Aussie shares started the week on a strong note, despite a mixed night for overseas markets on Friday.

The major banks all improved on the day; ANZ and CBA put on 0.8% each.

The big miners advanced; Rio Tinto jumped 1%, whilst rival BHP climbed 1.7%, both helped by rising commodity prices.

Elsewhere in the mining space, coal miners Aston Resources (+4.2%) and Whitehaven Coal (+1.2%) have confirmed they are in discussion about a possible merger.

In the energy sector, many uranium miners soared after the Labour Party confirmed uranium sales to India will be added to its policy platform.

Energy Resources (+9.8%) and Deep Yellow (+10.3%) were amongst the major benefactors.

The ASX 200 increased 33 points (+0.8%), settling at 4321.

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