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Drop dogmatism on Chinese investments – by Daniel Schwanen (National Post – November 27, 2012)

The National Post is Canada’s second largest national paper.

 Daniel Schwanen is associate vice-president, international and trade policy, C.D. Howe Institute.

Canada has recourse should China flout local laws and regulations

By many standards, the proposed acquisitions of Nexen Inc. by China’s state-controlled CNOOC Ltd., and of Progress Energy Resources Corp. by Petronas, owned by the Malaysian government, are a natural fit for Canada. To take advantage of its natural resources, Canada needs foreign investment. State-owned firms are big players in the global energy sector and Canada has recently rediscovered Asia as a priority economic and diplomatic area.

Yet concerns persist about these proposed acquisitions, focusing on the impact of the investments on national security, the fairness of investments by subsidized state-owned firms and their ability to run efficient businesses, and the lack of reciprocal opportunities for Canadian firms. For many, the current guidelines on how Canada might apply its “net benefit” test for approving large domestic investments by foreign state-owned enterprises, which Canada issued in late 2007, are just not up to the task.

While the concerns are understandable, they do not justify rejecting out of hand acquisitions of Canadian businesses by foreign state-owned enterprises.

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We can say no to CNOOC – by Brian Lee Crowley (National Post – November 27, 2012)

The National Post is Canada’s second largest national paper.

 Brian Lee Crowley is the managing director of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, an independent non-partisan public-policy think-tank in Ottawa.

If China is angered by a no on Nexen, it will only hurt itself

In determining whether Ottawa should allow Chinese state-owned enterprise (SOE) CNOOC Ltd. to buy Canadian energy firm Nexen Inc., much hangs on one question: Is Canada in a position of weakness or strength vis-à-vis China?

This matters because so much hinges on whether Canada will be benefited or harmed by the fallout from the decision, especially should Ottawa turn down the proposed acquisition.

Proponents of the deal make two separate cases why we not only should but indeed must approve CNOOC’s bid. They argue, first, that Canada needs access to the Chinese market for our oil and gas. Second they claim that Canada needs access to Chinese capital to develop our natural resources. They then go on to argue that if we fail to get either form of access the national prosperity being generated by the West’s oil-fuelled boom is endangered.

If they are correct about the consequences of not gaining access to Chinese consumers and capital, then their case in favour of the CNOOC deal is powerfully strengthened.

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High demand means world needs all of Canada’s oil: IEA – by David Ljunggren (Reuters/National Post – November 27, 2012)

The National Post is Canada’s second largest national paper.

Global demand for crude is growing so strongly that the world needs “every single drop of Canadian oil,” the International Energy Agency’s chief economist said on Monday, playing down fears that growing U.S. production could hit Canadian exports.

Fatih Birol said that even if U.S. output rises as much as the agency expects, the country would still need to import four million barrels a day and that Canada is an obvious supplier.

In its annual forecast this month, the IEA said the United States could come close to energy self-sufficiency by 2035, largely because of the boom in development of unconventional light oil resources.

Canada is the single largest supplier of energy to the United States, sending around 2 million barrels a day to its southern neighbor.

Much of the Canadian crude comes from Alberta’s oil-rich tar sands, where operating costs are higher than in regular fields, and the IEA’s forecast prompted fears that the biggest export market for the oil sands could shrink.  But Birol, asked about potential risks for the oil sands if U.S. output rose, said he did not see any.

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Nickel Glut Recedes as Biggest Metals Loser Rallies: Commodities – by By Agnieszka Troszkiewicz (Bloomberg.com – November 26, 2012)

http://www.bloomberg.com/

Nickel, this year’s worst-performing metal, is rallying as analysts from Standard Bank Plc to BNP Paribas SA forecast a smaller-than-expected supply glut in 2013.

Standard Bank reduced its estimate for the surplus by 17 percent on Oct. 15, citing project delays, and BNP Paribas said Nov. 12 it now expects output to match demand, after cutting its projection three times since April. Credit Suisse Group AG and Citigroup Inc. also lowered forecasts in the past two months. Nickel will average $19,000 a metric ton in the second quarter, 15 percent more than now, the median of 11 analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg shows.

Futures fell 68 percent since reaching a record $51,800 in 2007 as higher prices spurred companies from Anglo American Plc to Vale SA to invest in new mines or expand existing ones. The surplus started in 2011 as slower growth weakened demand for stainless steel, which accounts for 65 percent of nickel consumption, and new supply emerged. Analysts are now paring supply forecasts as projects fall behind schedule. Prices rallied 4.4 percent in the past month.

