Thursday, May 31, 2012

MINEWEB.COM'S TOP STORIES: Homestake grand dame's body donated to science

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These selected stories represent only a fraction of the news and analysis featured and updated all day on Mineweb.com - check out our home page for the rest of the news and expert analysis now available at www.mineweb.com

 

 
 

TOP STORIES | Thursday , 31 May 2012                                                     

Homestake grand dame's body donated to science

One of the ultimate examples of the sustainability of mines-the nation's first deep underground science lab-was formally unveiled deep in the caverns of the former Homestake gold mine.    Thursday , 31 May 2012

New deal for Harmony's Evander after Wits Gold pulls out

Pan African Resources has offered to buy Harmony's Evander mine on its own for R1.5bn after a disagreement with Wits Gold over conditions precedent.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

Neo Materials shareholders approve proposed US$1.3bn Molycorp takeover

The friendly merger of Neo Material Technologies, Molycorp and MCP Exchange is expected to proceed very smoothly when it goes before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on June 8th.    Thursday , 31 May 2012

One of the finest opportunities to buy gold in the whole bull market - Embry

For Sprott's John Embry the current level represents a strong buying opportunity because nothing in recent months has really been gold unfriendly.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

De Beers charting unfamiliar territory

New CEO Philippe Mellier says his 15 jobs in 18 years has given him the ideal experience base from which to take the diamond maker forward.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

Glencore, Xstrata prepare for last stretch in marathon deal

Both companies will send details of their long-awaited merger to shareholders on Thursday, including a 3-year retention package set to be worth tens of millions of dollars for Xstrata boss Mick Davis.    Thursday , 31 May 2012

BHP Billiton gets environmental nod for $10bn port plan

The miner is expected to make a final investment decision on the Port Hedland outer harbour project in the Pilbara region in Western Australia later this year.    Thursday , 31 May 2012

Vale looking cheap at current levels - BlackRock, Aberdeen

The Brazilian miner, the cheapest of the world's 15 biggest miners relative to earnings, is attracting interest from BlackRock and Aberdeen Asset Management after the stock slumped to the lowest in two and a half years.    Thursday , 31 May 2012

Eastplats suspends funding for two South African projects

The company says a recovery in PGM prices is unlikely in the near term due to volatility in the European markets, which consume about 50% of South Africa's platinum production.    Thursday , 31 May 2012

Protesters block Indonesia's vital coal-carrying rivers

The blockade of the Barito and Mahakam rivers is the latest protest by Indonesians who feel disenfranchised by their country's commodities boom.    Thursday , 31 May 2012

Jiangxi Copper delays start-up of product plant to H2

Company spokesman Pan Qifang says start-up of the 400,000 tonne-a-year product plant in Guangdong will be delayed until the second half of the year because of the rainy season.    Thursday , 31 May 2012

Copper hits 2012 lows as Euro zone debt woes hurt

Worries about the health of the global economy have dragged London copper prices to their lowest level so far this year as investors continue to exit riskier assets on mounting fears about the debt crisis in Europe.    Thursday , 31 May 2012

GlobalOre platform off to a lively start as iron ore prices rise

GlobalOre, backed by major iron ore miners BHP Billiton, Vale and Rio Tinto made its debut Wednesday, heralding the start of competition with China's efforts to set an industry price benchmark.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

Prospects shine for West African iron ore juniors

Juniors hope major deposits, such as Simandou in Guinea and Belinga in Gabon, will help West Africa challenge an iron ore market dominated by Australia and Brazil.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

Mozambique wants Vale to list coal project on local bourse

According to proposed revisions in legislation, companies investing in Mozambique could be required to reserve between 5% and 20% of their local ventures for placements on the bourse.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

Yesterday's top story: The big new thing in gold - capital adequacy ratios

Ross Norman looks at the implications for gold of an increased focus on the assets banks are allowed to hold as tier one capital.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

PODCASTS / RADIO                                                     

Current gold price action counter-intuitive - Embry

Sprott Asset Management's John Embry believes at current levels gold is offering the finest buying opportunity of the whole 12 year bull market.

Europe, Iran and other Black Swans - Ian McAvity

Ian McAvity looks at some of the major events taking place at the moment and what they might mean for gold, silver and the rest of the commodities complex.

Greek exit scenarios and what it means for gold - Grant Williams

The author of Things That Make You Go Hmmmm..., looks at whether or not an orderly exit is possible and what it all might mean for gold.

Silver a great business to be in for the next 50 years - Phil Baker

Hecla CEO, Phil Baker, says the silver market is currently in a similar place to where it was 100 years ago, when photographic uses were just beginning to gather steam.

