Tuesday 21 August 2012
Black Hawk crash kills 7 Americans and 4 Afghans; Taliban claim they shot it down
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/afghan-official-roadside-bomb-kills-3-afghan-soldiers-in-northern-afghanistan/2012/08/16/cb0464bc-e78a-11e1-9739-eef99c5fb285_story.html
NATO forces said they could not confirm what caused Thursday’s crash and stressed that it was still being investigated. The Black Hawk was operating in support of an ongoing assault on the ground but initial indications were that it was not shot down, according to U.S. officials who spoke anonymously because the investigation was continuing.
Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi said insurgent fighters struck the helicopter in Kandahar province on Thursday morning. He declined to give further details in a phone call with The Associated Press.
The Kandahar provincial government backed the Taliban claim. It said the helicopter was shot down in Shah Wali Kot district, a rural area north of Kandahar city where insurgents move freely and regularly launch attacks. Provincial spokesman Ahmad Jawed Faisal did not provide details or say how the province had confirmed the information.
Kandahar is a traditional Taliban stronghold and the spiritual birthplace of the hardline Islamist movement, which ruled Afghanistan before being ousted in 2001 by the U.S.-led alliance for sheltering al-Qaida’s leaders.
Thursday’s crash came less than a week after six American service members were gunned down, apparently by two members of the Afghan security forces they were training to take over the fight against the insurgency.
White House spokesman Jay Carney said Thursday that the U.S. is prioritizing efforts to prevent more of these types of attacks. NATO says that 34 international service members have been killed in attacks by Afghan security forces or militants wearing their uniforms so far this year.
The international force “is continually assessing and refining procedures in force protection so that we can both meet mission requirements and ensure the safety of our forces,” Carney said.
The Taliban said Thursday that the insider attacks are part of a strategy to undercut the alliance between the Afghan government and international forces.
“Mujahideen have cleverly infiltrated the ranks of the enemy according to the plan given to them last year,” the militants said in their annual statement ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month.
The attacks on U.S. service personnel have stirred fresh doubts about the capability of Afghan security forces to secure the country in less than two years’ time. The majority of international combat troops are scheduled to exit the country by the end of 2014.
Sunday 12 August 2012
Black Hawk Mining Articles | Privacy Policy
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We may store the Personally Identifiable Information we hold about you indefinitely. We may store this information in the United States or we may transfer it to any other country. The data protection laws of the countries where we store your personal data may or may not provide a level of protection equivalent to the laws in your home country. Wherever we hold the data, we will apply the terms of this Privacy Policy.
We reserve the right to change this Privacy Policy at any time. Black Hawk Mines Bulletin does not undertake to provide you with personal notice of any changes. In the event of material changes, we will provide notice by means that are reasonable under the circumstances, such as by posting a notice on the Blog. Your continued use of it following the posting of changes to this Privacy Policy means you accept those changes.
This Privacy Policy is applicable to Black Hawk Mines Bulletin. It explains how Black Hawk Mines Bulletin collect information from users of this Blog and how we use such information. Your use of the Blog constitutes your acceptance of this Privacy Policy.
When you visit this Blog, we may collect certain data that does not tell us specifically who you are. This is “Non-Personally Identifiable Information.” It includes things like your Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type, and the last domain you visited before coming to our Blog or the domain you go to when you leave. It also includes various statistical data such as which pages you visit on our Blog, how long you stay on them, and what you click.
We may place a “cookie” on your computer. A cookie is a small amount of data, which often includes an anonymous unique identifier, sent to your browser from a website’s computers and stored on your computer’s hard drive. Our “preference” cookie expires after thirty (30) days. We may use cookies to keep track of your choice of language and home page preference; to understand your exposure to certain Internet advertisements as you use the Blog, and to gather usage data that will help us generally improve the quality of the Blog. There is a simple procedure in most browsers that allows you to deny or accept cookies. You should note that cookies may be necessary to provide you with certain features on the the Blog.
No Personally Identifiable Information is collected through our cookies or Web beacons. However we may, from time to time, allow advertisers, third-party advertising networks, and third-party advertising serving companies to serve advertisements directly to you within our Websites, Services, and Software. By serving these advertisements directly to you, these companies can set their own cookies on your computer, which may not expire, and trigger their own Web beacons. If you would like to contact the advertisers, third-party advertising networks, and third-party advertising serving companies with which we have relationships to learn more about their privacy policies and what options (if any) they offer to opt out of their data collection, please visit their web sites.
We also may collect information that can be used to identify you (“Personally Identifiable Information”). We only collect Personally Identifiable Information when you specifically provide it to us. For example, in connection with your use of certain features of the Websites you may be asked to create a user account and provide certain information including your name, email addresses, address, and telephone number.
Black Hawk Mines Bulletin cannot ensure or warrant the security or privacy of any information you transmit to us. We attempt to follow policies and procedures that will protect against unauthorized access to your Personally Identifiable Information. But we can make no guarantees or promises in this regard, and you provide information to us at your own risk.
