 13.0 42.6 245.2 7.15 0.36 0.31
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Includes 7.0 9.0 2.0 6.5 445.0 12.98 0.76 4.23
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Includes 18.0 20.0 2.0 6.5 798.6 23.03 0.17 1.42
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-04 28.0 39.0 11.0 36.1 41.6 1.17 0.05 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-05 No Caved &
sampling abandoned
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-06 No significant values
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-07 55.0 61.0 6.0 19.6 71.1 2.07 2.67 0.10
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-08 42.2 58.0 15.8 51.8 68.6 2.0 3.74 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Includes 48.9 51.8 2.9 9.5 90.2 2.63 7.59 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-09 21.8 34.0 12.2 40.0 21.8 0.63 1.30 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-10 46.2 75.0 29.0 95.1 8.2 0.24 1.86 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Includes 56.0 66.0 10.0 32.8 10.5 0.30 3.87 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-11 28.0 29.0 1.0 3.3 44.0 1.28 0.46 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-12 30.0 32.0 2.0 6.5 15.0 0.43 0.30 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
T04-13 25.0 70.0 45.0 147.6 8.4 0.24 0.30 trace
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) partial results previously reported.
(ii) 1% is equivalent to 20 pounds of zinc per ton.

All intersections are near surface and present a potential initial open pittable target. All analytical work on drill samples was completed by CAS de Honduras (a subsidiary of U.S. based Custom Analytical Services Inc.) and ACME Labs in Vancouver.

Geologically, the Tajado Prospect is located along the sheared contact zone between a Cretaceous granodiorite and volcanics. Silver and gold mineralization appears to be associated with quartz veining, quartz stockwork, and breccia. The silver mineralized zone is up to 30 metres wide at the surface and open to depth.

A zinc-rich zone (Hole T04-03; 40 metres of 2.54% zinc), that parallels the silver zone, is up to 30 metres wide near the surface and open to depth. This new zone expands the potential combined width of the silver and zinc mineralization at surface to approximately 60 metres (see attached plan and cross section).

The surface expression of Tajado has been traced along a continuous strike length of approximately one kilometre. Drill holes T04-11, 12, and 13 are considered "wild cat" holes to test mineralization near the projected ends of the exposed structure. All three holes intersected the structure with significant alteration and anomalous silver and zinc values. Drill hole nine was abandoned due to caving in the hole before it reached the main zones. This intercept appears to be a new zone.

Follow-up drilling at Tajado is planned to test the known silver and zinc zones to depth and along strike. A preliminary computer model is being completed to better define mineral zonation, possible high-grade ore shoots and potential inferred resources. Considerable potential for new discoveries exists along strike of the Cerro Colorado III - San Casimiro trend. Several exploration targets of known mineralization, in addition to the Tajado deposit, exist within the concession boundaries.

The Qualified Person, as defined by National Policy 43-101, responsible for the preparation of the technical information included in this press release and for supervision of field activities related to the Company's projects is N. Eric Fier, CPG, P. Eng., Qualified Person and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.

The potential to increase the Company's resource base in El Slavador is considered an important milestone in its goal of becoming a major silver asset - based company. The Company continues its strategy of acquiring high grade, low cost silver resources that may be expanded and properties with substantial exploration potential. SilverCrest's immediate initiative is to continue to acquire and develop substantial silver resources and ultimately to operate high grade silver mines throughout North and Central America.

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which address future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results, programs and financial position could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, some of which may be beyond the Company's control. These factors include: the availability of funds; the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties, the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data, the uncertainties of resource and reserve estimations, receipt and security of mineral property titles; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, fluctuations in metal prices; currency fluctuations; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

SilverCrest Mines Inc.

J. Scott Drever, President

To view the map that accompanies this release, please click on the following link: http://www2.ccnmatthews.com/database/fax/2000/svlmap.pdf

The TSX-Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
SilverCrest Mines Inc.
Fred Cooper
(604) 691-1730 or Toll Free: 1-866-691-1730
(Canada & USA)
Fax: (604) 691-1761
info@silvercrestmines.com
www.silvercrestmines.com



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: SilverCrest Mines Inc.