 

Pan African to acquire 100% of Evander Gold Mines; issues further cautionary announcement

Pan African is pleased to advise its shareholders ("Shareholders") that today, 30 May 2012, ("Signature Date") it entered into an agreement ("Acquisition Agreement") with Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited ("Harmony") in terms of which a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pan African ("Purchaser") will acquire the entire issued share capital of and claims against Evander from Harmony ("Transaction") for a total purchase consideration of R1.5 billion, subject to certain terms and conditions more fully described below. The Transaction follows the termination of the transaction regarding the proposed acquisition of Evander from Harmony by a consortium, which included Pan African, as referred to in an announcement released by Harmony on the Securities Exchange News Service of the JSE Limited earlier today.

For the Full Release click here

 

CONFERENCES

Earth's Resources Conference 2012
Date: 20 June 2012 - 21 June 2012
Venue: JW Marriott Hotel, Hong Kong
A high-powered invitation-only conference bringing together institutional investors and mining companies interested in particular in generating investment in the Asian marketplace. Read More

ENGINE ROOM

Editorial

Europe

Lawrie Williams, London
Geoff Candy, Groningen

Americas

Dorothy Kosich, Reno
Kip Keen, Halifax, NS

Asia and Australasia

Shivom Seth, Mumbai
Ross Louthean, Perth
Kerry Stevenson, Sydney

Africa

Christy Filen, Johannesburg


Sales and Marketing
Jan Chadwick, International
Wendy Hora, Australasia

 

Production

Lindiwe Molekoa, Johannesburg

Editor in Chief

Alec Hogg, Johannesburg

 

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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

MINEWEB.COM'S TOP STORIES: Argentina tightens trade restrictions screws on mining operators

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These selected stories represent only a fraction of the news and analysis featured and updated all day on Mineweb.com - check out our home page for the rest of the news and expert analysis now available at www.mineweb.com

 

 

FEATURED PODCAST                                                     

Current gold price action counter-intuitive - Embry

Sprott Asset Management's John Embry believes at current levels gold is offering the finest buying opportunity of the whole 12 year bull market
 

TOP STORIES | Wednesday , 30 May 2012                                                     

Argentina tightens trade restrictions screws on mining operators

In an effort to protect local industries and businesses, the Argentine Mining Ministry is steadily increasing the regulatory trade burden on mining operators doing business in the country.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

Coal miner Cline sues British Columbia for C$500m+ in compensation

After waiting 27 months to be adequately compensated for the loss of its Flathead Valley coal mining project, a fed-up Cline Mining has sued the B.C. government for millions.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

Prudent central banks stock up on gold

Amidst the deepening financial crisis in the euro zone, certain prudent central banks are adding gold to their reserves.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

Sabina hails low cost for 3.7 million ounce gold mine in Canada's North

It can be an expensive place to operate but Sabina Gold & Silver pegs operating costs under C$600 per ounce for its Back River project in Nunavut.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

Edgewater shares climb on oxide resource in Ghana

Edgewater Exploration outlines resources at the Enchi project in Ghana where it is earning in to 51 percent ownership.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

Gold and the euro identity crisis

As wires proclaim hedge funds are finding ways to trade in Euro misery, Adrian Ash looks at whether the currency is as good as gold or the other way around.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

Mining supporters, opponents reveal polarized Peru

A day after Peru's government used emergency powers to end an anti-mining protest at Xstrata's Tintaya mine, thousands marched in support of Newmont Mining's widely-opposed $4.8 billion Conga project.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

Poland seeks higher 2011 dividend from KGHM

KGHM's management has offered a dividend payout at 17 zlotys per share, while Poland's Treasury Minister Mikolaj Budzanowski says Warsaw is seeking a dividend far exceeding 3 billion zlotys.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

CNMC pulls $313mn Hong Kong IPO

The Chinese copper miner has delayed its planned Hong Kong IPO due to worsening market conditions, becoming the second major one to be scrapped in the city this week.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

Voestalpine estimates steady 2012/13 operating profit

Austrian specialty steel group Voestalpine says operating results for FY 2012/13 should be achievable on similar levels like in FY 2011/12, despite the challenging environment in the steel segment.    Wednesday , 30 May 2012

Australian PM quells party unrest over mining jobs

Julia Gillard's ruling Labor Party is outraged by the first Enterprise Migration Agreement approved last Friday allowing mining companies to hire offshore workers to help overcome chronic worker shortages and ensure major projects can proceed.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

Transnet moves more coal to South Africa's power plants

The state-owned logistics group expects coal carried along its lines to triple to 30 million tonnes within seven years to meet demand at coal-fired power stations.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

Yesterday's top story: The flock of black swans facing gold

Deliberations on World Markets Author, Ian McAvity, believes that the world faces a number of major challenges that could see gold go significantly higher this year.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

PODCASTS / RADIO                                                     

Europe, Iran and other Black Swans - Ian McAvity

Ian McAvity looks at some of the major events taking place at the moment and what they might mean for gold, silver and the rest of the commodities complex.

