WMC Resources joins Linear Gold Venture to explore in Mexico

August 31, 2004- - WMC Resources Ltd., the world's third- largest producer of nickel, agreed to join Linear Gold Corp. in a venture to explore for metals and gold in Mexico.

Melbourne-based WMC Resources will have the option to take up a 60 percent stake in four properties in the Mexican state of Chiapas, if it pays $1.93 million by 2007, which includes spending on exploration, a statement from Canadian-based Linear Gold said.

WMC currently doesn't have any assets in Mexico, said spokesman Troy Hey.

WMC is exploring for more materials as rising global economic recovery and Chinese expansion drain global stockpiles and sent prices of base metals surging. WMC, which owns the world's eight- largest copper mine, has also formed a joint venture to explore for nickel in China.