Sennen receives seven offers to purchase MDL 282
2005-03-04 13:41 ET - News Release


Mr. Ian Rozier reports

UPDATE ON QUEENSLAND COAL PROJECTS

Sennen Resources Ltd. has provided an update on the possible divestment of the MDL 282 (Middlemount) coal project in Queensland, Australia.

The July 15, 2004, news in Stockwatch reported that several entities had approached the company with respect to the advancement of its coal projects and that the company was reviewing all its options with respect to how to proceed with the development and/or sale of its coal interests. In the Dec. 2, 2004, news in Stockwatch, the company reported that its Australian subsidiary, Ribfield Pty. Ltd., had entered into a series of agreements with DJB Coal Pty. Ltd. whereby DJB would complete feasibility studies and make application for a mining lease on all three deposits within five years, and in the event of a divestment of MDL 282 would retain a 50-per-cent interest in the proceeds from the sale. DJB contracted Global Asset Resource Exchange Pty. Ltd. (GRAX) to solicit offers from prospective bidders for the purchase of MDL 282 and this process was continuing throughout December, 2004, and January, 2005.

As of Jan. 24, 2005, seven offers to purchase MDL 282 had been received. Because of the complexity of several of the bids that involved the evaluation of capped and interpolated royalties, financing conditions of cash bids, approvals by foreign government bodies and reserve banks, and other conditional aspects of the various bids, the review process was not complete until March 2, 2005. The company is bound by confidentiality with respect to the identification of the bidders and the terms and conditions of their respective offers. However, mutually acceptable terms and conditions between Sennen, Ribfield, DJB and short-listed bidders were not reached prior to March 2, 2005.

Although the foregoing bid process is complete, nothing prevents the company from considering updated and/or future offers for any of the three coal properties. The company will continue to review its options and proceed with the advancement of the projects in order to increase their value and take advantage of the high demand for coal assets as demonstrated by the interest shown in the recent bid process for MDL 282.

From what I've read elsewhere, a Sennen shareholder called the BCSE and complained about the Queensland Coal deposits not being 43-101 compliant. Sennen has stated them again, using the words "Historical" and "Not 43-101" all throughout the PR.
Sennen has ALWAYS stated they were not 43-101 compliant and were historical. This work was done by Shell in the 1990's and is considered to be very reliable. So reliable in fact the Aussie gov't has granted MDL's (Mineral Development Licenses) on 2 of the properties, with the 3rd on the way. Differences between Aussie and Canadian standards?

Expecting news on possible Middlemount sale. Also expecting news, sometime, on Onaview and Collingwood projects with DJB Coal. Maybe we have news coming? Salman Partners has been accumulating SN over the last few months, I believe somewhere over 2.5 million shares so far. Salman follows the coal markets very closely. Well, back to work.
http://www.salmanpartners.com/index.cfm?page=research.special_situations

Sennen Resources, looking (waiting) for news concerning the sale of the Middlemount thermal and coking coal deposit in Queensland. Bidding closed Jan 21st.
http://www.resourceassets.com/cms/

321 Energy

Coal related articles

http://www.321energy.com/

Budget backs coal, hydrogen, nuclear

By Stephanie I. Cohen, MarketWatch
Last Update: 3:18 PM ET Feb. 7, 2005


WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The Bush administration's budget for fiscal 2006 would provide more dollars to advance the production of domestic energy from coal, hydrogen and nuclear sources.

Coal commitment

The budget would increase funding for the White House's Coal Research Initiative by $13 million to $286 million in fiscal 2006, according to the Office of Management and Budget. The funding would support the Clean Coal Research and FutureGen initiatives.

The Clean Coal Initiative, a government-industry partnership proposed by President Bush in 2002, would receive $68 million. The program shares with industry the cost of developing new technologies to burn coal to generate electricity while reducing or capturing harmful emissions.

