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Teck announces first in Canada LNG haul truck at Fording River Mine
Teck Resources is piloting LNG-powered haul trucks at its Fording River coal mine in B.C., marking the first use of LNG fuel for haul trucks at a Canadian mine site. The pilot could reduce GHG emissions by up to 20% and potentially save over $20 million annually in fuel costs across operations.
MOU signed by Alaska & B.C. Commitment to protect shared environment
British Columbia Premier Christy Clark and Alaska Governor Bill Walker signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cross-border partnerships on environmental protection and mining oversight. The MOU establishes a bilateral working group to monitor trans-boundary waters and creates frameworks for collaboration on mining development projects affecting shared watersheds.
Mount Polley short-term discharge permit approved
Mount Polley Mining Corporation received provincial approval for a short-term permit to treat and discharge water from Springer Pit, which is expected to reach capacity by April 2016. The permit allows treated water discharge into Hazeltine Creek and ultimately Quesnel Lake, following comprehensive public consultation and technical review.
Serious challenges to future mining investment necessitate immediate action
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce released a major report urging provincial and federal governments to take immediate action to strengthen Ontario's mining sector competitiveness. The report recommends increasing northern infrastructure investment, reducing regulatory uncertainty, and raising Ontario's flow-through share tax credit from 5% to 20%.
Legacy Potash project 50% complete, 150 more people to be hired.
K+S Potash Canada's $4.1 billion Legacy Project in southern Saskatchewan has reached 50% completion with startup scheduled for summer 2016. The company plans to hire 150 additional employees and expects to reach 2.0 million tonnes of production capacity by end of 2017.
Britespan wins manufacturing excellence award from Huron Manufacturing Association
Britespan Building Systems Inc. won the 2015 Huron Manufacturing Association Exporting Award, recognizing the company's success in international markets and export growth. The Clinton, Ontario-based manufacturer was also a finalist for Innovation and Corporate Citizenship awards, demonstrating continued expansion and job creation in rural Ontario.
CP proposes business combination to Norfolk Southern
Canadian Pacific has proposed a merger with Norfolk Southern Corp. in a 50% cash, 50% stock transaction valued at $126.18 per share, representing a 59.4% premium. The combination would create a transcontinental railroad with $1.8 billion in annual operating synergies and reduce Chicago rail congestion.
Vancouver-based Lucara makes diamond history; recovers 1,111 carat diamond
Vancouver-based Lucara Diamond Corp. recovered a 1,111 carat gem quality diamond from its Karowe Mine in Botswana, making it the world's second largest gem quality diamond ever found and the largest recovered through modern processing. The historic discovery was made possible by newly installed Large Diamond Recovery XRT machines and represents exceptional value from the mine's south lobe.
Imperial Metals buoyed by Red Chris Mine production
Imperial Metals reported significantly increased revenues of $55.9 million in Q3 2015, driven primarily by the successful commissioning and commercial production start at the Red Chris mine in July 2015. Red Chris produced 20.7 million pounds of copper and 9,281 ounces of gold in the quarter, representing substantial increases from the previous quarter and helping offset challenges at other operations.
CIM President receives highest award for B.C. geoscientist
CIM President Garth Kirkham received the C.J. Westerman Memorial Award, the highest honor for geoscientists, at APEGBC's annual convention in Kelowna. The award recognizes his four decades of technical achievements in providing high-technology services to mining, oil and gas, geotechnical and environmental industries.
Aappalutoq Ruby Mine reaches 75% completion and joint venture partner earns further 10% ownership
True North Gems announced that construction at its Aappalutoq Ruby and Pink Sapphire project in Greenland has reached 75% completion. As a result of this milestone, joint venture partner LNS Group has earned an additional 10% ownership, bringing their total stake to 17%.
Closures and reduced footprint for Finning in Western Canada
Finning International, the Caterpillar dealer for western Canada, announced the closure of 11 additional facilities following 16 previous closures, reducing its western Canadian footprint by over 20% by mid-2016. The company also cut 1,100 jobs (20% reduction) and reported Q3 2015 revenues down 16% due to significantly lower equipment demand from all sectors, particularly Alberta construction.
