Republic of Mining

Peat fuel producer faces uphill battle to join province’s biomass program – by Ian Ross (Northern Ontario Business – September 8, 2009)

July 10, 2013

Established in 1980, Northern Ontario Business provides Canadians and international investors with relevant, current and insightful editorial content and business news information about Ontario’s vibrant and resource-rich North. Ian Ross is the editor of Northern Ontario Business ianross@nob.on.ca.

A Toronto-based manufacturer of peat fuel wants more transparency from the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) on its plan to replace coal with wood biomass fuel at its generating plants.

For years, Peter Telford has been trying to muscle his way into Ontario’s green fuel mix ever since the McGuinty government pledged to ween all of its power plants off coal by 2014.

His company, Peat Resources Ltd., was one of 80 respondents to OPG’s procurement call last winter to help supply and transport biomass to feed their generating station boilers to produce a cleaner form of electricity.

With 30,000 ha under permit in northwestern Ontario, Telford wants to harvest and produce peat pellets from bogs in Upsala where his proposed operation would create as many as 200 jobs.

While OPG has been telling those respondents this summer it is refining biomass fuel specifications and requirements, the engineering is underway to have the Atikokan Generating Station converted over to operate as the first biomass-burning plant by 2012.

Cliffs Natural Resources CEO Carrabba to retire; Brlas out as exec VP – by Mark Dodosh (Cleveland Business – July 10, 2013)

July 10, 2013

http://www.crainscleveland.com/

Big changes are coming to the executive suite at Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE: CLF), which over the last 12 months has seen its stock lose nearly two-thirds of its value and has run into problems with a big investment in Canada.

The Cleveland-based producer of iron ore and metallurgical coal said Joseph Carrabba has informed the Cliffs board of his plans to retire as president and chief executive officer by Dec. 31.

In addition, Cliffs said Laurie Brlas, its executive vice president and president of global operations, has retired and is leaving the company, effective immediately. The company did not give a reason for her sudden departure.

Cliffs said James Kirsch, who currently serves on the board as lead director, has been elected non-executive chairman of the board, effectively immediately, replacing Mr. Carrabba as chairman.

Mr. Carrabba will continue to serve as president and CEO and a director until a successor has been elected, after which point he also will step down from the board.

Five Things to Consider Before Pursuing a Career in the Mining Industry – by Lily Ambrosi

July 10, 2013July 10, 2013

Lily Ambrosi is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about industry-specific niches. She currently focuses on minerals processing and alternative energy.

Because the mining industry has proved to be fairly profitable, and because there is a high demand for workers, many individuals have considered pursuing a career in the field. While it might seem like an exciting, lucrative opportunity, it’s important to think over a few key points before you quit your day job. As with all life choices, it’s important to dig deep and do your research before you take anything too seriously, and if you’re looking to make the transition to the mine fields, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Mining Areas Aren’t Glamorous

More often than not, securing a mining position will place you in a remote location with harsh weather conditions. They can be cold, damp, humid, and dark, so it’s important to make sure those are elements you’re willing to accept and live with. Being far away from family and friends is harder for some than others, so it’s important to ensure you have a strong mental state of mind as well. As far as working hours go, be prepared to put in a lot of time. Many workers put in around twelve hours per day, but remember that’s not sitting at a comfortable office desk; intense physical labor can be exerting on anyone, so keep that in mind as you explore your career options.

First Nation reminds IOC suitors of ‘fierce opposition’ to on-reserve mining – by Henry Lazenby (MiningWeekly.com – July 9, 2013)

July 10, 2013

http://www.miningweekly.com/page/americas-home

TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – The Innu First Nation of Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam has reminded potential suitors of mining giant Rio Tinto’s 58.7% stake in the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC), that the Aboriginal group continued to “fiercely oppose” IOC’s mining, railway and port operations within their traditional territory.

The group had, in March, filed legal proceedings against IOC, along with the Innu First Nation of Matimekush-Lac John, asking the Quebec Superior Court to block the company’s operations in Quebec and Labrador. The two groups had also sought C$900-million in compensation, which they alleged represented IOC’s profits at the facilities since 1954.

