Новости за 03.05.2022

In its endeavours to ramp up copper production and become the third-largest copper producer, diversified miner Ivanhoe Mines has started earthworks on a 500 000 t/y direct-to-blister flash smelter at its Democratic Republic of Congo- (DRC-) based and 39.6%-owned Kamoa-Kakula copper mining complex. The smelter – with a nameplate capacity to produce 99%-pure blister copper – has been sized to process most of the copper concentrate forecast to be produced by Kamoa-Kakula's Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 concentrators.

Diamond miner Petra Diamonds sold 635 806 ct of diamonds for $86.1-million during its fifth tender for the 2022 financial year. This is down from the 735 222 ct sold at the fourth tender, which generated $140.6-million, and the 885 136 ct sold in the third tender for $128.4-million.

Credit ratings company Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded JSE- and NYSE-listed precious and battery metals miner Sibanye-Stillwater’s corporate family rating (CFR) from Ba3 to Ba2 with a positive outlook. Moody’s notes that the rating action reflects the strong financial performance that Sibanye has displayed over the past two years and its record of maintaining capital allocation discipline.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said during a regular news conference on Tuesday that he has been in touch with the leaders of Bolivia, Argentina and Chile to create a lithium association. Mexico's Congress last month passed a bill to nationalise lithium, tightening control of strategic mineral resources, as Lopez Obrador vowed to review all contracts to exploit the metal.

Colorado-based gold and silver miner Golden Minerals has announced the appointment of John Galassini as COO, effective May 9. Galassin will be responsible for leading the company’s Mexican mining operations, including the operating Rodeo gold/silver mine and the Velardena Properties, which is nearing a production restart decision.

Diversified major Anglo American said on Tuesday that Environmental Assessment Service of Chile (SEA) had formally rejected the environmental permit application for its multi-million-dollar expansion plans at Los Bronces. The decision follows SEA’s earlier recommendation that the Los Bronces Integrated Project (LBIP’s) environmental permit application be denied.

Diversified miner Glencore on Tuesday reported that an Independent Monitor report at its McArthur River zinc mine, in the Northern Territory, has found that the mine continued to avoid or minimise potential environmental risks through proactive management and monitoring across a wide range of site activities. The primary objective of IM’s annual environmental performance audit report is to ascertain whether Glencore, through it subsidiary McArthur River Mining was fulfilling and managing compliance related to environmental obligation.

Coal miner Bowen Coking Coal has appointed and mobilised mining contractor BUMA Australia to provide mining services at its Broadmeadow East mine, in Queensland. Bowen said on Tuesday that there was also an option to extend the mining services to the Burton mine.

Canada-based fertiliser company Nutrien has raised its potash sales volume guidance for the year as it steps up its production capabilities owing to strong global demand amid supply uncertainties from Eastern Europe. The TSX- and NYSE-listed firm said it would sell between 14.5-million and 15.1-million tonnes of potash in 2022, compared with the previous guidance of 13.7-million to 14.3-million tonnes.

ASX-listed Nickel Mines has been granted an Izin Usaha Industri (IUI) or Industrial Business Licence at its 80%-held Angel Nickel project, in Indonesia, allowing it to start commercial sales of nickel. First sales from Angel Nickel is now being targeted for later this month.

Uranium hopeful Paladin Energy has raised A$15-million through a share purchase plan (SPP), which formed part of a greater A$215-million capital raise to restart operations at the Langer Heinrich uranium mine, in Namibia. The ASX-listed company said on Tuesday that the SPP had been overwhelmingly supported by eligible shareholders, with the company receiving applications totalling over A$105-million.

Canada’s ample potash deposits are drawing “high levels” of interest around the world since sanctions upended global fertilizer markets. Saskatchewan is capturing “renewed interest” in its potash resources due to disrupted supplies of the key fertilizer from Belarus and Russia, according to Bronwyn Eyre, Energy and Resources Minister for the western Canadian province. Saskatchewan has the world’s largest potash deposits and Eyre said the provincial government is working with companies to encourage... Читать дальше...

Burkina Faso's government has launched a judicial investigation into a flood at a zinc mine that left eight workers trapped, with rescue efforts entering a third week, it said. Canada-based Trevali Mining Corp suspended operations at its Perkoa mine on April 16, when heavy rainfall caused flash floods and left eight workers missing underground. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, it said on Monday.

The head of Peru’s biggest mine says a swift solution to rising social unrest in the country is within reach if authorities and politicians agree to address the central problem: management of public funds. Peru, the world’s No. 2 copper and zinc supplier and a major producer of silver and gold, has seen its reputation tarnished over the past week by images of clashes between security personnel and indigenous protesters at the MMG-operated Las Bambas copper mine. Protests at mines are happening amid an uptick in unrest over living costs... Читать дальше...