We may store the Personally Identifiable Information we hold about you indefinitely. We may store this information in the United States or we may transfer it to any other country. The data protection laws of the countries where we store your personal data may or may not provide a level of protection equivalent to the laws in your home country. Wherever we hold the data, we will apply the terms of this Privacy Policy.
We reserve the right to change this Privacy Policy at any time. Black Hawk Mines Bulletin does not undertake to provide you with personal notice of any changes. In the event of material changes, we will provide notice by means that are reasonable under the circumstances, such as by posting a notice on the Blog. Your continued use of it following the posting of changes to this Privacy Policy means you accept those changes.
Gravel mine halted near historic North Dakota ranch
http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/gravel-mine-halted-near-historic-north-dakota-ranch/article_098828d4-d416-5f9d-bdf1-32aeed265c02.html
BISMARCK, N.D. | Development of a gravel mine near the site of Theodore Roosevelt's historic Badlands ranch in western North Dakota will not continue, a Montana businessman said Wednesday.
Roger Lothspeich of Miles City, Mont., told The Associated Press that he signed an agreement Wednesday with the U.S. Forest Service to work out an exchange for other federal land or mineral rights at a different location.
Forest Service district ranger Ron Jablonski called it "a major change in direction" and said the agency is anxious to work with Lothspeich. He also said the exchange could be for other land or mineral rights on yet-to-be-determined federal land.
"We are going to take a look at options for some type of exchange," Jablonski said. "This could include other federal land, other minerals or a tax break of some kind."
The Forest Service purchased the ranch, next to Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch site, from brothers Kenneth, Allan and Dennis Eberts and their families in 2007. It cost $5.3 million, with $4.8 million coming from the federal government and $500,000 from conservation groups. The purchase did not include mineral rights.
Roosevelt, who was president from 1901 to 1909, set aside millions of acres for national forests and wildlife refuges during his administration. He spent more than three years in the North Dakota Badlands in the 1880s, grazing cattle on land that government agencies and conservation groups have hailed as the "cradle of conservation."
More than 50 wildlife and conservation groups, including the Boone and Crockett Club started by Roosevelt himself, pressed Congress to approve the 2007 purchase.
The Ebertses had bought Roosevelt's ranch and half the mineral rights from the Connell family in 1993 for $800,000. Lothspeich, who grew up near the land before moving to Montana, bought the other half of the mineral rights from the Connells at an undisclosed price, knowing the government had not obtained them in the Eberts deal.
Lothspeich and his fiancée, Peggy Braunberger, have spent about four years proving they own the right to remove gravel and other surface minerals at the 5,200-acre ranch near Medora. The proposed 25-acre site is about a mile from Roosevelt's cabin.
Lothspeich said he had intended to start digging gravel this year but he said the agreement for a potential land exchange means the plans are "stopped dead in their tracks."
"I'm shutting everything down," Lothspeich told the AP. "I'm happy, the Forest Service is happy, everybody will be happy," he said.
Lothspeich had previously said he wanted the Forest Service or conservation groups to pay him $2.5 million. Neither the federal agency nor the conservation groups took up his offer. He also has said his portion of the subsurface rights represents about $10 million in high-grade gravel that can be sold to the government and companies for road building in North Dakota's booming oil patch.
Tweed Roosevelt, the former president's great-grandson, said last month that he asked President Barack Obama to designate the area as a national monument, which would block development in the area.
"I'm delighted to hear this and it has the potential to be an excellent solution," Roosevelt said from his home in Boston. "I would still like to see the national monument designation go forward, to protect this area from any other potential problems."
Lothspeich said he and his fiancee approached the government about the exchange and met with the Forest Service for about three hours Wednesday morning to craft the agreement.
"I think Roger and Peggy showed a great amount of respect for the place, its history and the feeling people have for this," Jablonski said."
Wednesday 8 August 2012
Mining workshop offered here again | Fort Frances Times Online
http://fftimes.com/node/253212
By Heather Latter, Staff writer
FORT FRANCES—After the success of last year’s “Mining Matters” workshop here, Rainy River Resources once again is sponsoring the free seminar next month for youths and adults interested in learning more about geology.
“It’s a really important initiative,” said Kyle Stanfield, the company’s vice-president of environment and sustainability, noting plans for developing a gold mine in Blackhawk, north of Barwick, are moving “full-steam ahead.”
“We want locals to learn about rocks, minerals, metals, and mining in a hands-on environment, and understand a little more about the industry,” Stanfield explained, adding a lot of people don’t really know much about mining.
“They sort of have an image of mining that is probably a little out of date,” he remarked.
Stanfield said mining has come a long way from the “pick and shovel” technique—and in a short period of time.
“There’s a lot more technology involved, so we wanted to find a good way to help people get some more intensive understanding of what mining is all about,” he reasoned.
The program, slated for Aug. 8-10 at the Confederation College campus in Fort Frances, will be open to both adults (aged 16 and older) and youths aged nine-15.
The first day will be an adult workshop while the second one will focus on the youth. Then the third day will see a combined visit to the company’s exploration site.
