ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

Portman
Limited

ACN 007 871 892
ABN 22 007 871 892

26 October 2006

Level 11
The Quadrant
1 William Street
Perth 6000
Western Australia
GPO Box W2017
Perth, 6001
Tel: 61 8 9426 3333
Fax: 61 8 9426 3344

(11 pages in total)

The Announcements Officer
Australian Stock Exchange (Sydney) Limited
Level 10
20 Bond Street
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Electronically Lodged

Dear Sir

NEWS RELEASE

QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2006

Please find attached Portman’s Quarterly Report for the period ended 30 September 2006.

Yours faithfully

/s/ L. A. Kipfstuhl

L. Kipfstuhl
COMPANY SECRETARY

1

PORTMAN LIMITED P

A.B.N. 22 007 871 892

QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED
30 SEPTEMBER 2006

HIGHLIGHTS

Earnings

Marketing

Product demand remains strong, supported by record Chinese September iron ore imports.

Koolyanobbing Project

Steady improvement in processing plant performance closes in on targeted 8Mtpa production rate.

Increase in mine and port stocks to the volumes necessary to sustain optimum 8Mtpa rail and port stockpile position.

New mining equipment mobilised to assist in ramp up of daily material movement at Windarling and Mt Jackson.

Cockatoo Island Project (100%)

Planned shipments increased to three per month as Stage 2 waste removal is completed and higher capacity mining equipment introduced.

Stage Three Feasibility Study continues with focus on the volume of ore recoverable from various options.

Drilling program confirms orebody for Stage Three subject to geotechnical drilling program.

2

PORTMAN LIMITED P
A.B.N. 22 007 871 892

1.0 PORTMAN REPORTS RECORD THIRD-QUARTER EARNINGS

Portman Limited (ASX:PMM) today reported third-quarter 2006 unaudited net profit of $30.3 million or 17.2 cents per share (all per-share amounts are “diluted”), a record, versus net profit before transaction costs of $25.7 million or 14.7 cents per share in 2005. Net profit for the nine months ended in 2006 was a record $82.6 million or 47.0 cents per share, versus net profit before transaction costs of $71.1 million or 40.5 cents per share.

Following is a summary:

                                 
    (In Millions Except Per Share)
    Third Quarter   9 Months Ending
    2006   2005   2006   2005
Sales Tonnes
    1.9       1.7       5.2       4.7  
Sales Revenue
  $ 129.0     $ 102.1     $ 337.8     $ 261.7  
Net profit before transaction costs:
                               
Amount
    30.3       25.7       82.6       71.1  
Cents per share
    17.2       14.7       47.0       40.5  
Expenses related to the transaction after tax:
                               
Amount
                            (5.3 )
Cents per share
                            (3.0 )
Net profit:
                               
Amount
  $ 30.3     $ 25.7     $ 82.6     $ 65.8  
 
                               
Cents per share
  $ 17.2     $ 14.7     $ 47.0     $ 37.5  
 
                               

Third Quarter

The increase in net profit before transaction costs of $4.6 million was comprised of a $6.5 million increase in pre-tax profit, net of $1.9 million increase in income taxes. The pre-tax earnings increase of $6.5 million was due primarily to increased sales revenue, $26.9 million, partially offset by increased cost of goods sold $18.3 million, and increased shipping & selling costs $3.1 million. The mark to market adjustment for the hedge book was unfavourable $0.4 million, reflecting the fair value movement in the time value of option based hedges.

  Sales revenue increased by $26.9 million due to a 19% increase in the 2006 international ore price $20.9 million, higher sales volume, $11.9 million, partially offset by exchange rate effects of $3.7 million and an unfavourable sales mix of $2.2 million.

  Cost of goods sold increased $18.3 million, primarily due to higher waste removal $6.8 million, unfavourable rise and fall and spending cost $6.8 million and increased sales volume $4.7 million.

  Shipping and selling costs increased by $3.1 million primarily due to increased sales royalties.