The budget also provides $218 million to develop long-term storage solutions for carbon emissions generated by coal-fired utilities, as well as for technology able to convert coal into a gaseous fuel that can then be used to generate electricity with fewer emissions.

Additionally, the budget proposes that Congress consider a $257 million appropriation for the FutureGen program aimed at creating a zero-emission, coal-based power plant. This funding level would pay the federal government's share of the program costs through 2007, eliminating the need to seek an annual appropriation next year for fiscal 2007.

The president's Hydrogen Fuel Initiative would receive an additional $35 million in funding in fiscal 2006, bringing total funding to $260 million. In 2003, Bush proposed $1.2 billion over five years to further the development of technologies to produce hydrogen and store hydrogen energy.

The budget would also provide $3.6 billion in tax incentives through 2010 to spur renewable energy, as well as hybrid and fuel-cell vehicle purchases.

Nuclear revival

The budget calls for $511 million to revive the nuclear power by funding advanced nuclear-energy technologies, according to a summary released by the Office of Management and Budget.

This request represents a $25 million, or 5.2 percent increase, in the budget for nuclear programs, according to the Energy Department.

The nuclear industry has been dormant for more than 20 years following the 1979 accident at the Three Mile Island site in south-central Pennsylvania.

The 2006 request includes a 13 percent increase for the Nuclear Power 2010 program. The president launched this government and industry cost-sharing program in 2002 with the hopes of locking in new orders for nuclear reactors by 2005 and to have plants operational by 2010.

The program is focused on identifying potential sites for new plants, developing new technologies and improving the regulatory and licensing process.

Two industry groups already have formed and received funds under the program. One consortium is headed by Dominion Resources (D: news, chart, profile) and a second by NuStart Energy, which is made up of utility companies including Constellation, Duke Energy (DUK: news, chart, profile) , Exelon Generation (EXC: news, chart, profile) , Entergy Nuclear (ETR: news, chart, profile) , Florida Power & Light (FPL: news, chart, profile) , Generation Group (CEG: news, chart, profile) , Progress Energy (PGN: news, chart, profile) and Southern Company (SO: news, chart, profile) .

The budget also recommends $45 million, a 14 percent increase, for the Generation IV research program, aimed at developing technologies to make nuclear an economically competitive energy option before 2030.

Additionally, the budget includes $651 million to complete the controversial Yucca Mountain underground nuclear-waste repository in Nevada.


Stephanie I. Cohen is a reporter for MarketWatch based in Washington.

http://cbs.marketwatch.com/news/story.asp?guid=%7BBBC22B15-FC58-4867-BF8A-01B6040FCFBB%7D&siteid...

TGB, TKO.V, Taseko Mines, is going to produce almost 1 million lbs. of Moly along with 70 million lbs. of copper a year. Production started last October(04). Lots of institutional buying the last couple of weeks. Big buying in Toronto the last 4 days(TKO.V), look at the volume, almost all institutional.

SVL.V, SilverCrest Mines, Gold-Eagle editorial.
http://www.gold-eagle.com/editorials_05/zihlmann011705.html

National Coal Corp. Initiates Reverse Stock Split
Friday January 14, 4:54 pm ET
Company's Stock Symbol Changes


KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 14, 2005--In BW5495 issued Jan. 14, 2005: Headline of release should read: National Coal Corp. Initiates Reverse Stock Split (sted National Coal Corp. Initiates Reserve Stock Split)
The corrected release reads:

NATIONAL COAL CORP. INITIATES REVERSE STOCK SPLIT; COMPANY'S STOCK SYMBOL CHANGES

National Coal Corp. (OTCBB: NCOC - News), today announced that the Company's previously announced one-for-four reverse stock split of its issued and outstanding common stock took effect at the open of trading on Thursday, January 13, 2005. As a result of the reverse split, the number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company's common stock decreased from 53,565,552 to 13,391,371.

Pursuant to the split, National Coal's ticker symbol changed from NLCP to NCOC effective immediately.

