Mining and Minerals Industries Holding has entered into a conditional transaction agreement with Bezant Resources – the UK AIM-listed copper-gold exploration and development company – for its wholly-owned subsidiary MMJV to acquire an 80 per cent shareholding in Asean Copper Investments.

Since 1 July 2019, local government units from the Province of Nueva Vizcaya have impeded access to and from OceanaGold’s Didipio mine site in response to a directive from the Governor to “restrain any operations” of the Company.

China has transitioned into a major importer of natural graphite, increasing monthly shipments from Africa by almost 2,000 per cent since the start of 2018 to exceed 22kt in May.

Lithium Australia is forming a business partnership with leading Chinese battery producer DLG Battery to launch a new range of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in the Australian market, with a focus on industry-scale energy storage systems (ESS).

Measures to limit emissions and diversify China’s economy are having real results on the nation’s coal usage, according to Sarah Liu, Deputy General Manager of Fenwei Energy.

In early September, the African Energy Chamber concluded a one-week working visit to Beijing where it met with senior officials from the Chinese government, heads of state-owned energy companies and representatives from the business sector.

Due to past examples of environmental mismanagement, and with only a reported 3 per cent of 9 million hectares identified by the state as having high mineral reserves being mined, mining in the South East Asian nation remains a contentious issue.

OCEANAGOLD has gained a Special Citation for Excellence in Ecology and Economy (E3) for water management measures at its Didipio Gold-Copper Project in northern Luzon. The award recognises the water initiatives of OceanaGold Phils Inc (OGPI), including the $6.1 million automated water treatment (AWT) facility.

MEDUSA Mining continues underground development at the Co-O Gold Project in northeast Mindanao. During the September quarter, 6371 metres were developed – up from 5671 metres the previous quarter – with 3697 metres of this being horizontal development, and the remainder vertical.

WITH mining activity at Siana Gold Project halted, Red 5 Limited has carried out engineering studies which have demonstrated the potential to enhance the financial outcomes of the proposed underground mine development. The studies have continued after the first phase of underground development was suspended in May.

THE Runruno gold operation of Metals Exploration plc continues to experience difficulties in the BIOX circuit ramp-up. Operationally all other aspects of the project continue to strengthen with the mining and non-BIOX aspects operating at or around design levels.

SEMIRARA Mining and Power Corp (SMPC) plans to modernise its fleet to facilitate a coal mine expansion program. The Consunji-led company spent P3.5 billion for the procurement of equipment in the first half of the year and by the end of 2017, expects to have spent P5 billion.

AFTER a difficult year at Co-O Gold Project, Medusa Mining expects to maintain production in the 2017/18 financial year at between 80,000 and 90,000 ounces. The company produced 80,743 ounces in the year ending June 30, compared to 108,578 ounces in the previous year.

RECENT regulatory changes and new policies for the Philippines mining sector, which include an increased focus on adopting environmental and socially responsible standards, may create opportunities for the proven expertise of Australia’s mining and METS sectors.

RIZAL Resources continues to make slow but steady progress in re-establishing the T’Boli Gold Project in South Cotabato, Mindanao, and ramping up towards the intended Phase 1 daily production rate of 200 tonnes. Progress has been impacted by poor cashflow and a subsequent lack of funds.

NICKEL producer Marcventures Holdings is merging with Asia Pilot Mining Philippines Corp and BrightGreen Resources Holdings in a deal valued at about US$22.1 million. Marcventures will remain as the surviving entity and operator.

CAGDIANAO Mining Corporation (CMC), a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corp (NAC), has boosted its nickel operations and by the second week of November expects to have completed 39 shipments to China this year. Each shipment contains around 55,000 wet metric tonnes of nickel ore.

PRODUCTION at OceanaGold’s Didipio Gold-Copper Project in northern Luzon is expected to increase when underground production is delivered at the end of the year. Gold and copper production at the project has decreased this year with the cessation of open pit mining.

RIZAL Resources continues to advance the T’Boli Gold Project in southern Mindanao towards full production. It has recommissioned the mill while mine development activities are advancing as part of a two-year plan with the objective of recommencing production and delivering positive operating margins.

DIAMOND drilling at RTG Mining’s Bunawan Gold Project in Mindanao has returned high-grade intersections and identified a new style of mineralisation. The company believes that with the various geological conditions identified, the region has potential to see another major gold discovery.