Exploration company Minco has reported operating losses of £44,000 for the first six months to October 31st, 2000. Operating losses had been restricted as a result of a number of joint venture arrangements, the company said.

Its joint venture partner, Noranda, covers the expenditure on Minco's Pallas Green zinc property in Co Limerick, where the firm said recent drilling had proven there was high grade zinc mineralisation in the area.