Mining and Exploration

Deputy director of Boskalis Offshore Bas van Bemmelen talks to Jane Bordenave about the company’s cradle to cradle approach to projects and how it has come to be a world leader in subsea soil intervention.

Founded in 1995, Boskalis Offshore is the specialised oil and gas organisation within the Royal Boskalis Westminster Group. It is based in the Netherlands, but operates globally and has realised projects on every continent. It works to excavate trenches and provide coarse gravel cover for subsea cables and pipelines.

Vedanta Resources is in talks to purchase assets or take a substantial stake in the UK oil and gas exploration company Cairn Energy.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the talks are at an advanced stage, with an announcement possible later this month. The companies are said to be discussing a range of options, including an equity stake, asset purchases or a complete takeover of Cairn.

ArcelorMittal South Africa has offered to pay R800 million for Imperial Crown Trading (ICT), which holds rights to a 21.4 per cent prospecting stake in Kumba Iron Ore's Sishen Mine.

ArcelorMittal used to own the ICT stake, but lost it last April when it failed to convert it in line with new legislation.

Anglo American subsidiary Kumba owns the remaining mining rights to the Sishen project, which supplies ore to ArcelorMittal at a preferential rate, following an agreement made in 2001.

Competing with the big boys in the oil patch is a healthy challenge for this family company known for its customer service, David Hendricks learns.

For some investors the recent global financial crisis has sounded the bell for acquisition opportunities. Matt McCann, CEO of TransAtlantic Petroleum, gives Andrew Pelis some insight into how troubled times for the oil and gas sector have worked to the company’s advantage.

An aggressive strategy of acquisitions in emerging markets during the current market slump is very much paying off for one oil and gas company from Texas.

First Majestic Silver Corp. is committed to building a senior silver-producing mining company based on an aggressive development and acquisition plan with a focus on Mexico. COO Ramon Davila takes David Hendricks on a virtual tour of the company’s three producing silver mines.

First Majestic Silver Corp. was established in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2002 as a silver mining company focused on Mexico. The company currently has three underground mines in production and is nurturing two other projects for future production.

The history of the iron ore deposits at Mary River is a tale of politics, perseverance and hope, as Richard “Bo” McCloskey, chairman and interim CEO and president of Baffinland Iron Mines, reveals to Andrew Pelis.

The story of the Mary River iron ore deposits is a compelling tale of national pride, split opinions and fluctuating prices, with a splash of political intrigue. For these reasons, the high-grade iron ore reserves remain undeveloped, nearly a half century after they were first discovered by Murray Watts and Ron Sheardown.

Aecon, Canada's largest public construction and infrastructure development company, has signed a letter of intent to purchase oil sands mining contractor Cow Harbour Construction for $180 million.

Jane Bordenave talks to Karara Mining Ltd about its Iron Ore Project and what makes it different from other ore projects.

Karara Mining Ltd was established as a joint venture in 2007 between the Australian mining company Gindalbie Metals Ltd and Chinese steel manufacturer AnSteel. Its primary function is to develop the AU$2 billion Karara Iron Ore Project, but will also be used as a vehicle to look at other future opportunities.

Two years after acquiring its first mineral properties in Mali, Toronto-based Avion Gold Corporation has gone some way towards its goal of producing half a million ounces of gold a year. COO Andrew Bradfield talks to Gay Sutton about progress so far.