Mining and Exploration

EnQuest has signed an agreement to farm out a 35 per cent interest in its UK Alma and Galia oil field developments to the Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company.

Under the terms of the deal, the Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC) will invest approximately US$500 million (around £300 million) in cash, comprised of up to $182 million in future contributions for past costs, a development carry for EnQuest, and KUFPEC’s direct share of the development costs.

Taseko Mines is now engaged in the third phase of modernisation at Canada’s second largest open pit copper-molybdenum mine.

Golden Dawn Minerals has acquired from Mineworks Ventures a 130 tonne-per-day permitted processing facility and adjacent tailings pond located on the Boundary Falls property in British Columbia, Canada.

Golden Dawn believes that mines on this and adjacent properties, collectively called the Greenwood Precious Metal Project currently held under an option agreement with Mineworks, have potential for further development.

With a shortage of skilled labour in its booming mining sector, Australia has for the first time passed measures to allow migrant workers to come in and fill the gap.

The Enterprise Migration Agreement (EMA) announced last Friday allows companies with projects worth more than $2-billion (Australian) to recruit skilled workers from overseas on fixed contracts.

With a population of 22 million, Australia is struggling to find enough skilled workers at home to satisfy demand from China and other major markets for its abundant natural resources.

African Iron Ore Group Limited and Société Guinéenne du Patrimoine Minier have announced the formation of a joint venture company to develop and finance infrastructure for the Simandou South iron ore mining project in Guinea.

Société Guinéenne du Patrimoine Minier (SOGUIPAMI), the government of the Republic of Guinea's investment vehicle, will work with African Iron Ore Group within the framework of the new company, Infrastructures Minières de Guinée Holdings(IMG). SOGUIPAMI will own 60 per cent of IMG and AIOG will own 40 per cent.

Canadian junior exploration company Argex Mining Inc. has been collaborating with global specialist chemicals company PPG Industries on a project that could revolutionise pigment supply in the paint industry. President and CEO Roy Bonnell talks to Gay Sutton about producing paint quality titanium dioxide pigment grade directly from run-of-mine ore.

Exploiting Canada’s mineral riches is encouraging new technologies to be put to the test, as Alan Swaby learns from general manager Long Habour Operations Don Stevens, Long Harbour Processing Plant construction project director Rinaldo Stefan, and corporate affairs manager Bob Carter.

There are two things an ambitious engineer wants to see on his CV: big projects and ground breaking technology. For those lucky enough to be working for Vale on the Long Harbour project in Newfoundland, they will have both.

After being hurt by falling coal prices in 2008, Trollope Mining Services has grown dramatically by taking a more balanced approach.

Headquartered in Johannesburg, Trollope Mining Services provides expertise in surface mining services. These include opencast mining, rehabilitation, bulk earthworks, plant hire and road construction. Much of the work involves excavating land and then drilling and blasting, stock-piling usable materials and removing any rubble.

The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended approval for Western Australia’s first uranium mine.

Toro Energy Limited has been advised by the EPA that approval has been recommended for the company’s Wiluna Uranium Project. The EPA has presented a report to WA’s state minister for environment stating that the Wiluna Project meets environmental approval requirements and should be approved and allowed to proceed, subject to stated conditions within the report.

Barrick Gold holds some of the world’s most exciting gold projects in its South American portfolio, and is determined to lead the mining industry in responsible mining. Julia Smith reports on its contribution to sustainable development and environmental best practice.