Bumper prices a goldmine for OZ

But a previously announced litigation settlement, foreign exchange losses and a write-down of its investment in a uranium explorer combined to reduce reported profit to $113.9 million, from $405.7 million previously.

A better indication of the continuing profit performance from the group's Prominent Hill copper/gold mine in South Australia was the $189.1 million "underlying" profit reported by the company.

That was down from $230.5 million previously, and was below market expectations, due to increased costs at the mine, with higher volumes of lower-grade material treated.

A 30?-a-share (unfranked) dividend is to be paid on September 16 after books close on August 29. The payment will absorb $97.2 million. OZ remains on the hunt for an acquisition to increase its mining portfolio. It is well funded for a move, with $750 million earmarked for an acquisition from the group's cash balance at June 30 of $905.6 million.

In addition, the company yesterday revealed it had secured a $200 million bank debt facility to give it greater flexibility when considering "internal and external growth opportunities".

OZ managing-director Terry Burgess said shareholders "remained pretty happy" about the level of cash it had ahead of surplus cash being committed to an acquisition.

"As from tomorrow we can activate our ($200 million) buyback, which can take off some of the excess cash," he said. "I don't get the impression from our shareholders that they want us to rush into something that doesn't make sense. What they want us to do is to find the right transaction and if it adds value for shareholders, then proceed on that."

Mr Burgess confirmed that a decision on whether OZ would sell its Cambodian gold interests would be made by the end of the year.