Новости за 23.01.2019

TSX-V-listed Tsodilo Resources on Wednesday announced the completion of a second independent size frequency distribution (SFD) modelled grade and diamond value for the 77.94 ct parcel of 502 commercial size diamonds recovered during BK16’s large diameter drilling (LDD) programme. In December, it was discovered that the size frequency model used in an initial SFD modelling exercise had resulted in an “overly optimistic project” of grade values, the company said in a statement.

Aim-listed emerging phosphate producer Kropz is finalising the design of processing plant upgrades at its 74%-owned Elandsfontein project, in South Africa, with first ore to be produced by the end of the year. The mine will ramp up to steady-state production of one-million tonnes a year during 2020, at a grade of around 32% phosphate rock concentrate.

Sales by Russia's Alrosa, the world's largest producer of rough diamonds in carat terms, are lower than a year ago so far in January, its CEO was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency on Wednesday. Alrosa competes with Anglo American's De Beers, the biggest seller of rough diamonds by value.

Increased economic uncertainty and declining metal stocks are expected to drive gold and copper prices this year, Fitch Solutions commodities analyst Sabrin Chowdhury stated during a webcast on Wednesday. She noted that the expected rebound in gold was “already playing out” and that the price should reach 2013 highs, averaging around $1 300/oz this year, with investment flows into safe haven assets increasing as dollar strength, market volatility and the trend toward protectionism continues.

Minerals exploration and development company Crusader Resources said on Wednesday that it needed to raise more funds before the end of January to continue as a going concern and that the board was in advanced discussions to resolve the funding shortfall. The company, which on December 24 secured convertible notes to raise A$1.4-million, stated that it would follow a pro rata entitlement issue to eligible shareholders to raise additional funds in the next week and a half.

Chilean copper mining group Antofagasta ended 2018 on a strong note, achieving record production for the final quarter of 220 000 t and touching the top end of the full-year guidance at 725 300 t. Full-year production is also a new record for the company and 3% higher than output in 2017, owing to higher production at Los Pelambres and Centinela.

Norway’s massive sovereign wealth fund has increased its exposure to coal reserves even after imposing restrictions on investing in the fossil fuel that’s seen as one of the main catalysts for global warming, according to a report. The findings are another illustration of how the ban, which restricts investments in companies that get more than 30% of their activity or revenue from coal, still allows investments in giants such as trader Glencore and miner BHP Group. Opposition politicians and environmental... Читать дальше...

LSE-listed, Mexico-focused miner Fresnillo achieved record silver production, and strong gold production in 2018, despite it being a challenging year for the company. Silver production for the year was 61.8-million ounces, including Silverstream, up 5.3% on 2017, mainly owing to the first full year of operations at Phase 2 of San Julián. Gold production for the year was 923 000 oz, up 1.3% compared with 2017, mainly owing to the higher ore grade and recovery rate at Saucito, the contribution of the... Читать дальше...

Aim-listed BlueRock has updated its 2013 inferred level of confidence in the diamond mineral resource for the Kareevlei kimberlite cluster. The company owns and operates the Kareevlei diamond mine, in Kimberley, South Africa, and appointed Z Star Mineral Resource Consultants to compile its reports.

Aim-listed Botswana Diamonds has undertaken a share placing with existing and new investors to raise £370 000 through the issue of just over 67.2-million new ordinary shares at a placing price of 0.55p a placing share. The proceeds will be used to fund exploration activities during the current year in Botswana and South Africa, and to provide additional working capital for the company.

Canadian miner Barrick Gold Corporation’s Loulo-Gounkoto complex, in Mali, has had a fourth consecutive quarterly improvement in gold production. This was despite an illegal work stoppage that resulted in it missing its full year production guidance of 690 000 oz by 4%.

ASX-listed Kalium Lakes has received environmental approval for its Beyondie sulphate of potash (SOP) project, in Western Australia. The environmental approval covers the Stage 1 area of the Beyondie project, which is based on the base case production of 164 000 t/y of SOP over a mine life of 30 years.

JSE- and NYSE-listed Gold Fields has denied that it wants to merge with its competitor AngloGold Ashanti, stating that an article published by Bloomberg on Tuesday was factually incorrect. Bloomberg quoted a person familiar with the matter as saying Gold Fields wanted to merge with AngloGold as the mining industry is experiencing a wave of consolidation.

TSX- and NYSE-listed Platinum Group Metals (PTM) intends to sell up to three-million common shares at $1.33 apiece for gross proceeds of up to $4-million. The company intends to use the proceeds for its share of remaining costs to complete a definitive feasibility study (DFS) on the Waterberg palladium and platinum project, in South Africa, and for working capital purposes.

Canadian mining firm First Quantum Minerals says it has ended plans to layoff 2 500 workers in Zambia due to higher tax plans and will continue to dialogue with the government over the issue. "First Quantum will not now proceed with the planned lay-off of any Zambians involved in its production activities," the company said in a statement on Tuesday, adding that it may reduce its workforce involved in capital projects.