The rights and privileges of the holders of common stock are unaffected by the reverse stock split. Each stockholder's ownership interest in National Coal and proportional voting power remains unchanged after the reverse stock split other than minor changes and adjustments resulting from the payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares.

The Company's transfer agent, Manhattan Transfer Registrar Company, will mail instructions to stockholders of record informing them of the procedures for exchanging their existing stock certificates for new stock certificates representing shares reflecting the reverse split.

About National Coal Corp.

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, National Coal Corp., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, National Coal Corporation is engaged in coal mining in Eastern Tennessee and Southeastern Kentucky.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
National Coal Corporation, Knoxville
Kearstin Patterson, 865-690-6900 (office)
or 865-207-3875 (mobile)


http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050114/145522_1.html

SilverCrest Announces Additional El Zapote Drill Results

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2005--SilverCrest Mines Inc. (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:SVL - News) is pleased to announce the final results of 7 additional holes drilled in support of the Feasibility Study being carried out by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. ("SRK") on the Company's 100% owned El Zapote Project in El Salvador.
These reported holes are part of a 41 hole program, totaling approximately 4300.65 metres, which has been completed since the commencement of the Feasibility Study in June 2004. Previous results were reported in a news release dated October 13, 2004. Please refer to our website at www.silvercrestmines.com for more details.

At Cerro Colorado III, several drill holes showed higher silver grades than anticipated when compared to previous drilling and the grades of the current Resource estimate. Among these results, the intersection in CC3 04-01G of 95.5 metres (313.2 feet) grading 395.3 g/t (11.53 opt) silver and 1.41% zinc is particularly notable. This hole was drilled parallel to the footwall along the longitudinal axis of the deposit and confirmed the zonation of silver and zinc mineralization encountered in holes that were drilled across the true width of the deposit (attached figures).

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted Average Grades
--------------------------------------------------------------------
INTE- INTE-
DH Hole FROM TO RVAL RVAL Au AG AG Zn
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(met- (met- (met-
Number res) res) res) (feet) g/t g/t opt %
--------------------------------------------------------------------
CC3 04-01A(i) 2.0 41.0 39.0 128.0 trace 248.6 7.25 0.12
--------------------------------------------------------------------
CC3 04-01G 1.5 97.0 95.5 313.2 0.30 395.3 11.53 1.41
--------------------------------------------------------------------
including 1.5 22.0 20.5 67.2 1.17 358.8 10.46 0.01
--------------------------------------------------------------------
including 33.0 51.0 18.0 59.0 0.13 497.5 14.51 2.75
--------------------------------------------------------------------
continued 97.0 185.0 88.0 288.6 trace 8.2 0.24 1.96
--------------------------------------------------------------------
CC3 04-03(i) 0.0 28.0 28.0 91.9 AP(ii) 77.3 2.26 0.03
--------------------------------------------------------------------
CC3 04-04G 34.0 154.0 120.0 393.6 trace 45.5 1.33 1.85
--------------------------------------------------------------------
including 83.0 88.0 5.0 16.4 trace 505.0 14.73 4.51
--------------------------------------------------------------------
including 128.0 154.0 26.0 85.2 0.13 65.2 1.90 2.94
--------------------------------------------------------------------
CC3 04-06R 30.0 74.0 34.0 111.5 trace 21.0 0.61 1.49
--------------------------------------------------------------------
CC3 04-07R(i) 2.0 40.0 38.0 124.7 trace 162.2 4.73 0.08
--------------------------------------------------------------------
CC3 04-08R(i) 52.0 66.0 14.0 45.9 0.37 63.9 1.86 1.16
--------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) partial results previously reported
(ii) AP equals Assays Pending

All reported holes are within the Cerro Colorado III (CC3) deposit and provide further verification and delineation of resources for feasibility purposes. Analysis of four additional holes including CC3 04-02G, CC3 04-03G, SC04-08, and SC04-09 are pending. Drilling in 2005 will continue to define the Tajado deposit, expand the San Casimiro deposit, and provide geotechnical information. A new resource estimation is underway to reflect the new data and geological interpretations and will be reported on in the near future.