“The market balance is tighter than people had initially thought,” said Leon Westgate, an analyst at Standard Bank in London. “There are a number of operations and significant amount of capacity that may run into various issues. In terms of that producer wall of nickel, it may not be quite as large or impregnable as it looks on paper.”

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Quebec miners in holding pattern as province finalizes royalty, exploration rules – by Nicolas Van Praet (National Post – November 26, 2012)

The National Post is Canada’s second largest national paper.

MONTREAL — Companies mining in Quebec are expected to ship $9.6-billion worth of minerals this year, double the amount exported only five years ago. But the boom taking hold is being complicated by political uncertainty and competing visions over just how far taxpayers should go in backing companies digging valuable resources in their midst.

Quebec’s Chambers of Commerce Federation says several companies have told its officials they are currently suspending new natural resource and mining investments in the province until the Parti Québécois government finalizes a royalties regime and further clarifies exploration rules. But even established companies tapping existing mines are experiencing growing pains and finding it’s next to impossible to build definitive societal consensus for their projects.

Two particular events illustrate the difficulty miners are having in keeping Quebecers on side.

On Monday, Osisko Mining Corp., the Montreal-based firm operating Canada’s largest open-pit gold mine in Malartic near Val D’Or, confirmed that the head of the independent citizens committee monitoring the mine through to its eventual closure quit. Bernard Gauthier’s resignation came after another member of the seven-person committee said over the weekend the entire group was poised to quit on Wednesday to protest the alleged heavy-handedness of the company in their affairs.

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The Weird & Wonderful World of Mining – Edition 2

http://www.miningiq.com/

Mining IQ is proud to present the second edition of The Weird and Wonderful World of Mining. This mining guide eBook contains hundreds of interesting and valuable facts to be shared and enjoyed throughout the mining industry and community.

The business of mining contributes somewhere in the region of USD $24.5 Billion globally and engages over 100 million people who work in the mining industry. So this week the eBook focuses on The Business of Mining but then also looks at the lighter side of our industry with the Weird/ Wonderful/ Random.

  • Did you know that all of the platinum ever mined would fit in the average size living room? Neither did we until a Mining IQ member sent in the fact!
  • Did you know that gold is the most ductile (easily molded or shaped) of all metals, allowing it to be drawn out into tiny wires or threads without breaking. As a result, a single ounce of gold can be drawn into a wire five miles long. Gold’s malleability is also unparalled. For example, one ounce of gold can be hammered in a 100 square foot sheet.
  • Did you know that coal provides 29.6% of global primary energy needs and generates 42% of the world’s electricity.
  • Did you know that archaeologists have unearthed copper drainpipes from as far back as 3,500 BC, that are still in good condition.

Click here to download the eBook: The Weird & Wonderful World of Mining – Edition 2 and find out a whole bunch of other strange facts!

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NAN deputy grand chief says private road to Ring of Fire ‘totally wrong’ – by Shawn Bell (Wawatay News – November 26, 2012)

Northern Ontario’s First Nations Voice: http://wawataynews.ca/

Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy grand chief says that First Nations will not allow Ontario and the companies involved in the Ring of Fire to build a private road to the development without connecting communities of the region.

Les Louttit called Ontario’s plan to subsidize a private road from Nakina to the Ring of Fire that would provide industry a way to get ore from the mines to market, but not connect to First Nations along the route, ‘totally wrong’.

“That cannot be allowed to happen and we will make sure as a political organization that we pressure the government and industry that any transportation corridor that is going to go into the Ring of Fire development will have to have open access to the communities,” Louttit told Wawatay News.

“It will be going close by Aroland, Eabametoong, Neskantaga, Marten Falls and Webequie,” he added. “It doesn’t make economic sense, it doesn’t make moral sense and it’s just not going to happen that way.”

A spokesperson with Ontario’s Ministry of Northern Development and Mines previously confirmed that the government plans to help build and operate and pay-for-use road to the Ring of Fire.

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NEWS RELEASE: Koniambo Nickel completes construction of first production line and readies for first molten metal by year end Koné, 23 November 2012

Xstrata Nickel, the industrial partner in the Koniambo Nickel Project, is pleased to announce that the construction of the first production line of the smelter (Line 1) is complete. The necessary support services and operational infrastructure are undergoing pre-operational testing and commissioning. First molten metal is expected before year end and we anticipate the first metal being tapped from Line 1 in January 2013.

