NSL Consolidated (ASX: NSL) is set to meet a number of milestones in the first half of 2012 including first iron ore sales. The company is continuing offtake discussions with Indian and potential overseas partners.

The company is nearing completion of the commissioning of its US$2.3 million Kurnool iron ore beneficiation plant project in India ahead of first iron ore sales.

Hong Kong stocks rose 17.53 points, or 0.08 percent, to close at 20,756.98 on Friday.  The Hang Seng Index rose 0.1 percent, to 20,756.98 at the close.

Hong Kong stocks rose for the fifth week, but only just.  This makes it the longest streak since October 2010, with the Index closing at a six-month high, on speculation China may take more measures to boost economic growth.

Red Rock Resources (LON:RRR) has acquired an option to acquire a further 4.94 percent of Kansai Mining Corp.

Kansai is Red Rock's joint venture partner on the Mid Migori gold project in Kenya. Red Rock owns a stake in both Kansai and the Mid Migori Mining Company.

The latest option over 5,923,237 shares was acquired from a Kansai shareholder.

Condor Resources (LON:CNR) released a strong set of drilling results from its wholly owned La India gold project in Nicaragua and announced the discovery of the new Natalia vein.

Today's drilling report included the results received by the company since the last drilling update on December 20, including the last drill hole on the La India vein set and nine drill holes on the America vein set totalling 2,331 metres.

Amphion Innovations (LON:AMP), the developer of medical and technology businesses, said it has secured additional unsecured loan financing of US$500,000 from its chairman James Macaleer.

Macaleer holds a 17.37 per cent stake in the company.

Shares in Max Petroleum (LON:MXP) rose after the Kazakhstan focused oil firm reported flow test results from two of its wells, which will soon be placed on long term test production.

The SAGW-1 well on the Sagiz West Field in Block E flowed at a stable rate of 430 barrels per day from the Triassic reservoir over a 17 hour period, Max said in today's operational update.

Regency Mines (LON:RGM) this afternoon revealed drill results from the Mambare nickel laterite project, in Papua New Guinea.

The results confirm the significant grade and tonnage potential of Mambare's Plateau zone, it said.

One of the drill holes returned the highest nickel grades encountered to date at the project, with 3.28 per cent nickel and 0.12 per cent cobalt being encountered in a 1 metre interval.

China's shares surged higher Thursday, as better news from the Eurozone and the U.S., plus China "blue chip" stocks trading at historically low valuations, brought investors and funds into the market.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which tracks both A and B shares, ended up 2.0%, or 44.48 points, at 2312.56. The Shenzhen Composite Index rose 1.9%, or 16.13 points, to 865.72.

Total turnover on the two bourses rose to 103.93 billion yuan (16.47 billion U.S. dollars) from 90.09 billion yuan on the previous trading day.

Hong Kong shares closed Thursday at their highest closing level of 2012 following positive economic data in the U.S. and Europe, with commodity firms leading the gains.

The index has risen 13% so far this year.

Connemara Mining (LON:CON) jumped 17 per cent in early deals after securing a partner for the Mine River block in Ireland, which is prospective for both base metals and gold.