Новости за 28.04.2022

China may only expand its coal capacity by one-third of its target this year because of safety and environmental regulations, according to a government-backed industrial association. The nation can add about 100-million tons of capacity this year, including mines still being tested, Zhang Yupeng, an analyst at the China Coal Transportation and Distribution Association, said Wednesday on a webcast. The biggest user of the most polluting fossil fuel had aimed to add 300 -tons to its record-high capacity this year.

The Phase 2 expansion of the Jacobina mine, in Brazil, is progressing ahead of schedule and is now expected to achieve its throughput objective one-year ahead of schedule, Canada-based Yamana Gold reported on Wednesday. The company stated that the expansion would reach its Phase 2 objective of 8 500 t/d by the middle of the year, which would increase the mine’s production to 230 000 oz/y. Yamana at the end of last year received its expansion permit for Jacobina, allowing throughput to increase to 10 000 t/d. Читать дальше...

Vale unveiled its biggest-ever share buyback program as the Brazilian iron ore and nickel giant rewards shareholders concerned by softening Chinese demand. The world’s No. 2 iron-ore producer said Wednesday it will purchase up to 500-million shares -- around 10% of the total number outstanding -- in 18 months. Based on Wednesday’s closing price in Sao Paulo, that implies a value of 41.1-billion reais ($8.3-billion). CEO Eduardo Bartolomeo said in a statement that it reinforces the company’s confidence on its business outlook.

Globally diversified metal explorer and developer Orion Minerals' share price on the JSE rose by more than 7% on the morning of April 28, after announcing encouraging results from its maiden drilling programme across the Koperberg – Carolusberg line of intrusions at the Okiep Copper Project (OCP), in South Africa's Northern Cape. The Phase 1 exploration drilling programme on the Koperberg – Carolusberg line of intrusions was designed to twin, in-fill, and expand known mineralisation intersected in historical drilling at the Koperberg West... Читать дальше...

London Metal Exchange CEO Matt Chamberlain's decision to remain in his post and not leave at the end of April is welcome as the exchange needs experienced hands to steer it through a challenging time, industry sources said. But the departure of Adrian Farnham, CEO of the exchange's clearing house is surprising, sources say, given the Bank of England investigation after the LME suspended nickel trading on March 8 when the market became disorderly.

The Peruvian government on Wednesday declared a state of emergency near MMG's Las Bambas copper mine, where production has been halted for a week due to indigenous communities camped inside. A state of emergency suspends civil liberties such as the right to assembly and protest. Reuters reported on Tuesday that Las Bambas was weighing attempting to evict protesters on Wednesday.

Russia may buy an as yet undetermined amount of rough diamonds from sanctions-hit producer Alrosa through its state precious metals and gems repository Gokhran, the country's Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said on Wednesday. The United States imposed sanctions on State-controlled Alrosa in April, complicating the Russian company's operations in the global diamond market, with the aim of cutting off a source of revenue for Russia.

Brazilian miner Vale, one of the world's largest producers of iron ore, reported on Wednesday its first-quarter net profit fell 19.6% to a better than expected $4.45-billion as stronger pricing offset weaker production numbers. Vale earnings for the three months ended March 31 beat the mean Refinitiv analyst forecast of $4.24-billion. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization came in at $6.37-billion, down 26.1% from the same quarter of 2021.

ASX-listed Aeris Resources has struck a A$234-million deal with fellow listed Washington H. Soul Pattinson (WHSP) to acquire Round Oak Minerals as part of its diversification strategy. Round Oak owns a diverse portfolio of Australian copper and zinc assets, including the Jaguar zinc/copper underground mine, in Western Australia, the Mt Colin copper underground mine and the Barbara deposit, in Queensland, the Stockman copper/zinc development project in Victoria, and exploration tenements it the Mt Isa region of Queensland.

Copper miner Sandfire Resources has reported a significant surge in production during the March quarter, following the completion of the MATSA mining operation, in Spain, and an operational integration programme. Copper production in the March quarter increased to 28 774 t, up from the 18 675 t produced in the December quarter, while a further 16 027 t of zinc and 1 901 t of lead was also produced for the first time in the March quarter.

The De Beers Blue diamond has been auctioned for HK$450.9-million ($57.5-million) at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong. The 15.1 ct, fancy vivid blue diamond was sold Wednesday evening to an unnamed buyer. The step-cut gem, recovered from the Cullinan mine in South Africa, is the largest vivid blue diamond ever to appear at an auction. Bidders had pushed the price to HK$390-million, while auction premiums added the rest.