Australian S&P ASX 200 index followed its US peers on Monday and appreciated, supported mainly by mining shares. Australia's benchmark index advanced 0.79% or 34.50 points and closed at 4,396.60 with basic materials and technology sectors posting the biggest gains. Integra Ming rallied 8.3% while Saracen Mineral surged 6.4%. On the downside Imdex Ltd slumped 5.3% and Dart Energy gave up 5%. On monthly basis Australian index has gained 1.4%.