Cortona: Gold rush not over

"Even in this day and age there are very exciting opportunities," said Peter van der Borgh, managing director of gold exploration company Cortona Resources Ltd.

"Gold is now starting to attract companies again. Certainly its long-term future looks very strong. We are seeing more and more interest," he said.

As global gold production declines, demand continues to grow, especially in developing economies with an emerging middle-class aspiring for more wealth.

Listed on the Australian Stock Exchange on March 2006, Cortona Resources has about 400,000 ounces of in-ground gold resources and expects good growth prospects.

The company's lead project comprises 700 sq km of leases at Majors Creek in New South Wales, the state's largest traditional alluvial gold field, which was very active with Chinese miners. The project holds the Dargues Reef deposit, which has an estimated 310,000 ounces of gold. About 80,000 more ounces are held by Cortona in Western Australia.

The Majors Creek project has several other exploration targets. Cortona recently discovered more gold in one of their prospects, Exeter Farm.

Backed by a competent team of technicians, all enthusiastic to make discoveries, Cortona has grown at a healthy pace and is moving forward. The company has recently began studies on potential mining of Dargues Reef.

"I think one of the skills I possess, which enabled me to pick up this New South Wales asset, is to be able to recognize very quickly the potential of a large gold system," explained van der Borgh. "If I look back over the past two years, we are certainly where I hoped to be, perhaps even further," he added.

www.cortonaresources. com.au

(China Daily 08/07/2008 page41)