Greek exit scenarios and what it means for gold - Grant Williams

The author of Things That Make You Go Hmmmm..., looks at whether or not an orderly exit is possible and what it all might mean for gold.

Silver a great business to be in for the next 50 years - Phil Baker

Hecla CEO, Phil Baker, says the silver market is currently in a similar place to where it was 100 years ago, when photographic uses were just beginning to gather steam.

WGC Gold Demand Trends Q1 2012 - Marcus Grubb

The World Gold Council's MD for Investments looks at the gold investment demand trends over the first quarter in particular the difference between Eastern and Western investment demand.

 

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CONFERENCES

Earth's Resources Conference 2012
Date: 20 June 2012 - 21 June 2012
Venue: JW Marriott Hotel, Hong Kong
A high-powered invitation-only conference bringing together institutional investors and mining companies interested in particular in generating investment in the Asian marketplace. Read More

ENGINE ROOM

Editorial

Europe

Lawrie Williams, London
Geoff Candy, Groningen

Americas

Dorothy Kosich, Reno
Kip Keen, Halifax, NS

Asia and Australasia

Shivom Seth, Mumbai
Ross Louthean, Perth
Kerry Stevenson, Sydney

Africa

Christy Filen, Johannesburg


Sales and Marketing
Jan Chadwick, International
Wendy Hora, Australasia

 

Production

Lindiwe Molekoa, Johannesburg

Editor in Chief

Alec Hogg, Johannesburg

 

   Manage your subscription | Subscriber help

   If you can't access the Mineweb site from this email, please email us with the words "Problem email" in the
   subject line, and we will address the problem.

   You have voluntarily joined this mailing list. To unsubscribe, please click here

   © Mineweb 2012 | Terms and Conditions of use | About Mineweb | Contact Mineweb | Advertise

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

MINEWEB.COM'S TOP STORIES: The flock of black swans facing gold

Mineweb logo
 

These selected stories represent only a fraction of the news and analysis featured and updated all day on Mineweb.com - check out our home page for the rest of the news and expert analysis now available at www.mineweb.com

 

 

FEATURED PODCAST                                                     

Europe, Iran and other Black Swans - Ian McAvity

Ian McAvity looks at some of the major events taking place at the moment and what they might mean for gold, silver and the rest of the commodities complex.
 

TOP STORIES | Tuesday , 29 May 2012                                                     

The flock of black swans facing gold

Deliberations on World Markets Author, Ian McAvity, believes that the world faces a number of major challenges that could see gold go significantly higher this year.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

Selwyn more than halves output plans for its 8,000t/d Yukon zinc-lead mine

Selwyn to look at 3,500 tonne per day option for the Selwyn zinc-lead project in the Yukon as it also looks to make a deal happen on all or part of its assets.    Monday , 28 May 2012

South African mining's top leaders to hammer out new vision for the industry

A meeting, of top mining stakeholders is to take place in Midrand involving mining companies, trade unions and government with the intention of finding a consensual way forward for the country's key mining industry.    Monday , 28 May 2012

Platinum surplus diminishing as bear market approaches

Barclays Plc estimates the metal's 17% plunge to $1,433.50 since late February leaves it within 3 percentage points of the common definition of a bear market.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

China's ICBC wants to be major bullion market maker

While it is the top player on China's gold and futures exchanges The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the world's biggest bank by market value, is currently limited to OTC trading in foreign markets.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

Rationale for holding gold better now than 5 or even 10 years ago

Gold is currently doing what every other business sector is doing - just 'sitting on its hands' as shellshocked politicians and economists try to unravel the complexities of the global economic meltdown.    Monday , 28 May 2012

China's coal demand set to rebound

China's record imports of coal in April, at 25.05 million tonnes, up 90.1% year on year, indicate rather robust trends for commodity demand, despite concerns over a slowing economy.    Monday , 28 May 2012

Impala Platinum March quarter output slips 46%

The miner said Tuesday its refined platinum fell 46% in the three months to the end of March as union rivalry and wage dispute protests prompted a six-week illegal strike at its Rustenburg mine.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

Kinross Gold to sell 50% Crixas stake to AngloGold

When added to the South African miner's existing 50% stake, the $220m deal will give AngloGold Ashanti 100% control of the Crixas gold mine.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

