CAPITAL MARKETS

Sandfire leads base metal set

DESPITE base metal futures being mainly positive in Asia trade – albeit weakly positive – there was only limited interest in associated ASX equities. Sandfire gained as it acquired a long sought-after parcel of exploration ground next to its depleting DeGrussa mine, while at the other end of the table investors punished Western Areas for a disappointing quarter of production – its first real disappointing quarter for more than a decade mind!