In 2004, 18 holes totaling 2,014.85 metres were drilled on the Cerro Colorado deposit, 10 holes totaling 1,205.7 metres were drilled on the San Casimiro deposit and 13 holes totaling 1080.1 metres were drilled to test the nearby Tajado silver-gold prospect. We will be reporting on the results of the San Casimiro and Tajado drilling programs in the near future.

El Zapote feasibility work and the environmental impact assessment (completed by a local environmental consultant) are being conducted under the direction of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. A Quality Assurance/Quality Control program has been implemented for validation of sampling, analyses and other components of the Feasibility Study. All analytical work is being completed by CAS (a subsidiary of U.S. based Custom Analytical Services Inc.) and Acme Labs in Vancouver, BC.

The Qualified Person, as defined by National Policy 43-101, responsible for the preparation of the technical information included in this press release and for supervision of field activities related to the Company's projects is N. Eric Fier, CPG, P. Eng., Qualified Person and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.

SilverCrest Mines Inc. is pleased with the results and the progress of the Feasibility Study to date as it marks an important milestone in its corporate objective of becoming a significant silver asset-based company.

This news release contains forward-looking statements, which address future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results, programs and financial position could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, some of which may be beyond the Company's control. These factors include: the availability of funds; the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties, the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data, the uncertainties of resource and reserve estimations, receipt and security of mineral property titles; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, fluctuations in metal prices; currency fluctuations; and general market and industry conditions.

Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of SilverCrest Mines Inc.

J. Scott Drever, President

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050112/125876_1.html

SVL.V, Clive Maund on Silvercrest Mines.
http://www.gold-eagle.com/editorials_04/maund122304.html

SN.V, This might be of some interest to folks here. Little dated though.




The Growth Stock Report

www.jameswinston.com



Sennen Resources (SN, TSXV) I had to Smile


The day I sent out my review of Sennen, it turned out to be the highest traded stock on the TSXV. And again on Friday, it ranked number 3 in trading volume.


In fact, over the last 2 weeks Sennen has traded nearly half of all their issued shares -about 19.5 million have traded hands with some extreme price swings from 16 cents to 54 cents and now at 33 cents.


Though I’m never happy to see a pick go down, I had to smile on Friday morning.


If I’ve seen this once, I’ve seen this a thousand times. Old time shareholders, who are fed up waiting for something to happen, dump their positions just prior to significant news - which if they had been patient – would have produced a scenario for a triple digit return in the near future.


Sennen came out with news on Thursday which will have their old impatient shareholders kicking themselves in the pants down the road.


Agreement Reached with DJB Coal Pty Ltd. for Development of Middlemount, Collingwood and Onaview Coal Projects in Queensland, Australia


Sennen reached an agreement with DJB Coal Pty Ltd. ("DJB Coal") of Sydney, , Australia whereby DJB Coal has entered into a Joint Venture to finance and develop the Middlemount, Collingwood and Onaview coal deposits in Queensland, Australia.


The news release stated that “DJB Coal, a company that was formed by a group of Australian energy industry executives, is focused specifically to look for opportunities for investment in coal. They have access to extensive knowledge about the Queensland Coal Industry as well as the international coal market.”


This is exactly what Sennen was aiming to do. Find and partner with experts who have the knowledge and contacts within the coal industry.


DJB Coal is now financially responsible for the maintenance and rental payments, exploration, engineering, development, and the completion of feasibility studies on all three coal projects.


Under the terms of these agreements DJB Coal has acquired an interest of 5% of Middlemount with the right to acquire a further 65% interest, and has acquired a 10% interest in Collingwood and Onaview, with the right to earn a further 60% in each of these two projects. In the event that agreement is reached over the sale of the Middlemount coal property to a third party prior to the completion of a feasibility study, the Company and DJB Coal will each have a 50% interest in the proceeds from the sale.