Peru uses emergency rules to end violent protests at Xstrata mine

It was at least the second time the Peruvian government has used emergency rules that give the army special police powers and prohibit people from gathering in groups to end anti-mining protests.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

Argentina targets mining companies in import crackdown

Mining firms operating in the South American country will have to get prior approval for overseas purchases and submit import plans 120 days in advance.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

India's GVK wins Queensland nod for $9.9bn coal project

GVK's Alpha coal project has made the most progress towards development among several in the untapped Galilee Basin, where Indian rival Adani Enterprises is planning a A$10.9 billion coal and rail project.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

Gold mining resumes in N. Ontario after forest fires

Helped by rain over the weekend that dampened forest fires near Kirkland Lake and Timmins, gold mining operations are slowly returning to normal.    Tuesday , 29 May 2012

Lonmin's capex plans threatened by current PGM prices

CEO Ian Farmer says the platinum industry as a whole would need to cut back on investment plans if current prices persist.    Monday , 28 May 2012

B2Gold cash costs 12% lower than forecast in Q1

B2Gold maintains gold guidance this year and while it warns of 10% higher cash costs overall, first quarter performance beats expectations.    Monday , 28 May 2012

DRC may have violated IMF loan deal with mining asset sale

State-owned miner Gecamines sold its 25% stake in Comide Sprl last year, potentially breaching conditions attached to the country's $561 million IMF loan agreement because it failed to disclose the transaction.    Monday , 28 May 2012

Noront delays Eagle's Nest nickel mine feasibility study

Noront Resources has delayed the release of the feasibility study for its Eagle's Nest project in order to review the impact a proposed road development will have on its plans.    Monday , 28 May 2012

Yesterday's top story: China's SHFE silver futures contracts expected to have impact on global market

The Shanghai Futures Exchange's silver futures contracts, the first of their type to be offered in China, give Chinese investors a new way to bet on the precious metal.    Monday , 28 May 2012

PODCASTS / RADIO                                                     

Greek exit scenarios and what it means for gold - Grant Williams

The author of Things That Make You Go Hmmmm..., looks at whether or not an orderly exit is possible and what it all might mean for gold.

Silver a great business to be in for the next 50 years - Phil Baker

Hecla CEO, Phil Baker, says the silver market is currently in a similar place to where it was 100 years ago, when photographic uses were just beginning to gather steam.

WGC Gold Demand Trends Q1 2012 - Marcus Grubb

The World Gold Council's MD for Investments looks at the gold investment demand trends over the first quarter in particular the difference between Eastern and Western investment demand.

Gold junior financing troubles and a risk off environment - Welch

Ocean Equities analyst, Chris Welch, looks at some of the reasons behind the recent slump in junior miners and what we might expect for the rest of the year.

Aura Energy says updated scoping study further supports Häggån project viability

Highlights

  • Revised Scoping Study financial model prepared by independent consultants RMDSTEM confirms Häggån Project is financially robust
  • Revisions significantly enhance project economics with pre-tax NPV10 of US$1.85B at a U308 price of $US65/lb
  • Annual production rate of 7.8Mlbs (3,538t) of U308, which would place Häggån in top five current & planned uranium producers
  • IRR of 49% with payback of less than 5 years, or 17% of project life
  • Häggån amongst lowest cost uranium operations globally demonstrated by:
    Operating costs US$13/lb U308 when nickel & molybdenum treated as by-products
    Operating costs US$26/lb U308 when nickel & molybdenumtreated as uranium equivalent
  • Financially robust at current spot U308 prices of $52/lb

For the full release click here

 
 

CONFERENCES

Earth's Resources Conference 2012
Date: 20 June 2012 - 21 June 2012
Venue: JW Marriott Hotel, Hong Kong
A high-powered invitation-only conference bringing together institutional investors and mining companies interested in particular in generating investment in the Asian marketplace. Read More

ENGINE ROOM

Editorial

Europe

Lawrie Williams, London
Geoff Candy, Groningen

Americas

Dorothy Kosich, Reno
Kip Keen, Halifax, NS

Asia and Australasia

Shivom Seth, Mumbai
Ross Louthean, Perth
Kerry Stevenson, Sydney

Africa

Christy Filen, Johannesburg


Sales and Marketing
Jan Chadwick, International
Wendy Hora, Australasia

 

Production

Lindiwe Molekoa, Johannesburg

Editor in Chief

Alec Hogg, Johannesburg

 

   Manage your subscription | Subscriber help

   If you can't access the Mineweb site from this email, please email us with the words "Problem email" in the
   subject line, and we will address the problem.

   You have voluntarily joined this mailing list. To unsubscribe, please click here

   © Mineweb 2012 | Terms and Conditions of use | About Mineweb | Contact Mineweb | Advertise