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re: sally and kernet See this morning's Advertiser - U conference end of week in Adelaide. Received e-mail copy of article;

THE hottest topic in the resource sector - uranium exploration and policy - will take centre stage at the 2006 Uranium Conference at the Hilton Adelaide on Thursday and Friday.

Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources head of resources division John Hartwell will present the opening address, on behalf of federal Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane, and Opposition spokesman on resources Martin Ferguson is to speak on day two.

Conference organiser Bill Repard said Mr Macfarlane's speech was expected to provide an update on the work of the Uranium Industry Framework.

Launched in 2005, it was designed to be a partnership of government, industry, indigenous and community stakeholders to increase mining and export opportunities.

Industry observers will also be waiting to see what Mr Ferguson will have to say as debate grows over the federal ALP's reluctance to develop new mines. "The reason we invited Mr Ferguson is that he has been making some terrifically commonsense comments over the past few months," Mr Repard said.

Efforts to achieve an expansion of Australia's yellowcake supply will also be discussed by senior executives from several explorers including Toro Energy, Curnamona Energy, Maximus Resources, Alliance Resources, PepinNini Minerals, Southern Gold, Marathon Resources, Red Metal, Scimitar Resources and Tasman Resources.

Mr Repard said it was significant that the conference was being held just days after the stellar listing of new Adelaide-based uranium explorer Toro Energy.

Meanwhile, Alliance Resources yesterday released a progress update on its joint venture with Quasar Resources at the Beverly 4 Mile uranium prospect at Arkaroola in the state's north.

Native-title clearance for drilling has been completed, with the drill program to resume upon the availability of rigs and the first two planned pre-collars for later diamond-core drilling completed.