The Innu groups claimed the miner had violated their rights for nearly 60 years, causing harm by operating a large mining complex and 578 km railway on traditional territory (Nitassinan) in north-eastern Quebec and Labrador since the 1950s, without their prior consent. The facilities were located in the communities of Schefferville, Labrador City and Sept-Îles.

“The Innu are well past their breaking point and, in addition to the legal action, IOC can expect further acts of opposition in the coming months. While it is clear that Rio Tinto is looking to offload assets, the Innu First Nation of Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam cannot help but feel that Rio Tinto is also seeking to offload the ‘Innu problem’,” the group said in a statement on Tuesday.

Commodities super-cycle is ‘taking a break’ – by Eric Ng (South China Morning Post – July 10, 2013)

July 10, 2013

http://www.scmp.com/

Runaway prices in commodities markets have ended, but long-term demand for commodities on the mainland is strong

The commodities “super-cycle”, largely buoyed by Chinese buying, may have ended in terms of runaway prices but robust demand is expected to continue. A more benign price outlook would benefit large commodities consumers and importers like China as it would help contain inflation and promote economic growth.

Eugen Weinberg, head of commodity research at Commerzbank in Germany, said: “Price movements in the market indicate an end to the commodities super-cycle. But we do not believe the super-cycle is coming to an end. It’s just taking a break. “Some 20 million people a year move from the countryside to the cities, triggering a huge demand for better infrastructure.”

Michael Haigh, global head of commodities research at the French bank Societe Generale, said: “We do not think the current commodity super-cycle is over, but it is not as super. It is common to have cycles within super-cycles.”

The super-cycle that began around 2002 was driven by a combination of strong demand from emerging nations and low supply growth. Since last year, growth in global demand has weakened as a result of the sovereign debt crisis in many developed nations, while new supply caught up with demand because of strong investment during the latter years of the boom.

Cliffs CEO Carrabba to leave Cleveland mining company by year’s end – by Alison Grant (Cleveland Plain Dealer – July 10, 2013)

July 10, 2013

http://www.cleveland.com/

Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. announced this afternoon that Joseph Carrabba will retire as president and chief executive officer by Dec. 31. Laurie Brlas, president of global operations and the company’s former chief financial officer, has retired and will leave immediately, Cliffs said.

James Kirsch, who is lead director of Cliffs’ board, has been elected as non-executive chairman of the board, taking that position immediately, replacing Carrabba as chairman. Cliffs also said its board has elected Mark Gaumond, 62, former senior vice chair of Ernst & Young’s Americas division, as a new director.

Also today, Cliffs declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share. The dividend will be payable Sept. 3 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Aug. 15.

The Cleveland-based company has struggled with a softer Chinese construction market, cutting into its seaborne ore sales. Cliffs idled iron ore mines in Michigan and Minnesota and also announced in November it would postpone expansion of its Bloom Lake mine in Canada.

No rail is a pipe dream – by Lorne Gunter (Toronto Sun – July 10, 2013)

July 10, 2013

http://www.torontosun.com/home

As an Albertan and an advocate of pipelines to move oil to refineries and ports, I’ve been asked a dozen times or more since Saturday’s rail disaster in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, whether I think the tragedy that has left at least 13 dead, will spark politicians to approve more pipelines, such as Keystone XL, Northern Gateway or the doubling of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain.

I recognize that now is a sensitive time even to answer such a question. People are dead — people who were minding their own business asleep in their beds or out for a night at a local bar. Our thoughts and prayers should first be with them.

Others have had their lives overturned, either because they lost a loved one in the blast or because their tiny, picturesque world was obliterated when 73 black tanker cars carrying hundreds of thousands of litres of crude oil came hurtling into the centre of town and exploded, “vaporizing” nearly everything standing within a two-block radius.

But to the extent an answer is appropriate now, it’s this: This is not an either/or proposition. Canada will need both pipelines and rail to get its oil to market. And oceangoing tankers, too. And all three are safe. Each can be made even safer. But each is already very safe, particularly when compared to 20 or 30 years ago.

