SCOTGOLD Resources has redeemed its loan from South African lender RMB at a cost of around £1.2 million.

Richard Gray, chief executive, described it as an important step in preparing the business to look for additional financing to develop a gold and silver mine at Cononish in Argyll.

Mr Gray said: "In parallel to the technical review, which is currently being advanced, we are now in a position to consider all options for securing the necessary finance."

A new mineral resource estimate is expected to be produced by the end of January.

RMB is a division of South African ­financial group First Rand.