This news release is from a few months back, but still just as relevant:

"Tight credit markets have hit the junior mining companies that do most of the exploring for new mineral reserves, consultants Ernst & Young said.

There have been roughly the same number of initial public offerings in Canada among mining companies this year as last, but the dollars raised are "significantly lower," the consulting firm said in a news release.

"That means the credit crunch is hitting the mining sector's exploration-stage companies," said Tom Whelan, an Ernst & Young partner and mining specialist.

While less money has been raised, there is still a demand for junior companies because senior mining companies need new sources of supply and aren't doing the exploring themselves.

That suggests more takeovers are coming, as senior companies buy juniors that have a found reserves."

Kimber just raised 5 million dollars privately to fund continued exploration and operations. Fidelity Investments recently put close to 7 million dollars into the company. This is very very good stuff to know about the company you are a part of. Stay tuned! Bull