Western Potash Corp. Delivers Robust Prefeasibility Study at Milestone

Western Potash Corp. (the “Company”) (TSX: WPX) is pleased to announce the receipt of an independent positive Prefeasibility Study (the “Study”) from AMEC Americas Limited (“AMEC”) on its 100% owned Milestone property in southern Saskatchewan (the “Milestone Project”).

Business Wire Natural Resources News | October 31, 2011 - 8:36 pm

Environmental groups’ challenge of Alberta coal plant expansion rejected

An Alberta court has dismissed Ecojustice's legal challenge, launched on behalf of the Pembina Institute, of the Alberta Utilities Commission's (AUC's) approval of a coal-fired power plant expansion in western Alberta.

HazMat Management | October 31, 2011 - 8:29 pm

Coal mining deaths in China leading to more imports

A Chinese government policy that purports to make coal mines safer is triggering local supply disruptions. China's dismal, and tragic, accident record at coal mines led the Chinese government to consolidate thousands of small, often-dangerous coal mines to boost safety. As the largest user and producer of coal, the country became a net importer in 2009 for the first time, as the consolidations led to a drop in domestic coal output. (Read an indepth article on China's place in the global coal market in MINING.com Magazine)

Andrew Topf | October 31, 2011 - 7:19 pm

$1.3B African copper takeover threatened

The takeover of Anvil Mining (TSE:AVM), an African copper producer, by Chinese company Minmetals Resources Ltd, could be in jeopardy. Anvil warned on Monday that the $1.3 billion deal may not be completed if the company fails to come to an agreement with partner Gecamines over contractual arrangements. According to the news release, La Générale des Carrières et des Mines Sarl (“Gécamines”) told Anvil that the takeover offer would trigger a review of the lease agreements with Anvil over the Kinsevere project in the DRC. State-owned Gécamines holds the leases to the mineral tenures.

Andrew Topf | October 31, 2011 - 6:38 pm

South African Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources Urges Skills Building for the South African Mining Industry

BuaNews: Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources Godfrey Oliphant is urging the South African Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA) to continue building skills programs to benefit the mining sector, currently suffering from a skills shortage.

Oliphant, who was addressing the Annual Consultative Conference on Friday, commended the MQA for focusing on grassroots activities like Adult Basic Education and Training, career development initiatives, bursaries, workplace coaching programme and development of black managers in the mining sector. "I am encouraged by the research that is currently being done focusing on workplace skills plans and annual training reports. I encourage employers in the sector to work with labour actively to undertake and build on this crucial area of skills development," he said.

Joanna Gaskell - Education Editor | October 31, 2011 - 6:11 pm

Norilsk Mickel and Bellona hold Seminar on Cross-Border Metal Processing Pollution

Bellona reports: the Kola Mining and Metallurgical Company (GMK), a division of the smelting giant Norilsk Nickel, and international environmental NGO Bellona discussed environmental problems today in a seminar regarding Norilsk Nickel's metal works on the Kola Peninsula.

The seminar’s name reflects its goal: “Interaction between governmental structures, business, academia and civil society – an instrument for improving environmental safety in the region.”

Joanna Gaskell - Education Editor | October 31, 2011 - 5:56 pm

New Skills Program for Mining and Forestry in Northern BC

As a part of BC's job plan, a new training program to address a skills shortage in forestry and mining was announced today, reports Energetic City.

Over the next 18 months, $2.9 billion will be provided for the program. The pilot is intended to offer training in key areas such as language and literacy training, technology upgrades, numeracy and document use. Training will be provided through local service providers through USW (the United Steelworkers Unions).

Joanna Gaskell - Education Editor | October 31, 2011 - 5:48 pm

Bullish Momentum Building in Gold and Silver

After correcting from above $1900 to below $1550, gold prices have undergone the necessary consolidation and now look poised to challenge the old highs.

Bob Kirtley - Gold-Prices.biz | October 31, 2011 - 3:15 pm