DJB Coal will acquire these interests in return for their financial commitments leading to bankable feasibility studies within 5 years.


As I wrote last week, the Onaview, Middlemount, and Collingwood deposits are located in established coalfields and all contain Measured and Indicated resources, proven up by extensive drilling and coal quality analysis. The Shell Company of Australia did extensive work on these properties and compiled all the historical data. Though the company considers the data relevant and reliable, updated feasibility studies will be done in order to estimate the coal reserve in accordance to National Instrument 43 101. So with that in mind, here’s the potential resource this joint venture can profit from.


The Ownaview deposit contains a measured coal resource of 172 million tonnes of recoverable, high volatile, low sulphur thermal coal. The average thickness of coal seams ranges from 4 to 8 m as reported by Shell Company of Australia.
The Collingwood Deposit contains a measured coal resource of 85 million tonnes, with a further indicated coal resource of 30 million tonnes as prepared by the Shell Company.
The Middlemount block contains a measured coal resource of 367 million tonnes of low to medium volatile, low sulphur, bituminous coal as prepared by the Shell Company, and adjoins producing and developing coal mines with well developed infrastructure. Another company owns the property next door called the Foxleigh which has projected costs which are among the lowest 10% in the world.


Middlemount is actively being marketed now!


OK here’s the scoop which nobody yet understands about Sennen and its potential near term. The Middlemount property has already been actively marketed. Don’t be surprised to see a news release in the near future detailing a deal has been cut to sell this property.


That’s the benefit of joint venturing with DJB. They have the contacts.


Middlemount is the hot property. If they sell it to the highest bidder, I see this as a way to finance everything else they want to do.


In speaking with Ian Rozier on Friday, he told me DJB wanted to get 50% of each property if DJB could find a buyer. Ian responded by saying “No way. We will give you 50% on one (the Middlemount property) as a real incentive to get our name out there. The idea is that we would put 50% of the proceeds to cash up the company with no dilution to the shareholders and that would give us 30% interest in the other two properties to carry on up to feasibility.”


So what would that mean in dollar terms? Rozier wouldn’t speculate on that – not that I blame him – who really knows.


But even if you used a low ball figure like 20 cents per tonne by 367 million tonnes, that would give you about U.S. $73.4 million or in Canadian dollars $86.6 million. Split 50/50 that’s $43.3 million each and over $1 per share in cash for Sennen. Then they have 2 more properties which they can develop.


In commenting on DJB Rozier said “These are serious guys, not Johnny-come-latelys to coal engineering, marketing, and finance. They are really busy on the marketing side. I don’t have a problem if all the properties get sold as long it equates to an increase in share value.”


According to Rozier, DJB has meetings with BHP twice a week and they have engineers looking at Middlemount right now not to mention a couple of other companies too.


Rozier feels that Middlemount could have its feasibility study in a short period of time and that’s why DJB wanted to get 50% of a possible sale because they thought they could get a deal quickly. “But I wasn’t prepared to do that with all of them,” said Rozier.


Shareholder turn over


I asked Ian about the large turn over of shares over the last two weeks. He commented that “There has been a flushing out. We had raised $3 million last year on a different property at 30 cents. The stock traded to a low of 12 cents and now all these people are looking at the share price and saying thank God for that.”


While the old shareholders use this current run up to sell their “old deal” they will be missing the boat on this very hot coal deal. As Ian said “Coal was in the dumps back then, I had been holding on to those properties for five years and nobody cared. It seems some people still don’t. HOWEVER I DO."

SVL.V, Looks like a chart reversal might be starting here. Hopefully all the tax loss selling is done on the Gold and Silver Co.'s. Been thinking this might be an opportune time to be nibbling on them.

Merry Xmas to all, hope everyone gets a stocking full of coal.

Sennen Resources, Guess who was grabbing up all the shares today? Salman-The same institutional buyer that ran PVM.V and WTN.V, was able to watch some of the trading today, very interesting.