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Mining Beat.
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Geophysical modelling takes to the cloud
Geosoft launched VOXI Earth Modelling, a cloud-based 3D geophysical inversion software that generates voxel models from gravity and magnetic data. The technology eliminates the need for expert modellers and makes advanced geophysical modeling accessible to general geophysicists with improved speed and usability.
Mining boom in BC’s north is good news for suppliers
British Columbia's north is experiencing a sustained mining boom with 55% of the province's mining activity concentrated in the region where only 7% of the population lives. Supply companies are shifting focus with up to 50% of operations now serving mining companies, driven by mine reopenings including Gibraltar copper/molybdenum mine and Mount Polley copper/gold mine.
Premier announces funding for forestry and mining training
B.C. Premier Christy Clark announced $1.6 million in funding for mining and forestry skills training programs at Thompson Rivers University's Williams Lake campus. The programs will train 80 students in heavy equipment operation and truck driving to meet labor demand in the Cariboo region's priority industries.
Russel Metals acquires Alberta Industrial Metals
Russel Metals Inc. acquired Alberta Industrial Metals Ltd. for $30 million, including operating assets, land, and buildings in Red Deer, Alberta. The target company generates approximately $30 million in annual revenues and provides cut-to-length processing capabilities that complement Russel Metals' existing Alberta operations.
Mining Week in Saskatchewan celebrated success
Saskatchewan celebrated Mining Week 2012, highlighting the province's strong mining performance with $8.1 billion in mineral sales in 2011. Exploration spending is forecast to increase from $293 million in 2011 to $325 million in 2012, with potash producers planning $13.2 billion in mine expansions by 2020.
Mosaic Company recognized for corporate responsibility
Mosaic Company was recognized for the third consecutive year on Corporate Responsibility Magazine's 100 Best Corporate Citizens list, jumping from 67th to 28th place in 2012. The world's leading phosphate and potash producer was honored for environmental achievements including recycling 90% of water used in North American operations and protecting over 21,000 acres through conservation easements.
Teck’s Doug Horswill receives MABC Mining Person of the Year award
Doug Horswill, senior vice president at Teck Resources, received the 2012 MABC Mining Person of the Year award during B.C. Mining Week. The award recognizes his leadership in innovation, safety, sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, including his work on the Zinc Alliance for Child Health initiative.
B.C. Mining Week will kick off May 13
B.C. Mining Week is scheduled for May 13-19, 2012, featuring industry recognition activities across British Columbia. Major events will be hosted in Vancouver with additional community events throughout the province.
Bingay coal project moves forward
Centermount Coal Ltd. is advancing its Bingay coal project near Elkford, B.C. to pre-feasibility stage, with the report expected by February 2012. The project contains approximately 170 million tonnes of total resources and 39 million tonnes of clean coal product, with mining production scheduled to begin by 2016.
Elk Valley may expand mining opportunities
Centermount Coal Ltd. is advancing development of the Bingay Creek coal mining site north of Elkford in the East Kootenay region. The Elkford Chamber of Commerce is reviewing the project and will discuss next development stages at a meeting on January 24.
Approval given to oilsands project
The federal government approved the Joslyn North Mine oilsands project in Alberta, representing $9 billion in new capital investment. The project is expected to generate over $10 billion in government revenues over 40 years and contribute to Alberta's mining employment growth.
Employment in Yukon booming
Yukon's mineral exploration boom has created record employment of 19,200 people in the industry, the highest level since the 1990s. The growth includes direct exploration jobs and spin-off positions in service and supply companies, with Trinity Helicopters adding 21 positions at their new Whitehorse base.
Gold mining permit granted
The Province of British Columbia has granted a Mines Act permit for the Barkerville Gold Mine near Wells, which will produce 73,000 tonnes of ore annually and create 70 direct jobs. The mine has a four-year life span and is part of B.C.'s broader mining expansion plans targeting 17 new projects by 2015.
Impacting our caribou?
Environment Canada has proposed a woodland caribou recovery strategy that would restrict federal land use if mining operations disturb more than 35% of caribou habitat. Mining associations are concerned this will halt future investment in northern Saskatchewan, while conservationists point to steadily declining caribou populations across Canada.
Investment increases for prairie jobs
Saskatchewan is positioned to receive $50 billion of $140 billion in Canadian capital investment over the next two decades, with its mining industry valued at $7.1 billion. Potash companies have announced nearly $13 billion in mine expansions by 2020, while the province's mineral production value has tripled to $6.8 billion in the last decade.
Perry creek project proceeding
The Mackenzie Valley Review Board has approved the Prairie Creek Mine project to proceed to the regulatory phase, finding no significant adverse environmental impacts or public concerns. The NWT and Nunavut Chamber of Mines views this as an important milestone for the Northwest Territories mining sector.
Settlement reached in uranium debate
The B.C. government and Boss Power Corp. reached a $30 million out-of-court settlement to resolve disputes over the province's 2009 ban on uranium and thorium exploration. The settlement addresses concerns about the retroactive cabinet order that banned permits for uranium and thorium activities in the province.
Social activism | Fundraising
The Yukon mining industry raised over $50,000 for community causes at the 39th Annual Yukon Geoscience Forum in November. The fundraising supported children's literacy programs and a community recreation facility rebuilding effort.
Establishing better working relationships
The First Nation of Na-cho Nyak Dun, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in and the Yukon Chamber of Mines have collaborated on a guide for effective engagement practices with Yukon First Nations during mineral exploration and development. The guide aims to help mining companies establish respectful working relationships with Indigenous communities.
Fourteen years of safety
Potash Corp's Cassidy Lake Division achieved a significant safety milestone of 14 years without a lost-time accident as of August 22, 2011. The company emphasized its commitment to safety culture and employee wellbeing as core corporate values.
MABC welcomes a new president
The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) announced the appointment of Karina Briño as its new president and CEO, effective August 1, 2011. Briño brings extensive experience in the BC mining sector and is expected to enhance MABC's position as the voice of mining in the province.
Taseko’s New Prosperity Mine is approved
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has accepted Taseko Mines' project description for its $1-billion New Prosperity gold-copper mine in B.C.'s central interior. The federal environmental assessment will begin by November 7, 2011, with a 365-day review timeline under the comprehensive study process.
Confirmed results
Capstone Mining has received a positive 43-101 resource estimate for the Esso deposit at its Kutcho copper-zinc-precious metals project near Dease Lake, B.C. The updated resource confirms 1.8 million tonnes of indicated resources grading 2.69% copper, 6.18% zinc, 0.66 g/t gold and 64.8 g/t silver, upgrading previously inferred resources to indicated status.
Favourable economics
Northgate Minerals Corp forecasts gold production of 195,000-205,000 ounces across its portfolio at costs of $810-$855 per ounce, driven by the operational Young-Davidson Mine. The company expects production to increase while costs decrease over the next year.
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