AIM Round-Up: Bellzone Mining Posts Biggest Gain

The Alternative Investment Market (AIM) recovered from a midweek dip and gained 0.5 percent to hit 717.76 on Friday. Market activity was muted as investors waited for the recently released US payroll report, and low commodities prices stifled mining company growth.

Bellzone Mining (LSE:BZM) posted the day’s biggest gain, with its share price rising 423.81 percent to reach GBP2.75. The rise coincided with the iron-, copper– and nickel-focused company’s March 5 announcement that it has received a loan extension that will provide it with working capital through the end of 2015. Shares of Alba Mineral Resources (LSE:ALBA) hit GBP0.35 for a gain of 27.27 percent. The company specializes in exploration for uranium and base minerals.

Petroleum driller Bahamas Petrol Company (LSE:BPC) saw the day’s biggest losses. The company, which will be the first to institute offshore drilling operations in the Bahamas, saw its share price fall 12.62 percent to GBP1.84. Clontarf Energy (LSE:CLON) experienced the second-largest drop and hit 0.31 on a 34.74-percent decline. The company has stakes in petroleum drilling projects in Africa and South America.