The Guangxi miners in Ghana gold rush – by Anna Healy Fenton (South China Morning Post – June 4, 2013)

July 10, 2013

http://www.scmp.com/

Chinese President Xi Jinping ended his six-day visit to Africa on a high note, leaving behind signed deals and warm pledges. The Republic of Congo was his final stop, after Tanzania and South Africa. He’s committed to a river port in Oyo, Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso’s hometown, and a sea port in Pointe-Noire for exporting mineral ore.

Congo is already an established oil producer and China is already its biggest trading partner. Xi announced he wanted to raise ties with Congo “to a new and higher level”.

“We expect to work together with our African friends to seize upon historic opportunities and deepen cooperation … in order to bring greater benefit to the Chinese and African peoples,” he said in Brazzaville.

Fine words indeed. One place he did not go was Ghana, in West Africa, where he could have seen Chinese and African co-operation in action. This is the scene of the gold rush 2013 style, where about 50,000 migrants from Shanglin in southern Guangxi, have received welcomes a little less warm than Xi’s.

Natives of Shanglin, famous for producing and exporting gold miners, started heading to Ghana’s goldfields eight years ago.

Reports Of Commodities Bull Market Demise May Be Greatly Exaggerated – by Marty Leclerc (Forbes Magazine – July 9, 2013)

July 9, 2013

http://www.forbes.com/

It has been a powerful bull market in commodities. So impressive, many refer to it as “the super-cycle.” Driven by insatiable demand from China and other developing nations, cheap money courtesy of the Fed and lack of investment in the previous cycle, commodities have been the place to be for over a decade.

Oil prices are up five-fold since the late 1990s, iron ore is up seven times and most agricultural commodities have more than doubled. Gold, as attested to on AM radio and in late night TV commercials, also enjoyed a bullish ride and is up over five times its price in 2001.

Now, if you believe the commodity bears, this super-cycle is over. Their argument: China’s economy is permanently stuck in a lower growth mode and Beijing’s focus has moved from building infrastructure to stimulating its consumer economy. This will slacken demand for commodities, the argument goes, and put downward pressure on prices. The big investment banks have published unequivocal research supporting this view including Citi’s, “From Commodities Super-cycle to Unicycles,” and Deutsche Bank DB +0.7%’s, “Trading the Commodity Underperformance Cycle.”

This thesis has gathered steam as commodity prices have fallen. Since Labor Day 2011, gold has dropped by 34%. Many other formerly hot commodities haven’t fared much better.

NEWS RELEASE: Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. Announces CEO Succession Plan

July 9, 2013

– Joseph Carrabba Announces Plan to Retire as President and CEO by the End of 2013

– James Kirsch Named Non-Executive Chairman
– Laurie Brlas to Retire as EVP & President, Global Operations, Effective Immediately
– Office of the Chairman Formed to Facilitate Smooth Transition

CLEVELAND, July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. (NYSE: CLF) (Paris: CLF) today announced that Joseph Carrabba has informed the Board of Directors of his plans to retire as the Company’s president and chief executive officer by Dec. 31, 2013. James Kirsch, who currently serves on Cliffs’ Board as lead director, has been elected non-executive chairman of the Board, effectively immediately, replacing Mr. Carrabba as chairman.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101104/CLIFFSLOGO )

Mr. Carrabba will continue to serve as president and CEO and a Director of the Company until a successor has been elected, after which point he will also step down from the Board. Cliffs’ Board has retained an executive search firm, Heidrick & Struggles, to help identify candidates to lead the Company. To facilitate the transition, Cliffs has formed an Office of the Chairman, led by Mr. Kirsch. The Company also announced today that Laurie Brlas has retired as executive vice president and president, global operations and is leaving the Company, effective immediately.

The growing political risk to miners posed by water shortages – by Will Thomson (Mining.com – July 9, 2013)

July 9, 2013

http://www.mining.com/

In response to the growing global demand for metals and minerals, the mining industry has stepped up exploration and development of mines in various inhospitable places the world over. Though this trend has recently reversed in the wake of softening global demand, 136 new projects were announced in 2012, according to Ernst & Young. Despite the soft medium-term global economic outlook and rapidly decreasing capital expenditures by major miners, the long-term demand expectations of the developing world remain high, and thus so too does the need to continue exploration for metals and minerals in the world’s far-flung places.

