AIM Round-Up: AIM Boosted by General Optimism, Mining Stocks

Today, the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in London rose 0.33 percent, or 2.81 points, coming to 851.43 points. Mining stocks generally rose sharply, as did financial stocks.

Bellzone Mining (LSE:BZM) today gained 43.71 percent, or GB1.89, to trade at GBP4.34. Bellzone explores, develops and operates iron, copper and nickel projects in the Republic of Guinea. South Africa-focused Strategic Natural Resources (LSE:SNRP) also gained, rising 37.5 percent, or GBP1.55, to trade at GBP4.12.

Oil and gas exploration company Azonto Petroleum (LSE:AZO) today lost 13.56 percent, or GBP0.17, to trade at GBP1.28. Similarly, Berkeley Mineral Resources (LSE:BMR) lost 13.56 percent, or GBP0.17, to trade at GBP1.28. Berkeley has an interest in lead and zinc tailings, and plans to extract them from a mine in Zambia.