Новости за 19.04.2022

SLN, the New Caledonian nickel producer controlled by Eramet, announced on Tuesday plans to hire a floating power unit for its smelter to cover its needs pending the replacement of the Pacific territory's ageing central power plant. Improved energy supply has become a priority for SLN as it tries to turn around its operations after losses in recent years linked to high costs and social unrest.  The issue has become more urgent after an accident last year caused one of the units of New Caledonia's main power plant to close... Читать дальше...

All contracts to mine lithium in Mexico will need to be reviewed, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Tuesday, as the country prepares to change its law. The comment comes after Mexico's lower house passed a change to the mining law to nationalize lithium production. "All contracts will be reviewed, the authorizations for lithium," Lopez Obrador said in a regular news conference.

Balkan nations in southeast Europe are turning to coal as they try to tackle a global surge in energy prices, raising fears among environmentalists that countries are rowing back on commitments to phase out the most polluting fossil fuel. North Macedonia, once a frontrunner in attracting renewable energy investors, said earlier this month it planned to open two new coal mines to supply power stations. The energy ministry also said it wants to buy 3 million tonnes of coal from neighbouring Kosovo, though no deal has been signed.

MMG said on Monday its Las Bambas copper mine in Peru will suspend operations from April 20 after residents of a community nearby entered the property as part of a protest. Las Bambas accounts for 2% of the global copper supply and is a subject of recurring disruptions from impoverished local communities demanding higher financial contributions from the mine. Earlier this year, the mine were forced to slow down operations due to a road blockade.

Brazil-focused Serabi Gold has lowered its 2022 guidance after continued supply chain issues and greater-than-expected dilution from the Julia Vein of the Sao Chico orebody resulted in delayed production. The Aim- and TSX-listed junior reduced its guidance to 30 000 oz, from 36 000 oz to 39 000 oz previously. During the first quarter, Serabi produced 7 062 oz at its Palito mine, which was 13% less than the same period in 2021.

TSX-V-listed Luminex Resources has signed a binding agreement with Codelco to buy its Chalapo concessions, in Ecuador, for $60 000 and a 1% net smelter return. “Chalapo is an early stage, undrilled high sulphidation epithermal gold/silver prospect that is an exciting addition to Luminex’ southern Ecuador project portfolio,” senior VP for exploration Leo Hathaway says.

Toronto-listed Trevali Mining has halted mining at its Perkoa mine, after heavy rain led to flooding on Saturday, leaving eight workers missing underground. The company on Saturday reported that the mine, in Burkina Faso, had been evacuated and that rescue operations were under way.

Mexico's President on Monday excoriated opposition lawmakers for voting down a major electricity reform, though business groups were cheered by Sunday's vote, which lifted some of the investor uncertainty clouding the country's energy market. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador decried the defeat of his bid to change the constitution to tighten state control of the power market as "treason," though it could lower the risk of Mexico becoming embroiled in costly trade disputes.

Base metal miner Consolidated Zinc has reported a security incident at its Plomosas zinc mine, in Mexico. The company on Tuesday reported that a group of armed intruders entered the Plomosas mine on Good Friday, taking the security guard and employees at Plomosas captive, and locking them in a sea container.

The resources sector has been quick to welcome election promises from the Coalition government, after Prime Minister Scott Morrison promised a A$50-million investment to boost the critical minerals supply chain in Western Australia, along with a host of energy-related investments. The Prime Minister has also promised that no additional mining or carbon taxes would be introduced.

Environmental group Greenpeace Australia Pacific has slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcement of a A$40-million investment into energy major Woodside’s Burrup Hub gas project. As part of a A$250-million investment in carbon capture and storage (CCS), on his election trail, Morrison announced that up to A$40-million of government funds would be spent in support of the design and construction of the multi-user Burrup CCS hub and CO2 gathering and transportation network.

The president of Burkina Faso's mines chamber said on Monday extra measures would be taken to increase security and help to avoid further suspensions after Russia's Nordgold shut down a gold mine in the insurgent-hit country earlier this month. Nordgold called force majeure on its Taparko mine on April 9, citing the deteriorating security situation in the West African nation where Islamist militants have gained ground and escalated attacks in recent years.