First 9 Months Ending

The increase in net profit before transaction costs of $11.5 million was comprised of a $16.4 million increase in pre-tax profit, net of $4.9 million increase in income taxes. The pre-tax earnings increase of $16.4 million was due primarily to increased sales revenue, $76.1 million, partially offset by increased cost of goods sold $54.5 million, and increased shipping & selling costs $8.3 million. The mark to market adjustment for the hedge book was favourable $2.6 million.

  Sales revenue increased by $76.1 million due to a 19% increase in the 2006 international ore price $60.6 million, higher sales volume, $27.3 million, partially offset by exchange rate effects of $11.0 million and an unfavourable sales mix of $0.8 million.

  Cost of goods sold increased $54.5 million, primarily due to an unfavourable rise and fall and spending cost $27.5 million, higher waste removal $17.9 million and increased sales volumes $9.1 million.

  Shipping and selling costs increased by $8.3 million primarily due to increased sales royalties.

Capital Expenditure

The Company’s capital expenditure program for 2006 including the completion of the approved expansion to 8 million tonnes per annum and new profit improvement and other sustaining capital items, is estimated to total $38.9 million, which is being funded from current cash flow. Capital expenditures in 2005 totalled $76.9 million.
Minor plant adjustments continue to be made to improve the operation of the expanded plant. Portman expects to be shipping at close to an 8.0 million tonne rate in the fourth quarter.

Liquidity

At September 30, 2006, Portman had $99.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and $5.0 million in held to maturity investments. At December 31, 2005, Portman had $74.5 million of cash and cash equivalents. The $30.2 million increase in liquid assets primarily reflects increased sales prices and sales volumes.

Outlook

Richard Mehan, Managing Director, commented that good system-wide progress toward the stated objective of sustaining an 8Mtpa production rate had occurred during the quarter. We need to continue our focus on improving plant performance while continuing to work on reducing operating costs.

Accounting Change

Effective 1 January 2006, Portman changed its accounting policy to expense exploration expenditures and deferred waste as incurred. The prior period comparative has been restated as if this policy has applied.

                     
2.0   PORTMAN IRON ORE
 
    2.1     Koolyanobbing Project  
 
                   
 
            2.1.1.     Production
 
                   
 
                  Production and shipments for the quarter were as follows:
                         
    Actual   Actual   Actual
    Sept Qtr 2006   YTD 2006   Sept Qtr 2005
-            
Koolyanobbing Iron Ore Project            
    -   -   -
Waste: (bcm)            
Koolyanobbing   484,113   1,470,461   412,878
Mt Jackson   344,964   933,610   366,718
Windarling   2,492,676   5,925,719   1,500,503
Total Waste   3,321,753   8,329,790   2,280,099
 
                       
Ore Mined: (wmt)
                       
 
                       
Koolyanobbing
    557,260       1,214,702       300,374  
 
                       
Mt Jackson
    646,880       1,939,737       697,246  
 
                       
Windarling
    657,360       2,114,776       607,410  
 
                       
Total Ore Mined
    1,861,500       5,269,215       1,605,030  
 
                       
 
                       
 
                       
Ore Processed: (wmt)
                       
 
                       
Lump
    1,011,664       2,586,336       785,164  
 
                       
Fines
    881,992       2,288,183       735,422  
 
                       
Total Ore Processed
    1,893,656       4,874,519       1,520,586  
 
                       
 
                       
 
                       
Ore Railed: (wmt)
                       
 
                       
Lump
    995,849       2,755,635       784,748  
 
                       
Fines
    826,795       2,156,649       740,949  
 
                       
Total Ore Railed
    1,822,644       4,912,284       1,525,697  
 
                       
 
                       
 
                       
Ore Shipped: (wmt)
                       
 
                       
Lump
    990,519       2,533,179       819,328  
 
                       
Fines
    744,419       2,117,091       775,200  
 
                       
Total Ore Shipped
    1,734,938       4,650,270       1,594,528  
 
                       

  2.1.2.   Project Development

    Customers finalised invoices for year to date 2006 shipping, based on the new international benchmark prices.