“We had a lot of great feedback from participants last year,” said Stanfield, noting they learned that mining is more than just making gold bars—for example, that gypsum, a common mineral, is used to make drywall.
“They learn why minerals are important for our society, and how they are used for everything from home-building to vehicles.”
In the classroom sessions, which also will include some outdoor activities, Stanfield said participants will learn how to use a compass and a GPS, and simulating exploration mapping in the field.
But the highlight of the program, he noted, is the visit to the site.
“They get to see a drill rig, the facility, and what Canada’s next gold mine looks like right now,” Stanfield remarked.
“And we’re really excited to show that.”
He added participants also will have a chance to see core that has been extracted from the ground and to view a model on the computer.
“It’s low-tech and high-tech,” Stanfield explained. “And kids immediately connect to technology.
“When they see it visually, they are intrigued.”
In fact, he said some youth last year indicated geology might be a future career for them.
“So it’s nice to be able to share with people what we do and give them a better understanding of it,” Stanfield remarked, adding he hopes the program will be offered here annually.
“It really put into perspective how essential the mine is to our area . . . and how much work it takes to make a mine operational,” noted Garnet Cornell, who is working as an environmental assistant for Rainy River Resources over the summer.
“It’s an eye-opener for people in the community to actually understand how big of a commitment and how key it is for our area to have this mine up and running,” he stressed.
“Just to understand it more is really what ‘Mining Matters’ is all about,” Cornell reasoned.
“Trying to open people’s eyes to what possibilities this mine will bring.”
While Cornell has been studying Earth Surface Science at the University of Guelph for the past three years, the “Mining Matters” program showed him just how many jobs there are in mining alone.
He encourages others in the community to sign up for the workshop and learn about mining locally.
To register, download a form from the company’s website atwww.rainyriverresources.com
Completed forms can be faxed to 482-2834 or e-mailed toldunn@rainyriverresources.com
There is no cost associated with participating, and lunch will be provided each day.
Rainy River Resources will be in contact with participants to confirm their attendance no later than July 25.
Stanfield noted space is limited, so people should register as soon as possible.
For more information, call 482-2501.
(Fort Frances Times)
Black Hawk Mines Bulletin | Preservation and promotion of mining ghost towns.
http://blackhawk-mining.com/
Black Hawk Mines Bulletin is all for the preservation and promotion of mining ghost towns that are widely being neglected across the world. We support historical sites and promote the rebirth of current mining ghost towns that still have a lot of potential in generating income and historical value.
This blog regularly publishes news and details regarding mining-sites-turned-ghost-towns to educate people interested in history and to gather support for our cause from different parts of the world.
Our group is presently working alongside other associations to keep ghost towns, like the BlackHawk, Colorado, in the map; perhaps, even to try and make them a tourist spot.
Black Hawk Mines Bulletin is all for the preservation and promotion of mining ghost towns that are widely being neglected across the world. We support historical sites and promote the rebirth of current mining ghost towns that still have a lot of potential in generating income and historical value.
This blog regularly publishes news and details regarding mining-sites-turned-ghost-towns to educate people interested in history and to gather support for our cause from different parts of the world.
Our group is presently working alongside other associations to keep ghost towns, like the BlackHawk, Colorado, in the map; perhaps, even to try and make them a tourist spot.
Black Hawk Bulletin’s Gallery
Bringing life back to the historical site and mining ghost
towns that a has bunch of prospective to bring income and be a tourist spot as possible,
not to mention the historical value that it possesses. Thru the news and reviews
brought by Black Hawk Mines Bulletin we’ll be able to spread out the
information to gather more advocate and keep people up to date.
Sunday 5 August 2012
Black Hawk Mining Articles | Black Hawk Mining
http://promotion.blackhawk-mining.com/category/black-hawk-mining/
REPUBLICAN HOUSE PSSES NEW MINING BILL
Posted on July 18, 2012 by blackhawkmines
Republicans in the House of Representative have passed a bill that basically exempts silver, uranium, copper and gold mining on federal land from formal environmental assessment, consequently making it more difficult for environmental organizations to oppose new mining operations.
The HR 4402 bill passed the House by a 256-160 margin and was sponsored by Rep. Mark Amodei is the latest in GOP-led House string of favor for the industrial sector.
The bill called National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act was approved by the Republican House with 22 Democrats voting in favor of it after debates that it could be a false pro-people legislation.
According to Republicans, such changes are required to keep the US in pace with the world in terms of mineral production, which is seen as crucial not only to manufacturing industries but also to national security.
This particular bill will grant the government the power to use state assessments instead of the federal environmental review. This review will be limited to fewer number of months and will only be allowed for an extension if both the mining company and the government agreed on one.
Unsurprisingly, this development is greatly supported by mining companies that are vying for access to the US resources.
Its approval of the bill on Thursday will require government agencies to limit their decision-making periods in issuing mining permits to 30 months.