Ian Pearce, Chief Executive of Xstrata Nickel, said: “We are very excited about the progress being made at Koniambo, including the successful delivery of Line 1. It is a testament to our dedicated project and operation teams at Koniambo Nickel that we can now focus on moving to first production.

“Our journey to this point has been a long and complex one, but Koniambo Nickel is finally close to becoming a reality and bringing mutual benefit to all the stakeholders who have a keen interest in its success. I am proud of the role Xstrata has played in making Koniambo Nickel a reality – including continuing construction throughout the global financial crisis – and the support we have received from our many partners in New Caledonia and France.”

With the completion of Line 1, the majority of our construction resources will now be devoted to the second production line, which is forecast to be complete in the second quarter of 2013.

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22 people die in China coal mine accident – by Geoff Candy (Mineweb.com – November 26, 2012)

http://www.mineweb.com/

According to government figures out in October, 1,146 people have died in 650 mining accidents so far this year in the country.

GRONINGEN (MINEWEB) – 22 people have died and one remains missing after an accident at a coal mine in China’s southwest Guizhou province.

According to media reports, a coal-gas outburst hit the Xiangshui Coal Mine in Panxian County on Saturday morning while 28 people were underground. To date, five miners have been brought to safety and rescue workers continue to search for the remaining miner.

According to Xinhua, the State Administration of Work Safety and the State Administration of Coal Mine Safety launched an investigation following the accident and, as a result, Lu Hongzhuan, chairman of the mine’s operator, Pannan Coal Exploitation, the mine’s General Manager Wu Chao and Chief Engineer Zhao Qingping were sacked.

The newswire reported that, according to a statement from a temporary office designed to oversee the rescue work and the investigation, the deputy general manager of the Guizhou Panjiang Group, which controls the coal mine, also resigned.

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Banro calm in face of turmoil in Democratic Republic of Congo – by Peter Koven (National Post – November 26, 2012)

The National Post is Canada’s second largest national paper.

Amid one of the the world’s most troubled regions, Simon Village maintains that it is business as usual for his company. All the same, he will admit to being a little alarmed by recent events near his operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“If you remember, the M23 were just sitting in the bushes north of Goma. And then, all of a sudden, they were in Goma. It caught people by surprise,” the chief executive of gold miner Banro Corp. said in a phone interview from the DRC.

The Eastern Congo leapt into the news last week after the M23, a breakaway group of former soldiers, seized the city of Goma and promised to “liberate” the entire country.

The surprise move has de-stabilized the already-volatile border region near Rwanda, triggered fighting with the Congolese army, and displaced thousands. It is widely believed that the rebels are being backed by Rwanda, a country that has fuelled prior unrest in the Eastern Congo.

Goma is a city of one million people on the north end of Lake Kivu. Roughly 200 kilometres to the south, Toronto-based Banro continues to dig up gold at its Twangiza mine. Banro also has an operating office in Bukavu, a city on the south end of the lake that the rebels want to seize, according to reports.

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Trudeau apologizes for saying Alberta [oil sector] is ‘controlling our community’ – by Ian Bailey (Globe and Mail – November 24, 2012)

Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

Justin Trudeau, stinging from his first major blunder in his bid to lead the federal Liberal Party, was forced to apologize for comments in which he criticized the dominance of Alberta politicians in Canada and touted the virtues of past prime ministers from Quebec.

“I am sorry I said what I did,” he told reporters Friday in Vancouver during a hastily called news conference at the end of a three-day trip to British Columbia. He added that it was “wrong to use a shorthand of Alberta when I was really talking about Mr. Harper’s government.”

Asked whether Canada would be better off with a prime minister from Quebec, Mr. Trudeau replied, “I think Canada is better off with a prime minister who chooses to pull people together and not play up insecurities and divisions and regional resentments any chance they can get.”

Mr. Trudeau also said his 2010 comments were focused on telling Quebeckers how important it was to stop voting for the Bloc Québécois and instead to start engaging with the “national discourse” in Canada and voting for a national party.

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Premiers of Quebec, Alberta to discuss moving oil east – by Jane Taber (Globe and Mail – November 24, 2012)

Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

An unlikely alliance between between the premiers of Quebec and Alberta to start talks on moving oil east is prompting discussion about whether it will lay the groundwork for a national energy strategy between provinces.