Westhaven commences drilling on its Shovelnose Gold property
Westhaven Ventures has commenced a 1,500-metre diamond drilling program at its Shovelnose gold property in British Columbia's Spences Bridge Gold Belt. The program aims to expand and outline the newly recognized epithermal gold system, building on previous drilling that intersected 50.4 metres grading 0.54 g/t Au and 4.77 g/t Ag. The company has completed 24 drill holes to date, all encountering gold and silver mineralization.
Coal Association of Canada president resigns, successor appointed
The Coal Association of Canada announced Robin Campbell as its new President, effective November 16, 2015, replacing Ann Marie Hann who resigned to pursue other opportunities. Campbell brings experience as Alberta MLA for West Yellowhead and former government minister in portfolios relevant to the coal industry.
TMAC Resources: Hope Bay Gold Mine project moving successfully along the “path to production”
TMAC Resources reports the Hope Bay Gold Mine project remains on track and budget for production by end of 2016, having secured over $350 million in financing. The company achieved significant progress with 88% completion of processing plant engineering and successful test mining at the Doris underground operation that improved grades from 13 to 31 grams per tonne.
Boart Longyear launches MDR700, the next generation underground coring rig with advanced mobility
Boart Longyear launched the MDR700, a next-generation underground coring rig featuring advanced mobility with a Manitou four-wheel drive carrier. The rig demonstrates 80% faster movement between holes compared to regular underground exploration rigs and offers 270-degree drilling angles with enhanced safety controls.
Illumiti and Vandrico launch MineSafe Smartwatch running on the SAP HANA Platform
Illumiti partnered with SAP Co-Innovation Lab and Vandrico Solutions to launch the MineSafe Smartwatch, a safety technology for underground miners. The device provides real-time communication, worker tracking, hazard detection, and emergency response capabilities running on the SAP HANA platform.
US Coal producer cuts shipment through Westshore Terminals
Cloud Peak Energy amended its throughput agreement with Westshore Terminals to eliminate volume obligations for 2016-2018, replacing $454 million in take-or-pay commitments with quarterly payments. The move reflects depressed international coal prices and may reduce production at the Spring Creek Mine if export shipments don't materialize.
Teck reports $2.2B in impairment charges and $2.1B in losses
Teck Resources reported massive $2.2 billion impairment charges due to low commodity price expectations, resulting in a $2.1 billion quarterly loss despite adjusted profit of $29 million. The company raised nearly $1 billion through streaming transactions and reduced debt by $400 million to strengthen its balance sheet amid challenging market conditions.
Teck announces appointment of Lawrence Watkins as Vice President, Health and Safety
Teck Resources Limited announced the appointment of Lawrence Watkins as Vice President, Health and Safety. Watkins has been with Teck since 2014 as Director, Health and Safety, bringing extensive mining industry experience across operations and management systems.
MAC congratulates Prime Minister-elect Justin Trudeau
The Mining Association of Canada congratulated Prime Minister-elect Justin Trudeau on his election victory and expressed optimism about working with the new Liberal government. MAC highlighted Liberal platform commitments including investments in innovation, infrastructure, and skills training, as well as regulatory review for resource projects.
The biggest mines in BC by revenue
Highland Valley Copper in Logan Lake topped British Columbia's mines by revenue in 2014 with $943 million, representing a 6% increase over 2013. The copper and molybdenum operation led a ranking published by Business in Vancouver despite overall sector revenue declining due to commodity downturn.
Mining Association of British Columbia congratulates new federal government
The Mining Association of BC congratulated the newly elected federal government under Justin Trudeau and committed to working with them on mining industry issues. The association highlighted the industry's challenging environment, with revenues declining from $9.9B in 2011 to $8.2B in 2014 and workforce reductions of approximately 20%.
QMEA 2015 Recognition Awards
The Quebec Mineral Exploration Association (QMEA) held its 2015 Recognition Awards Gala, honoring outstanding contributions to Quebec's mineral sector. Eastmain Resources won Discovery of the Year for its Eau Claire project, while Integra Gold received Entrepreneur of the Year. The event celebrated the dynamism and entrepreneurial qualities of QMEA members.