Shares: Taking Stock

r Reunion Mining, an African gold miner that has failed to glitter since coming to the market in December, could be in for better times. Caledonia Mining, a Canadian group, which had 28.5 per cent at the time of the flotation, has finished selling and no longer has an interest. The shares arrived at 79p, went to 87p and then dropped to 55p. They closed at 78p. There is talk of African developments in the near future in partnership with a European group.

r Minmet, an Irish miner, has attracted Peter Earl, the investment banker who once tilted at Storehouse. He is head of a consortium that picked up 2.8 per cent and has options on a further 13.8 per cent. The shares come from former chairman Paul Bristol. They rose 0.25p to 1.25p.