SolGold's recommended acquisition by Jiangxi Copper received High Court sanction, clearing a significant legal hurdle towards privatization. Capital raising initiatives were prominent, with Helix Exploration proposing a share placing and Buccaneer Energy completing a £350,000 fundraise to acquire a new well, projected to increase its oil production. Dividends were also a focus, as Beazley declared an interim dividend amidst its pending offer from Zurich Insurance Group, and Bank of Ireland proposed a final dividend. Meanwhile, Westmount Energy saw its North Falklands Basin licence de-risked by a Navitas Petroleum farm-in, and Ironveld noted operational improvements at its Lapon Mine despite further delays in its FY25 accounts.
The High Court of Justice of England and Wales has granted its sanction for the scheme of arrangement regarding the recommended cash acquisition of SolGold SOLG by Jiangxi Copper (Hong Kong) Investment Company. This critical legal step follows approvals by SolGold shareholders in February 2026, facilitating the completion of the acquisition. The deal, announced in December 2025, sees SolGold's entire issued share capital acquired by JCHK.
Helix Exploration HEX has announced a proposed placing of new shares to raise capital. This fundraising initiative is vital for the company, providing necessary funds to support its ongoing exploration and development programs. The capital injection is expected to bolster the company's financial position and enable the pursuit of its strategic objectives.
Westmount Energy WTE, an oil and gas investing company, noted that Navitas Petroleum has farmed into JHI Associates' North Falklands Basin Licence, PL001. Navitas will acquire a 65% working interest and operatorship, funding JHI's 35% share of future exploration and appraisal well costs up to $14 million. This agreement provides crucial funding and strategic partnership for the license, de-risking Westmount's investment exposure.
Specialist insurer Beazley BEZ has announced an interim dividend of 25 pence per ordinary share for the financial year ending 31 December 2025. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on 1 May 2026, with an ex-dividend date of 19 March 2026. This financial distribution is stated to be a "Permitted Dividend" as defined within the terms of the ongoing recommended cash offer by Zurich Insurance Group.
Buccaneer Energy BUCE has successfully completed a £350,000 fundraise, receiving strong support from institutional investor Premier Miton and company directors. The capital raised will be primarily used for the acquisition of the Carlisle 1 well, an adjacent producing asset. This acquisition is expected to add immediate net production of approximately 25 barrels of oil per day, boosting the company's total production to around 160 bopd.
Bank of Ireland Group BIRG has announced a proposed final dividend of 45.00 cent per share for the year 2025. This dividend payout is contingent on approval from shareholders at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for 21 May 2026. If approved, the dividend will be paid on 9 June 2026 to shareholders registered by 24 April 2026.
Ironveld IRON, a mining development company, has issued an update on its operations at the Lapon Mine and the publication of its FY25 accounts. The company reported that heavy rainfall in previous months had subsided, allowing natural dewatering to occur, with Daemaneng continuing to perform well. However, the audited accounts for the year ended 30 June 2025 will see further delays, now anticipated to be published by 13 March 2026, a point of ongoing frustration for shareholders.