Goldfields Ltd of Australia expects to know in the next few weeks whether or not it can successfully negotiate terms for the acquisition of the gold mining assets of Centaur Mining and Exploration Ltd. Goldfields took part in the bidding process with Centaur's receivers last month, securing preferred-bidder status (MJ, September 21, p.219). Speaking this Tuesday, Peter Cassidy, chief executive of Goldfields, said that the company is now three weeks into a one-month period in which it has exclusive rights to negotiate a deal. This period may be extended if an agreement is close. <