“The whole idea of the National Environmental Protection Act is that there would be an independent review that involves public input, input from all affected interests, and input from somebody who speaks for the land, and somebody who speaks for the trees,” Rep. Rush Holt said.
Seventeen minerals are generally considered as “rare earth” minerals that the bill would supposedly cover. Unfortunately, the bill appears to be vague about the coverage and could also be used on minerals in unrelated sectors.
“The bill we are considering today is so broadly drafted, where apparently sand and gravel and crushed stone are considered rare and strategic, that the majority actually appears to be trying to usher in a new stone age,” Rep. Edward Markey said.
The House approval will send the legislation to the Senate, but it is likely to get ignored. Meanwhile, Black Hawk Mining Bulletin Articles has already expressed its strong opposition against the bill due to its environmental implications.
BLACK HAWK MINING BULLETIN ARTICLES: SMALL TOWN SUFFERS FROM GOLD HEIST
Posted on May 2, 2012 by blackhawkmines
Decades ago, huge quantities of gold was being pulled from this town, making it one of the richest place in California. But earlier this month, a different incident of obtaining gold nuggets earned the ire of locals.
Two men wearing suspicious clothing and carrying a crowbar apparently went in the Siskiyou Count courthouse through the men’s restroom window. The courthouse is home for the display of California’s most revered collection of gold.
The robbers appeared to have made a hole in the bulletproof glass at 1.00 am through which they have grabbed a million-dollar-worth in gold nuggets. Their stash included a rare 28-ounce specimen from 1913, called ‘the shoe’. They might have escaped several hours before the heist was discovered at seven in the morning.
The robbers got away with 351 ounces out of a 624-ounce set that has a value of USD 3 million for the quality of the specimen.
Residents are undeniably angry for what happened, saying that it would have been more forgivable to rob a bank than stealing a piece of their heritage which cannot be replaced.
Yreka, with a population of only around 7000, is one of the several California mining communities which has proudly kept their golden heritage for public display. This is despite of the USD 1,750/ounce price of gold in the market. In fact, 2 years ago, the county faced a fiscal crisis but they have not even considered selling off their gold collection that was amassed over time and donated by locals.
County sheriff declared the theft as stealing a piece of their region’s history and pledged a USD 15,000 reward for information that may lead to the suspects’ prosecution. The two robbers are described as men in early 20′s wearing black shirts, shoes and blue jeans.
The theft became a subject of suspicion around town mainly because an alarm set on top of the case did not go off. The second alarm, on the sliding glass, is still functioning but it was not moved by the robbers anyway. Townspeople are inclined to believe there has been a terrible inside job.
Gold seems to be the soul of the region. In 1851, a mule packer first discovered the presence of local gold and since then, mines like King Solomon, Golden Eagle and Black Bear have thrived.
Most of the communities that belong to Mother Lode are understandably proud of their heritage so they want to display their collections for people to see. However, doing that comes with loads of risks that they have to be aware of.
The county treasurer said that they can use the insurance claim in upgrading the museum but this act does not seem enough to console the residents.
REPUBLICAN HOUSE PSSES NEW MINING BILL
Posted on July 18, 2012 by blackhawkmines
Republicans in the House of Representative have passed a bill that basically exempts silver, uranium, copper and gold mining on federal land from formal environmental assessment, consequently making it more difficult for environmental organizations to oppose new mining operations.
The HR 4402 bill passed the House by a 256-160 margin and was sponsored by Rep. Mark Amodei is the latest in GOP-led House string of favor for the industrial sector.
The bill called National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act was approved by the Republican House with 22 Democrats voting in favor of it after debates that it could be a false pro-people legislation.
According to Republicans, such changes are required to keep the US in pace with the world in terms of mineral production, which is seen as crucial not only to manufacturing industries but also to national security.
This particular bill will grant the government the power to use state assessments instead of the federal environmental review. This review will be limited to fewer number of months and will only be allowed for an extension if both the mining company and the government agreed on one.
Unsurprisingly, this development is greatly supported by mining companies that are vying for access to the US resources.
Its approval of the bill on Thursday will require government agencies to limit their decision-making periods in issuing mining permits to 30 months.
“The whole idea of the National Environmental Protection Act is that there would be an independent review that involves public input, input from all affected interests, and input from somebody who speaks for the land, and somebody who speaks for the trees,” Rep. Rush Holt said.
Seventeen minerals are generally considered as “rare earth” minerals that the bill would supposedly cover. Unfortunately, the bill appears to be vague about the coverage and could also be used on minerals in unrelated sectors.
“The bill we are considering today is so broadly drafted, where apparently sand and gravel and crushed stone are considered rare and strategic, that the majority actually appears to be trying to usher in a new stone age,” Rep. Edward Markey said.
The House approval will send the legislation to the Senate, but it is likely to get ignored. Meanwhile, Black Hawk Mining Bulletin Articles has already expressed its strong opposition against the bill due to its environmental implications.
