JUNIOR Western Australian nickel and gold explorer Red Back Mining NL prepared to list on the Australian Stock Exchange this week, 10 years ago. Red Back proposed exploration of seven nickel, base metal and gold properties around the state prompted an over-subscribed issue of 25 million shares at 20 cents each, which raised $5 million. Managing director Ross Ashton said the initial exploration would focus on the Irwin Hills nickel prospect, 90 kilometres east of Laverton.