Minmet has agreed to take full control of its joint venture in the Valongo-Gondomar area in Portugal. The deal will be effected through its subsidiary, Connary Minerals, which had been exploring the gold-strike zone in a joint venture with Empresa de Desenvolvimento Mineiro since 1998, originally on a 50/50 basis, then a 75/25 basis. Full control would give the group "the full flexibility to explore this highly prospective area and will enable us to discuss a farm-in arrangement with a major mining house as and when appropriate", Minmet said.