BLACK HAWK MINING BULLETIN ARTICLES: SMALL TOWN SUFFERS FROM GOLD HEIST
Posted on May 2, 2012 by blackhawkmines
Decades ago, huge quantities of gold was being pulled from this town, making it one of the richest place in California. But earlier this month, a different incident of obtaining gold nuggets earned the ire of locals.
Two men wearing suspicious clothing and carrying a crowbar apparently went in the Siskiyou Count courthouse through the men’s restroom window. The courthouse is home for the display of California’s most revered collection of gold.
The robbers appeared to have made a hole in the bulletproof glass at 1.00 am through which they have grabbed a million-dollar-worth in gold nuggets. Their stash included a rare 28-ounce specimen from 1913, called ‘the shoe’. They might have escaped several hours before the heist was discovered at seven in the morning.
The robbers got away with 351 ounces out of a 624-ounce set that has a value of USD 3 million for the quality of the specimen.
Residents are undeniably angry for what happened, saying that it would have been more forgivable to rob a bank than stealing a piece of their heritage which cannot be replaced.
Yreka, with a population of only around 7000, is one of the several California mining communities which has proudly kept their golden heritage for public display. This is despite of the USD 1,750/ounce price of gold in the market. In fact, 2 years ago, the county faced a fiscal crisis but they have not even considered selling off their gold collection that was amassed over time and donated by locals.
County sheriff declared the theft as stealing a piece of their region’s history and pledged a USD 15,000 reward for information that may lead to the suspects’ prosecution. The two robbers are described as men in early 20′s wearing black shirts, shoes and blue jeans.
The theft became a subject of suspicion around town mainly because an alarm set on top of the case did not go off. The second alarm, on the sliding glass, is still functioning but it was not moved by the robbers anyway. Townspeople are inclined to believe there has been a terrible inside job.
Gold seems to be the soul of the region. In 1851, a mule packer first discovered the presence of local gold and since then, mines like King Solomon, Golden Eagle and Black Bear have thrived.
Most of the communities that belong to Mother Lode are understandably proud of their heritage so they want to display their collections for people to see. However, doing that comes with loads of risks that they have to be aware of.
The county treasurer said that they can use the insurance claim in upgrading the museum but this act does not seem enough to console the residents.
Black Hawk Mining Articles | News & Promotions
http://promotion.blackhawk-mining.com/category/news-promotions/
A recent survey conducted in Australia shows that although their mining sector is enjoying a boom, services sector is in an opposite condition. Most of the contraction was caused by a decline in new orders among the various players in the services sector while sales and prices also fell.
Just 2 out of 9 sub-sectors (namely, personal and recreational services and finance and insurance) included in the survey has grown during the month. The increased activity in the mining sector is not positively affecting the remaining sectors of the local market.
The chief executive of the Australian Industry Group (AI Group) said that the contraction in the services industry just shows how narrow is its base of development in the broad market.
Several stability in financial states abroad in a period of few months will be favorable for allowing consumer and business confidence to improve, resulting in a gradual increase in spending.
More than half of the world’s mining acquisitions in 2011 has involved projects located in US, Australia and Canada. Other buyers include China, India, Russia and Brazil, all of which increased their acquisitions by 42% since 2006.
In terms of gold, the average deal is valued at USD 41 million where a premium is almost 50%. Propelling the lucrative market is Australia with 15%, United States with 14% and Canada with 49%.
Considering the bigger picture of the industry, PwC seems to be expecting that this year will see record M&A valuations and volumes in the mining sector worldwide.
According to the company, sovereign wealth funds tend to have more advantage in winning transactions because of their low cost of capital.
PwC is assuming that non-miners like sovereign wealth funds, large pension funds and private equity might reassess their approach to the industry and begin to participate more in M&A.
A recent survey conducted in Australia shows that although their mining sector is enjoying a boom, services sector is in an opposite condition. Most of the contraction was caused by a decline in new orders among the various players in the services sector while sales and prices also fell.
Just 2 out of 9 sub-sectors (namely, personal and recreational services and finance and insurance) included in the survey has grown during the month. The increased activity in the mining sector is not positively affecting the remaining sectors of the local market.
The chief executive of the Australian Industry Group (AI Group) said that the contraction in the services industry just shows how narrow is its base of development in the broad market.
Several stability in financial states abroad in a period of few months will be favorable for allowing consumer and business confidence to improve, resulting in a gradual increase in spending.
More than half of the world’s mining acquisitions in 2011 has involved projects located in US, Australia and Canada. Other buyers include China, India, Russia and Brazil, all of which increased their acquisitions by 42% since 2006.
In terms of gold, the average deal is valued at USD 41 million where a premium is almost 50%. Propelling the lucrative market is Australia with 15%, United States with 14% and Canada with 49%.
Considering the bigger picture of the industry, PwC seems to be expecting that this year will see record M&A valuations and volumes in the mining sector worldwide.
According to the company, sovereign wealth funds tend to have more advantage in winning transactions because of their low cost of capital.
PwC is assuming that non-miners like sovereign wealth funds, large pension funds and private equity might reassess their approach to the industry and begin to participate more in M&A.
