Barney I used to be put off by the use of the words exploit or exploitation in stock announcements especially in African nations ann's re an ASX co. project approval etc., or French language translated resource ann's especially oil/gas production reports BUT I realised after a while that worldwide the word exploit has an entitrely different meaning to what is most common here in Oz.
eg.
exploit
n
1. a notable deed or feat, esp one that is noble or heroic
vb (
tr)
2. to take advantage of (a person, situation, etc), esp unethically or unjustly for one's own ends
3. to make the best use of: to exploit natural resources.
[C14: from Old French:
and
ex·ploi·ta·tion (
k
sploi-t
sh
n)
n.
1. The act of employing to the greatest possible advantage: exploitation of copper deposits.
2. Utilization of another person or group for selfish purposes: exploitation of unwary consumers.
3. An advertising or a publicity program
and this
ex•ploi•ta•tion (ˌɛk splɔɪˈteɪ ʃən)
n.
1. the use of something, esp. for profit: exploitation of oil fields.
2. the use or manipulation of another person for one's own advantage.
3. promotion; publicity.
[1795–1805; < French]
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/exploitation