JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) - ASX-listed gold company Ramelius Resources has moved to above a 20% holding in fellow Western Australian gold miner, Dioro Exploration, as an increasing number of Dioro shareholders accept the gold miner's unconditional two-for-one share offer.

Ramelius announced on Monday that it was extending the offer period by three weeks to close on November 2, unless it is extended again.

The offer had been due to close on Monday.

Ramelius has received more than 8,6-million shares from accepting Dioro shareholders over the last two days, representing some 9,5% of the Dioro register.

This pushed Ramelius' total holding in its neighbouring gold miner in Western Australia's eastern goldfields to about 21,4% on Monday afternoon.

"The rate of acceptance has built daily and at very encouraging levels," said Ramelius chairperson Robert Kennedy.

"We originally made the bid for Dioro because of the appeal of that company's nearby Frog's Leg Gold Mine - and on the current rate of acceptances, our effective interest in that project is now more than 10% and is growing by the day," he added.

Ramelius is offering one of its ordinary shares for every two Dioro shares.