    Improved plant throughput to 8Mtpa rate by end September on 14 day moving average. As a result mine and port stocks have been lifted to levels required to sustain a 8Mtpa operation.

    Some additional equipment and increased manning being mobilised to lift Windarling / Mt Jackson output to target levels.

    Windarling airstrip operational providing improved fly-in, fly-out capability.

    Increased throughput provides the opportunity to lift fourth quarter sales.

    Port and rail operations were satisfactory during the quarter.

Cockatoo Island

    All waste from Stages 1 & 2 of the seawall project has been removed. A larger excavator and production drill have commenced operations. Combined with favourable mining conditions, the monthly shipment target has been lifted from 115,000 to 135,000 tonnes per month.

    Feasibility work for a further extension of mining of the main orebody is underway. Evaluation of a Stage 3 mining project east of the existing seawall is underway, together with evaluation of a supplementary sheetpile wall in the Stage 2 pit being able to release additional tonnes for mining.

      2.2.

3

Cockatoo Island Joint Venture (100%)

  2.2.1.   Production

Production and shipments for the quarter were as follows:

                         
    Actual   Actual   Actual
    Sept Qtr 2006   YTD 2006   Sept Qtr 2005
Cockatoo Island                        
Iron Ore Project
                       
 
                       
 
                       
Waste (bcm)
    45,016       184,547       135,485  
 
                       
 
                       
Ore Mined (wmt)
    520,974       1,098,965       292,571  
 
                       
 
                       
Ore Produced (wmt)
    384,091       992,752       322,187  
 
                       
 
                       
Ore Shipped (wmt)
    408,165       1,029,780       271,103  
 
                       

  2.3   Exploration

Summary

The Koolyanobbing, Perrinvale and Cockatoo Island JV project areas have been the focus of exploration and resource estimation activity during the quarter. At the Koolyanobbing project infill and resource definition reverse circulation drilling comprised a total of 49 drill holes for 4,057 metres during the reporting period. Reconnaissance mapping of Portman’s Perrinvale exploration tenements progressed during the quarter. At Cockatoo Island a JORC-compliant resource estimate for a proposed Stage 3 development has been completed.

Koolyanobbing Project Area

A summary of drilling activity for the quarter is as follows:

                         
Deposit/Prospect   Drill Type   # of Holes   Metres
F
  Reverse Circulation
    2       150  
 
                       
J2
  Reverse Circulation
    13       970  
 
                       
J5
  Reverse Circulation
    34       2937  
 
                       
 
  Diamond
    1       68  
 
                       
 
  Total     50       4125  
 
                       

    The final hole from the 2006 diamond drilling program was completed during the reporting period at the J5 prospect. Metallurgical testing of the PQ-sized drill core is underway.

    Drilling at F deposit consisted of follow-up drilling to confirm the extent of laterite mineralization encountered in a drilling program earlier in the year. Results confirmed mineralization continuity.

    The J2 deposit drilling consisted of in-pit drilling to enhance spatial control for proposed mining advance. Information from these holes will improve detailed mine scheduling.

    The J5 prospect reverse circulation drilling is the initial portion of a resource definition program. Results of this drilling will provide sufficient detail for a JORC-compliant indicated-inferred resource estimate in the 4th Quarter 2006.

    Updates of the C, F, J2 and W4 deposit geologic models based on combined 2005-2006 drilling results have been completed. The geologic models have been submitted to Golders & Associates for 4th Quarter 2006 JORC-compliant resource estimation updates.

