TSX Group Inc. announced that eight resource firms have agreed to participate in the expansion of TSX dual-currency trading.

The move extends U.S. dollar-based trading to the active stocks in the basic materials sector. The companies that have signed up are: Abitibi–Consolidated Inc., Bema Gold Corp., Crystallex International Corp., Glamis Gold Ltd., Golden Star Resources Ltd., IAMgold Corp., Northgate Minerals Corp. and Pan American Silver Corp.

The TSX says, as a result of strong demand from market players, it will expand its offering of securities available for trading in dual currencies, effective October 1. These securities will be listed and traded in both Canadian and U.S. dollars. The U.S. dollar trading symbol will consist of the Canadian symbol with a “.U” extension.

The listing of additional securities trading in dual currencies will be based on investor and issuer demand, and will be announced through the normal Listings Bulletin process.

The trading of the U.S. dollar denominated securities is governed under the existing framework of rules, regulations and policies concerning the trading of securities in Canada.

The TSX is suspending normal trading fees on all US$-based trading, a move it says is designed to help firms in marketing and implementing order-routing logic to tap this new liquidity.