LUNDIN MINING, the Swedish and Canadian-listed exploration company which owns and operates the Galmoy Mine in Co Kilkenny, is confident of increasing its exploration interests in Ireland.

Mineral exploration company Arcon has announced profits of €1.4m for 2004, compared to a loss of €9.7m in 2003.

The ISEQ slipped 2.33c to close today at 6,2575.95, on another tough day for pharmaceutical giant Elan.

The ISEQ fell slightly in morning trade, by 1.44 points to 6276.84 on a busy news morning on the index.

Exploration and mining group Arcon said today that agreement has been reached in principle on the terms of a merger with Lundin Mining.