Independence was incorporated in May 2000 for the purpose of discovering world-class ore bodies in Australia, focusing on gold and nickel. Our philosophy is to favour ore bodies amenable to rapid evaluation and project turnover.

Through exploration success and corporate growth, the Company’s aims are to have a number of Australian metal mines and a significant market capitalisation. Unless an outstanding opportunity arises which would justify the issue of additional shares, the Board intends to grow Independence through free cash flow and debt funding. Our aim is to maximise shareholder wealth and minimise dilution of shareholders’ interests.

A general industry downturn directly benefited the Company through its ability to procure the services of a highly experienced and qualified team of geo-scientists. The Company identified and acquired an interest, or right to earn an interest, in numerous prospective projects.

In September 2002 the Company acquired the Long Nickel Mine, and became a nickel producer in October 2002.