Wednesday 1 August 2012
Black Hawk Mining Articles | Black Hawk Mining Bulletin Articles: Small town suffers from gold heist
http://promotion.blackhawk-mining.com/2012/05/02/black-hawk-mines-small-town-suffers-from-gold-heist/
Decades ago, huge quantities of gold was being pulled from this town, making it one of the richest place in California. But earlier this month, a different incident of obtaining gold nuggets earned the ire of locals.
Two men wearing suspicious clothing and carrying a crowbar apparently went in the Siskiyou Count courthouse through the men’s restroom window. The courthouse is home for the display of California’s most revered collection of gold.
The robbers appeared to have made a hole in the bulletproof glass at 1.00 am through which they have grabbed a million-dollar-worth in gold nuggets. Their stash included a rare 28-ounce specimen from 1913, called ‘the shoe’. They might have escaped several hours before the heist was discovered at seven in the morning.
The robbers got away with 351 ounces out of a 624-ounce set that has a value of USD 3 million for the quality of the specimen.
Residents are undeniably angry for what happened, saying that it would have been more forgivable to rob a bank than stealing a piece of their heritage which cannot be replaced.
Yreka, with a population of only around 7000, is one of the several California mining communities which has proudly kept their golden heritage for public display. This is despite of the USD 1,750/ounce price of gold in the market. In fact, 2 years ago, the county faced a fiscal crisis but they have not even considered selling off their gold collection that was amassed over time and donated by locals.
County sheriff declared the theft as stealing a piece of their region’s history and pledged a USD 15,000 reward for information that may lead to the suspects’ prosecution. The two robbers are described as men in early 20′s wearing black shirts, shoes and blue jeans.
The theft became a subject of suspicion around town mainly because an alarm set on top of the case did not go off. The second alarm, on the sliding glass, is still functioning but it was not moved by the robbers anyway. Townspeople are inclined to believe there has been a terrible inside job.
Gold seems to be the soul of the region. In 1851, a mule packer first discovered the presence of local gold and since then, mines like King Solomon, Golden Eagle and Black Bear have thrived.
Most of the communities that belong to Mother Lode are understandably proud of their heritage so they want to display their collections for people to see. However, doing that comes with loads of risks that they have to be aware of.
The county treasurer said that they can use the insurance claim in upgrading the museum but this act does not seem enough to console the residents.
Decades ago, huge quantities of gold was being pulled from this town, making it one of the richest place in California. But earlier this month, a different incident of obtaining gold nuggets earned the ire of locals.
Two men wearing suspicious clothing and carrying a crowbar apparently went in the Siskiyou Count courthouse through the men’s restroom window. The courthouse is home for the display of California’s most revered collection of gold.
The robbers appeared to have made a hole in the bulletproof glass at 1.00 am through which they have grabbed a million-dollar-worth in gold nuggets. Their stash included a rare 28-ounce specimen from 1913, called ‘the shoe’. They might have escaped several hours before the heist was discovered at seven in the morning.
The robbers got away with 351 ounces out of a 624-ounce set that has a value of USD 3 million for the quality of the specimen.
Residents are undeniably angry for what happened, saying that it would have been more forgivable to rob a bank than stealing a piece of their heritage which cannot be replaced.
Yreka, with a population of only around 7000, is one of the several California mining communities which has proudly kept their golden heritage for public display. This is despite of the USD 1,750/ounce price of gold in the market. In fact, 2 years ago, the county faced a fiscal crisis but they have not even considered selling off their gold collection that was amassed over time and donated by locals.
County sheriff declared the theft as stealing a piece of their region’s history and pledged a USD 15,000 reward for information that may lead to the suspects’ prosecution. The two robbers are described as men in early 20′s wearing black shirts, shoes and blue jeans.
The theft became a subject of suspicion around town mainly because an alarm set on top of the case did not go off. The second alarm, on the sliding glass, is still functioning but it was not moved by the robbers anyway. Townspeople are inclined to believe there has been a terrible inside job.
Gold seems to be the soul of the region. In 1851, a mule packer first discovered the presence of local gold and since then, mines like King Solomon, Golden Eagle and Black Bear have thrived.
Most of the communities that belong to Mother Lode are understandably proud of their heritage so they want to display their collections for people to see. However, doing that comes with loads of risks that they have to be aware of.
The county treasurer said that they can use the insurance claim in upgrading the museum but this act does not seem enough to console the residents.
Black Hawk Mining Articles | Black Hawk Mining Bulletin Articles: Aus Mining Continues Growth
http://promotion.blackhawk-mining.com/2012/05/10/black-hawk-mining-bulletin-articles-aus-mining-continues-growth/
A recent survey conducted in Australia shows that although their mining sector is enjoying a boom, services sector is in an opposite condition. Most of the contraction was caused by a decline in new orders among the various players in the services sector while sales and prices also fell.
Just 2 out of 9 sub-sectors (namely, personal and recreational services and finance and insurance) included in the survey has grown during the month. The increased activity in the mining sector is not positively affecting the remaining sectors of the local market.