Meeting for the first time this week in Halifax at the premiers’ summit, Pauline Marois and Alison Redford agreed to form a joint working group to explore the idea of moving Alberta’s oil east to Quebec.

Although, Ms. Marois made it clear this was strictly a deal between her province and Alberta, other premiers, like Manitoba’s Greg Selinger, are viewing it differently.

“It’s part of a national strategy,” Mr. Selinger told The Globe and Mail as the meeting wrapped up Friday. “I think we have greater energy security in Canada by having a pipeline in Canada that goes to the east coast.”

New Brunswick’s David Alward has been meeting for several months with Ms. Redford about the idea of bringing Alberta’s heavy oil to the Irving refinery in Saint John.

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Why shale oil won’t save you at the pumps – by Jeff Rubin (Globe and Mail – November 23, 2012)

Globe and Mail is Canada’s national newspaper with the second largest broadsheet circulation in the country. It has enormous influence on Canada’s political and business elite.

Jeff Rubin is the former chief economist of CIBC World Markets and the author of the award-winning Why Your World Is About To Get A Whole Lot Smaller. His recent best seller is The End of Growth.

Move over OPEC: North America is about to become a net exporter of oil. At least, that’s the word from the International Energy Agency’s latest outlook. According to the IEA, the drilling boom for shale oil in states like North Dakota is putting U.S. crude production on track to pass Saudi Arabia. North of the border, output from Alberta’s oil sands is expected to notch a similarly grand expansion.

But the agency’s rosy forecast isn’t all that it appears – and it certainly isn’t going to lead to a significant break at the pump for you.

Notions of energy independence, however farfetched they may seem today, play well to the IEA’s target audience, which is largely American. But regardless of the political rhetoric we endured from both presidential candidates, energy independence isn’t really the issue confronting the U.S. economy or North American motorists. The real issue is the cost of oil – not its country of origin.

It doesn’t really matter whether the U.S. drills for its own oil, gets it from Canada, or ships it in from Venezuela or the Middle East.

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Family, MPP push for [mining safety] inquiry – by Carol Mulligan (Sudbury Star – November 26, 2012)

The Sudbury Star is the City of Greater Sudbury’s daily newspaper.

Jordan Fram had always wanted his mother, Wendy Fram, to go underground to visit where he worked at Vale’s Stobie Mine. Wendy Fram would tell her son: “Jordan, you’re never going to get me down underground. I can’t even get in that cage, let alone go under-ground.”

Wendy Fram did travel 3,000 feet underground at Stobie Mine late in the summer of 2011. She visited the spot where Jordan, 26, and his colleague, Jason Chenier, 35, were killed June 8 when they were overcome by a run of 350 tons of muck.

Fram wasn’t thinking about the need for an inquiry to review mining practices in Ontario when she went with her son Jesse, daughter Briana and their partners to say a prayer for the men and to lay flowers for them.

Still, Fram noticed even then there were changes that could be made. When Fram had heard the word muck before, she thought mud — not the huge boulders and rock and water she saw underground.

When she saw where her boy had worked, Fram said, “I couldn’t believe that people work in those conditions. I was devastated. I couldn’t believe it.”

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[Northern Ontario] Forestry in transition – Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal Editorial (November 26, 2012)

The Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal is the daily newspaper of Northwestern Ontario.

RESOLUTE Forest Products has made two major announcements in Northwestern Ontario in recent days. The company is idling a kraft mill and paper machine at its pulp and paper plant in Fort Frances, due to what it calls challenging market conditions.

The Montreal-based forestry company said it is closing the mill indefinitely as the market for specialty printing papers is expected to remain tenuous. About 239 employees will be affected.

Within days, Resolute announced plans to build an industrial wood pellet plant in Thunder Bay that will turn residual material into a source of renewable energy. The company said construction of the $10-million plant is expected to begin shortly and should be completed in 2014. It will hire 24 new employees.

Herein lies the changing nature of forestry. One market is fading just as another emerges. But let us not assume paper is a thing of the past. And let us not count on burning yet more fossil fuels as the answer to our energy needs.

Fort Frances is complicated by plant limitations and the decision by its main kraft pulp customer in the U.S. to buy elsewhere at less cost. Here again the Canadian dollar’s high value hurts Canadian exporters.

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