SHARES in JCI Gold Ltd pressed firmer in early trade on Thursday as Western Areas withdrew merger plans. Western Areas said on Wednesday it has withdrawn plans for the proposed merger of companies in the JCI/Randgold Group to form a single global mining company. It said the proposal was no longer feasible due to inadequate critical mass after the loss of Randfontein Estates, bought in a hostile bid earlier this month by rival Harmony Gold. In early trade JCI shares were up 5,62% or 25 cents at 470 cents, albeit in small volumes.