Unsurprisingly, the development of difficult resource deposits has occurred in increasingly sensitive environments, far from the infrastructure necessary to meet the immense challenges of large-scale mining operations. One of the most common risk factors mining firms are faced with, in the frontier and emerging economies where these new deposits have been found, is a lack of the rivers, lakes, and water sources that are so important to a successful mining operation.

Access to a secure and stable water supply is essential for most mining operations, as water plays a vital role in every step of the mining process, from initial extraction to the refinement of ore. Water is often used to separate high value metals and minerals from the rock that ore is found in, is used to cool drill bits, and is essential for dust control. For mines that focus on the some of the world’s most important resources, such as gold and copper, water is a necessity. As the easy-access deposits of such valued resources have become increasingly scarce, and reliance on low-quality ores has increased, so too has the demand for water for the mining and refinement process.

BMS [ferro-nickel] Smelter to Start Operations in 2014 – by Damiana Simanjuntak (Jakartaa Globe – July 8, 2013)

July 9, 2013

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/

Local miner Bumi Makmur Selaras Group Indonesia and Chinese metal miner Hanking Group are set to start operating their $500 million ferro-nickel smelting plant in Sulawesi next year, to comply with a government requirement to process mining product domestically.

Tadjudin Hidajat, the BMS president director, said the company and its Chinese partner had invested $150 million by the end of June. He said the processing plant is projected to be complete by December and to start commercial operations next May.

“The smelter was built in response to the ban on export of raw minerals that will be imposed by the government in 2014,” he said after a meeting with Industry Minister M.S. Hidayat last week.

The 2009 Mining Law states that mining outfits operating in the country must submit plans to process raw minerals such as aluminium and copper domestically before 2014. The government will ban the export of raw minerals after 2014 for mining outfits without such plans. In its early stage the Sulawesi smelter’s production capacity will reach 20,000 tons per year and be increased incrementally to 60,000 tons per year.

NEWS RELEASE: Aecon announces strategic partnership with Matawa First Nations

July 9, 2013

TORONTO, July 8, 2013 /CNW/ – Aecon Group Inc. (TSX:ARE) announced today it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kiikenomaga Kikenjigewen Employment & Training Services (KKETS), A Division of Matawa First Nations.

The agreement represents the beginning of a strategic partnership between Aecon and KKETS; starting with a joint commitment to expand training and development programs for First Nations in northern and remote areas surrounding Ontario’s Ring of Fire mining development.

Under the agreement, Aecon and KKETS will work collaboratively to develop “Remote Training Centres” to provide local access to community-based education, trades and apprenticeship training, operated by First Nations in a socially and culturally relevant environment. The Remote Training Centres take advantage of state of the art computerized technology systems and high-speed satellite broadband internet to connect communities.

“Our relationship with the Matawa First Nations and KKETS is an important component of Aecon’s strategic approach to community engagement and skilled labour development,” says Teri McKibbon, Aecon’s President and Chief Operating Officer.

Get moving on Pebble Project permitting, mining plan! – Murkowski – by Dorothy Kosich (Mineweb.com – July 9, 2012)

July 9, 2013

http://www.mineweb.com/

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski urged the Pebble Partnership to set a timeline and stick with it for the benefit of Alaskans waiting nearly a decade for the massive copper-gold project.

RENO (MINEWEB) – The Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has urged the Pebble Partnership to release their mining plan for development of the Pebble copper-gold deposit in Southwest Alaska.

In a July 1st letter to Pebble Limited Partnership (PLP) CEO John Shivley, Anglo American CEO Mark Cutifani, and Northern Dynasty Minerals CEO Ron Thiessen, Murkowski said the partnership’s delay in describing the project and submitting permit applications has caused confusion and anxiety among Alaskans about the proposed mine, as well as allowed federal regulators to further muddy the water with several hypothetical mine scenarios.

Northern Dynasty and Anglo American are 50-50 partners in the massive project.

Murkowski said the partnership’s “failure to describe the project and submit permit applications” has deprived “relevant government agencies and all stakeholders of the specifics needed to make informed decisions.”