Highlights of analytical results received during the reporting period include the following significant intercepts:

                                                                                 
 
                  Fe%
  SiO2%   A12O3 %   P %   S %                        
 
                                                                               
F Deposit
                                                                               
 
                                                                               
KFRC246
  54   metres at
  63.89   1.60   0.43   0.012   0.033   from
  27   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2 Deposit
                                                                               
 
                                                                               
J2RC053
  43   metres at
  61.21   3.03   2.33   0.014   0.103   from
  21   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2RC054
  38   metres at
  60.47   1.85   1.62   0.013   0.049   from
  0   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2RC055
  38   metres at
  60.38   3.07   2.32   0.020   0.037   from
  0   Metres
 
                                                                               
 
  40   metres at
  61.90   2.62   1.47.   0.008   0.099   from
  41   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2RC056
  86   metres at
  64.52   0.82   0.45   0.007   0.067   from
  0   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2RC057
  74   metres at
  61.66   1.92   1.31   0.016   0.100   from
  4   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2RC058
  30   metres at
  62.23   1.62   0.60   0.010   0.009   from
  0   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2RC059
  67   metres at
  61.81   2.39   1.27   0.012   0.097   from
  0   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2RC060
  40   metres at
  60.79   2.91   1.89   0.147   0.050   from
  5   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2RC061
  66   metres at
  61.31   2.04   1.44   0.025   0.082   from
  0   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2RC062
  41   metres at
  61.20   2.06   1.27   0.203   0.037   from
  0   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2RC063
  32   metres at
  63.26   1.23   0.50   0.107   0.043   from
  34   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2RC064
  14   metres at
  60.36   3.87   2.36   0.065   0.061   from
  0   Metres
 
                                                                               
 
  23   metres at
  60.80   5.91   0.83   0.037   0.223   from
  49   Metres
 
                                                                               
J2RC065
  32   metres at
  63.87   1.72   0.95   0.083   0.241   from
  1   Metres
 
                                                                               
J5 Prospect
                                                                               
 
                                                                               
J5RC048
  14   metres at
  61.26   1.09   0.27   0.517   0.039   from
  71   Metres
 
                                                                               
J5RC049
  17   metres at
  60.89   2.28   0.84   0.297   0.059   from
  81   Metres
 
                                                                               
J5RC053
  35   metres at
  63.30   2.87   0.28   0.250   0.080   from
  55   Metres
 
                                                                               
J5RC055
  17   metres at
  65.65   2.23   0.31   0.166   0.012   from
  18   Metres
 
                                                                               
J5RC058
  38   metres at
  61.56   5.57   0.88   0.203   0.023   from
  19   Metres
 
                                                                               
J5RC059
  12   metres at
  60.79   3.83   0.98   0.272   0.038   from
  56   Metres
 
                                                                               
 
  17   metres at
  62.07   3.87   0.63   0.206   0.071   from
  82   Metres
 
                                                                               

Perrinvale Project Area

The Perrinvale project area comprises two Portman exploration licences (E29/565 and E30/291) located approximately 90km west of Menzies. Prospect mapping continued in the quarter providing improved definition to previously mapped zones of iron mineralisation with several new zones being delineated. During the reporting period 164 rock chips were collected. The sampling included reconnaissance rock chipping, as well as systematic sampling of significant mineralised zones for future drill hole targeting. Assay results for 112 of the Perrinvale samples returned anomalous values exceeding 50% Fe, with 52 samples returning values greater than 58% Fe. The assays confirmed a number of the mapped mineralised zones warrant follow up RC drilling,

Project Area

The project area comprises one Portman exploration licence (E77/1143) granted earlier this year on the Johnston Range located approximately 30km north of Portman’s Windarling operations. Reconnaissance mapping has revealed several zones of strongly goethitic surface enriched iron formation. A total of 25 rock grab samples have been collected of which 17 assayed >58% Fe. The enrichment has been identified in several intensely dislocated and deformed BIF bands close to a major north-south trending fault. A reconnaissance RC drilling program is being planned to test the depth extent of surface enrichment.

