Mining and Exploration

Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto has increased its offer for Riversdale Mining to £2.5 billion (A$3.9 billion), after initially offering £2.2 billion earlier this month.

Riversdale's directors said the offer provided "immediate value" and that they would recommend it to shareholders.

Dianor Resources is advancing its Leadbetter diamond project, the first step toward a long-term plan to become a global player in the diamond market, as Keith Regan learns from president and CEO John Ryder.

Having divested numerous gold and base metal assets, Dianor Resources is now squarely focused on the opportunities it sees in diamonds, opportunities it believes will make both it and Canada major players in the changing diamond market.

Rod Bridges tells Andrew Pelis about the changes he has implemented at the Curragh mine and how these have resulted in big savings.

Global demand for coal continues apace, with mining companies across Australia enjoying something of a boom period. For a business like Wesfarmers Curragh, the key has been to implement cost-effective mining processes to make the most of buoyant market prices.

Nordic Mine Technology is pushing the boundaries in customised rail haulage systems for the mining sector. Philip Brown talks to Gay Sutton about innovation and growth.

Eagle Oil Holding Company, Inc announced today that it has concluded a new drilling study to further develop the W H Siler Lease in East Texas.

The program will incorporate the new technologies that use "directional" drilling or "radial" drilling being offered as solutions for older field development in the industry. The program is being geared for use in the less developed East side of the field, with startup in mid 2011.

With two highly productive coal mining assets and a strong pipeline of projects under development, Optimum Coal looks set to become one of South Africa’s largest coal mining companies. CEO Mike Teke talks to Gay Sutton about the company’s strategy for growth.

Just two weeks after announcing an exclusivity agreement with a view to a strategic business combination, Walter Energy and Western Coal have agreed to a C$3.3 billion merger.

Walter Energy will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Western Coal for C$11.50 per share in cash or 0.114 of a Walter Energy share, or for a combination subject to pro-ration.

Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto has made a A$3.5 billion bid approach for Africa-focused Riversdale Mining, in a move likely to spark a bidding war.

With flotation on the Hong Kong stock exchange planned for next year, LontohCoal is gearing up to become a major coal producer. CEO Tshepo Kgadima explains to Gay Sutton what it will take to develop the potential of the Lubimbi mine in Zimbabwe.

Under the guidance of a new executive chairman with extensive mining experience, Tamerlane Ventures is raising the $120 million it will need to return the Pine Point mine to full production. Keith Regan learns how leveraging novel technologies and other operational improvements have altered the economics of the project.