The chief executive of the Australian Industry Group (AI Group) said that the contraction in the services industry just shows how narrow is its base of development in the broad market.
Several stability in financial states abroad in a period of few months will be favorable for allowing consumer and business confidence to improve, resulting in a gradual increase in spending.
More than half of the world’s mining acquisitions in 2011 has involved projects located in US, Australia and Canada. Other buyers include China, India, Russia and Brazil, all of which increased their acquisitions by 42% since 2006.
In terms of gold, the average deal is valued at USD 41 million where a premium is almost 50%. Propelling the lucrative market is Australia with 15%, United States with 14% and Canada with 49%.
Considering the bigger picture of the industry, PwC seems to be expecting that this year will see record M&A valuations and volumes in the mining sector worldwide.
According to the company, sovereign wealth funds tend to have more advantage in winning transactions because of their low cost of capital.
PwC is assuming that non-miners like sovereign wealth funds, large pension funds and private equity might reassess their approach to the industry and begin to participate more in M&A
A recent survey conducted in Australia shows that although their mining sector is enjoying a boom, services sector is in an opposite condition. Most of the contraction was caused by a decline in new orders among the various players in the services sector while sales and prices also fell.
Just 2 out of 9 sub-sectors (namely, personal and recreational services and finance and insurance) included in the survey has grown during the month. The increased activity in the mining sector is not positively affecting the remaining sectors of the local market.
The chief executive of the Australian Industry Group (AI Group) said that the contraction in the services industry just shows how narrow is its base of development in the broad market.
Several stability in financial states abroad in a period of few months will be favorable for allowing consumer and business confidence to improve, resulting in a gradual increase in spending.
More than half of the world’s mining acquisitions in 2011 has involved projects located in US, Australia and Canada. Other buyers include China, India, Russia and Brazil, all of which increased their acquisitions by 42% since 2006.
In terms of gold, the average deal is valued at USD 41 million where a premium is almost 50%. Propelling the lucrative market is Australia with 15%, United States with 14% and Canada with 49%.
Considering the bigger picture of the industry, PwC seems to be expecting that this year will see record M&A valuations and volumes in the mining sector worldwide.
According to the company, sovereign wealth funds tend to have more advantage in winning transactions because of their low cost of capital.
PwC is assuming that non-miners like sovereign wealth funds, large pension funds and private equity might reassess their approach to the industry and begin to participate more in M&A
Black Hawk Mining Articles | Silver, Copper Mining could Save Haiti
http://promotion.blackhawk-mining.com/2012/06/17/silver-copper-mining-could-save-haiti/
Haiti’s copper and silver reserves in its hills are now up for an extensive exploitation by a Canadian corporation that has reportedly damaged the neighboring Dominican Republic.
Once this mining plan is authorized while Haiti is under foreign occupation, it could practically leave the country without its ecological, cultural and mineral wealth.
Moreover, concerns surrounding the mining venture have been raised as the operation calls for the construction of a deep-water port in the northeastern part of the country, posing a significant threat to their marine ecosystem.
The biggest water reservoir that is near the mining operations is at constant risk of cyanide contamination, adding to the reports that the firm has been previously accused of destroying Indian archeological sites by using dynamites on mountainsand.
Geologists of the United Nations have documented significant pockets of copper and gold in 1970s but at that time, foreigners were not willing to risk their money in an unstable and corrupt country.
Surprisingly, it was not after the 2010 earthquake that outside investment was encouraged and investors discovered a good opportunity. In fact, just 2 weeks after the catastrophe, a Canadian exploration company purchased all the stocks of the only Haitian company which has full permits in exchange for an area of land, practically appearing as a scam.
Three companies are already considering prospects of mining in Haiti but at present, only Somine has complete concessions to bring the metals out of the area. The said permits for 31 square miles were negotiated in 1996 during the presidency of Rene Preval and which required the company to hire Haitians.
According to the parties interested in the mining prospects:
“What we’re most excited about is that we found some silver which was never really realized before. It’s the first silver discovery in Haiti. Part of the reason why it was never really discovered was that historically there was so much copper prevalent — there’s a lot of outcropping at surface. The people who did the work before did not do much testing, even for gold. The geology is a little complex for a copper porphyry, but in a good way. The surprises that we’re getting are all good ones.”
At the end of the day, if Haiti could have a good administration and honest mining companies, it is still possible for it to move forward, said Black Hawk Mining Bulletin Articles
Haiti’s copper and silver reserves in its hills are now up for an extensive exploitation by a Canadian corporation that has reportedly damaged the neighboring Dominican Republic.
Once this mining plan is authorized while Haiti is under foreign occupation, it could practically leave the country without its ecological, cultural and mineral wealth.
Moreover, concerns surrounding the mining venture have been raised as the operation calls for the construction of a deep-water port in the northeastern part of the country, posing a significant threat to their marine ecosystem.
The biggest water reservoir that is near the mining operations is at constant risk of cyanide contamination, adding to the reports that the firm has been previously accused of destroying Indian archeological sites by using dynamites on mountainsand.