4

Cockatoo Island Joint Venture

A resource definition reverse circulation drill program was conducted at Cockatoo Island during the prior quarter consisting of 39 drill holes for 1,608 metres. The results of this program have established the following JORC-compliant in-situ resource estimate for a Stage 3 eastern extension of the Seawall Hematite orebody:

                                                         
Classification   RL range   M Tonnes   Fe%   SiO2%   Al2O3%   P%   S%
Indicated   +4 to -40m   5.30   69.0   0.62   0.32   0.005   0.003
Inferred   -40 to -50m   1.32   69.0   0.58   0.34   0.004   0.004
   Total
    6.62       69.0       0.61       0.32       0.005       0.003  

The resource estimate has been generated by Portman and represents the tonnage and grade of a 600 metre in-situ extension of the Seawall Hematite unit east of the present Stage 2 development. A 67% Fe cut-off has been applied in the estimate. This eastern extension underlies the present fixed plant infrastructure at Cockatoo. A definitive feasibility study is underway assessing the technical and economic viability of developing the Stage 3 resource.

Yampi Joint Venture Farm-out

Portman has agreed to farm-out a set of 5 exploration licence applications to Plouton Resources, a registered private Australian company. The applications are distributed over the Collier Bay and Irvine Island areas of the Kimberley. The area was originally targeted by Portman for Cockatoo Island–style iron mineralization. Plouton has been granted the right to obtain a 50% interest in the tenements by bringing the applications to grant and expending $500,000 in exploration within the next 5 years.

Exploration Expenditure

                         
    (000’s)
    Sept Qtr 2006   YTD 2006   Sept Qtr 2005
Koolyanobbing                        
Project $
    1,248       3,386       893  
 
                       
Cockatoo Island (100%) $
    99       518       17  
 
                       

The information in this report that relates to Exploration Results, Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves is based on information compiled by Mr R G Graber, who is a Member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG), a ‘Recognised Overseas Professional Organisation’ included in a list promulgated by the ASX from time to time. Mr Graber is an employee of Cliffs Reduced Iron Management Company, a subsidiary of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Inc, and is seconded to the company. Mr Graber has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2004 Edition of the “Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’. Mr Graber consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

5

3.0   FOREIGN EXCHANGE HEDGING
 

Total residual foreign exchange cover for the Portman Group at 30 September 2006 was US$281.5M.

 

                                         
YEAR   2006   2007   2008   2009   TOTAL
Face Value US$M
    58.50       137.50       62.50       23.00       281.50  
 
                                       
Weighted Avg “Worst” Case Hedge Rate
    0.7450       0.7592       0.7529       0.7612       0.7550  
 
                                       

Portman Group’s current Foreign Exchange Policy, for all hedging, provides for:  

    Up to 12 months maturity: 

     
Uncommitted Hedging:
  Minimum 50% Maximum 90% of forecast USD sales
 
   
Committed Hedging:
  Maximum 90% of forecast USD sales

    12 to 24 months maturity:

     
Uncommitted Hedging:
  Minimum 25% Maximum 75% of forecast USD sales
 
   
Committed Hedging:
  Maximum 30% of forecast USD sales

    24 to 36 months maturity: 

     
Uncommitted Hedging:
  Minimum 15% Maximum 50% of forecast USD sales
 
   
Committed Hedging:
  Maximum 15% of forecast USD sales
:

6

PORTMAN LIMITED
A.B.N. 22 007 871 892

 

 

Corporate Information

 

     
Directors    
Joseph Carrabba
Richard Mehan
David Gunning
Donald Gallagher
William Calfee
Michael Perrott
Malcolm Macpherson
  Chairman
Managing Director/CEO
Director
Director
Director
Independent Director
Independent Director

Company Secretary

Leo Kipfstuhl  

Registered Office

Level 11, The Quadrant
1 William Street
Perth  6000
WESTERN AUSTRALIA  

Telephone:        (08) 9426 3333
Facsimile:          (08) 9426 3344  

Internet site:      www.portman.com.au  

At 30 September 2006 there were 175,690,073 Ordinary shares on issue.  

Substantial Shareholders as at 30 September 2006

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Australia Pty Ltd
AMP Limited

Reporting Calendar  

Anticipated release dates for information in 2006 and other important anticipated dates
are as follows:

     
December 2006 Quarterly Report
Annual Report
  Late January 2007
Late February 2007
 
   

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