Holding(s) in Company

RNS Number:5908N
Avocet Mining PLC
16 July 2003

AVOCET MINING PLC ("AVOCET" OR THE "COMPANY")

The Company was today informed that on 15 July 2003 Nelson Resources Limited
("Nelson") disposed of its holding of 14,000,000 ordinary shares in Avocet
(representing 17.6% of the issued share capital of the Company) Accordingly,
Nelson no longer has a notifiable interest in the Company.

The Company also notes that Primary Metals Inc ("Primary Metals"), previously
Salish Ventures Inc, announced on 14 July 2003 that it had completed a private
placement of 1,290,000 units.  Primary Metals, as detailed in an announcement
made on 7 March 2003, is a company listed on the Canadian TSX Venture Exchange
which has taken control of Avocet's tungsten assets, allowing Avocet to withdraw
from the day to day operation of the tungsten assets.  On completion of the sale
earlier this year Avocet owned approximately 75% of Primary Metals with a stated
intention to reduce its investment to below 50%.  The private placement
announced by Primary Metals on 14 July 2003 reduces Avocet's interest in Primary
Metals to 49.3%.


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