Geologists of the United Nations have documented significant pockets of copper and gold in 1970s but at that time, foreigners were not willing to risk their money in an unstable and corrupt country.
Surprisingly, it was not after the 2010 earthquake that outside investment was encouraged and investors discovered a good opportunity. In fact, just 2 weeks after the catastrophe, a Canadian exploration company purchased all the stocks of the only Haitian company which has full permits in exchange for an area of land, practically appearing as a scam.
Three companies are already considering prospects of mining in Haiti but at present, only Somine has complete concessions to bring the metals out of the area. The said permits for 31 square miles were negotiated in 1996 during the presidency of Rene Preval and which required the company to hire Haitians.
According to the parties interested in the mining prospects:
“What we’re most excited about is that we found some silver which was never really realized before. It’s the first silver discovery in Haiti. Part of the reason why it was never really discovered was that historically there was so much copper prevalent — there’s a lot of outcropping at surface. The people who did the work before did not do much testing, even for gold. The geology is a little complex for a copper porphyry, but in a good way. The surprises that we’re getting are all good ones.”
At the end of the day, if Haiti could have a good administration and honest mining companies, it is still possible for it to move forward, said Black Hawk Mining Bulletin Articles
Black Hawk Mining Articles | Republican House Psses new Mining Bill
http://promotion.blackhawk-mining.com/2012/07/18/republican-house-psses-new-mining-bill/
Republicans in the House of Representative have passed a bill that basically exempts silver, uranium, copper and gold mining on federal land from formal environmental assessment, consequently making it more difficult for environmental organizations to oppose new mining operations.
The HR 4402 bill passed the House by a 256-160 margin and was sponsored by Rep. Mark Amodei is the latest in GOP-led House string of favor for the industrial sector.
The bill called National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act was approved by the Republican House with 22 Democrats voting in favor of it after debates that it could be a false pro-people legislation.
According to Republicans, such changes are required to keep the US in pace with the world in terms of mineral production, which is seen as crucial not only to manufacturing industries but also to national security.
This particular bill will grant the government the power to use state assessments instead of the federal environmental review. This review will be limited to fewer number of months and will only be allowed for an extension if both the mining company and the government agreed on one.
Unsurprisingly, this development is greatly supported by mining companies that are vying for access to the US resources.
Its approval of the bill on Thursday will require government agencies to limit their decision-making periods in issuing mining permits to 30 months.
“The whole idea of the National Environmental Protection Act is that there would be an independent review that involves public input, input from all affected interests, and input from somebody who speaks for the land, and somebody who speaks for the trees,” Rep. Rush Holt said.
Seventeen minerals are generally considered as “rare earth” minerals that the bill would supposedly cover. Unfortunately, the bill appears to be vague about the coverage and could also be used on minerals in unrelated sectors.
“The bill we are considering today is so broadly drafted, where apparently sand and gravel and crushed stone are considered rare and strategic, that the majority actually appears to be trying to usher in a new stone age,” Rep. Edward Markey said.
The House approval will send the legislation to the Senate, but it is likely to get ignored. Meanwhile, Black Hawk Mining Bulletin Articles has already expressed its strong opposition against the bill due to its environmental implications.
Republicans in the House of Representative have passed a bill that basically exempts silver, uranium, copper and gold mining on federal land from formal environmental assessment, consequently making it more difficult for environmental organizations to oppose new mining operations.
The HR 4402 bill passed the House by a 256-160 margin and was sponsored by Rep. Mark Amodei is the latest in GOP-led House string of favor for the industrial sector.
The bill called National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act was approved by the Republican House with 22 Democrats voting in favor of it after debates that it could be a false pro-people legislation.
According to Republicans, such changes are required to keep the US in pace with the world in terms of mineral production, which is seen as crucial not only to manufacturing industries but also to national security.
This particular bill will grant the government the power to use state assessments instead of the federal environmental review. This review will be limited to fewer number of months and will only be allowed for an extension if both the mining company and the government agreed on one.
Unsurprisingly, this development is greatly supported by mining companies that are vying for access to the US resources.
Its approval of the bill on Thursday will require government agencies to limit their decision-making periods in issuing mining permits to 30 months.
“The whole idea of the National Environmental Protection Act is that there would be an independent review that involves public input, input from all affected interests, and input from somebody who speaks for the land, and somebody who speaks for the trees,” Rep. Rush Holt said.
Seventeen minerals are generally considered as “rare earth” minerals that the bill would supposedly cover. Unfortunately, the bill appears to be vague about the coverage and could also be used on minerals in unrelated sectors.
“The bill we are considering today is so broadly drafted, where apparently sand and gravel and crushed stone are considered rare and strategic, that the majority actually appears to be trying to usher in a new stone age,” Rep. Edward Markey said.
The House approval will send the legislation to the Senate, but it is likely to get ignored. Meanwhile, Black Hawk Mining Bulletin Articles has already expressed its strong opposition against the bill due to its environmental implications.
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