It was a mixed day but mining featured prominently.
African Potash (LON:AFPO) shares surged over 26% as its fertiliser trading ambitions were further boosted after it struck a deal with Ecobank Malawi.
The deal means in effect, payments from offtakers to the company will be guaranteed.
As earlier reported, African Potash is to source, deliver and finance fertiliser as part of the agreement to supply at least 500,000 tonnes of fertiliser a year to groups identified and introduced by African free trade group Comesa.
Also today, Strategic Minerals (LON:SML) has hired a non-routine mining expert to manage its Tatu Coal project in New Zealand.
Lincoln Smith, a specialist in difficult underground mining solutions, will be the mine manager and site senior executive, the company said.
Toronto- listed Mkango Resources (CVE:MKA) can continue exploring its Thambani project in southwest Malawi for a further two years - after the government granted a licence renewal.
The company made the announcement as it updated on current activities and its plan to list in London as well as in Canada.
Elsewhere, Medusa Mining (ASX:MML) is on track to meet its production target this year after a 19% rise in its first quarter to just shy of 35,000oz of gold.
The Philippines–based miner expects to produce between 120-130,000oz, versus 105,000oz, and repeated that with the latest numbers.
All-in-sustaining costs in the quarter were US$953, down from US$1,076 and in line with the target for the current year of between US$900-1,100.
Enegi Oil (LON:ENEG) confirmed today that the firm's name has been changed to Nu-Oil and Gas (LON:NUAG) and this has become effective at companies house.
Trading in under the new name will take effect from October 28.
Amur Minerals’ (LON:AMC) Flangovy target at Kun-Manie should be amenable to underground mining, its recent in-fill drill programme has indicated.
The company has just finished its 2015 programme at Flangovy, one of its main deposits at the nickel prospect in Far East Russia, the firm said today.
The programme focused on inferred resources and confirmed continuity of mineralisation throughout the 800 metre long target from a total of 26 holes.
Finally, Utilitywise (LON:UTW) has made a breakthrough in securing a “favourable change in payment terms” with a key energy supplier which has resulted in an immediate £3.6mln cash payment.
The company, which procures the best electricity, gas and water tariffs for businesses, said is in talks to broker similar deals with other partners.
Historically there has been a mismatch between when Utilitywise has recognised payments made from the big water, gas and electricity firms and when the group is actually paid its commission.
It has to be stressed the firm does not have a problem with bad debts and the anomaly tends to unwind over the year.