Mineral Resources Limited (MIN) has increased its offer for all of the options in Polaris Metals NL (POL), now offering one MIN option for every 10 Polaris options held. Mineral Resources also said it would extend the offer period by two weeks, so that it would now close on 9 December 2009. The company has a 27.87% interest of Polaris’ options.

Molopo Energy Limited (MPO) said that it has entered an agreement to sell its 26.1% non-operated interest in Liulin, Shanxi Province, China, to UK listed Fortune Oil Plc for US$6million. The Australian based gas producer said the sale consideration comprises US$4million in cash and US$2million in Fortune Oil shares. Molopo said, along with other transactions, the sale would allow the company to focus its resources on core assets in Queensland, Canada, and South Africa where it believes cash flow, reserves and value can be built more rapidly and efficiently.

Range River Gold Limited (RNG) said it has received approval from the Department of Mines and Petroleum Western Australia to commence development and operation of the Craic and Ramornie deposits of the Mt Morgans Project. The company said it has now received all of the necessary approvals to commence mining of the deposits. Range River said it is on track to commence mining at Mt Morgans in December 2009 as targeted.

Aquila Resources Limited (AQA) announced that all necessary Chinese regulatory approvals have been received for Baosteel Group Corporation’s $285.6 million investment in Aquila. The Australian iron ore explorer and coal miner said settlement is anticipated during the course of the next five business days.