Small-cap Basic Resource Plays - KATX, SMNG, AAPH, FNRC

(NEW YORK)-- Ludlow Capital issues a profile on several small-cap basic resource plays in the areas of gold and oil and natural gas exploration.

Gold Exploration

Kat Exploration, Inc. (OTC:KATX), a mineral exploration company developing gold mining rich regions of Newfoundland, announced positive results for their drilling program at their Handcamp Project, which showed very encouraging gold mineralization at shallow depths. In addition, the Company continues on track to complete all regulatory filings for their share dividend distribution of Bella Viaggio, Inc. (OTC:BVIG) to KTAX shareholders of record.

Strategic Mining Corp. (OTC:SMNG), is a gold mining exploration company focused on development of gold mining projects, announced they had completed their geological report for its East Canyon gold property located in both Nevada and Utah. In addition, the Company announced today that the land survey for its Nat Son property has been approved by the Vietnamese Provincial Government, and has completed construction of new industrial roads that allow year round access to the property.

Ludlow Capital has issued research coverage on SMNG, and based on current shares outstanding of around 95 million shares, and progress towards gold production, we have issues a 'speculative' near-term valuation target of $0.12 to $0.14 per share.

Oil and Natural Gas

American Petro-Hunter, Inc. (OTC:AAPH), an oil and natural gas exploration company, announce the Company is finalizing plans to drill a horizontal oil well on the North Oklahoma Project leases located in Payne County, Oklahoma. The Company also announced that July oil production from the #1 and #3 Lutters wells at the Postons Project located in Trego County, Kansas totaled 1,280 barrels.

1st NRG Corp (OTC:FNRC), an oil and natural gas exploration company based in Colorado, announced letter of intent for new development project with estimates of reserve potential to be over 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas proven reserves. Along with their Cedar Creek project, the Company proven reserves now top around 5.8 Bcf for these two projects. With only around 4.5 million shares outstanding, and current market capitalization of around $1 million, the stock could have substantial upside potential.

Ludlow Capital has issued research coverage on FNRC, and based on current shares outstanding of 4.5 million shares, and proven reserves valued near $15 million, we have issues a 'speculative' valuation target of $2.50 to $3.00 per share.