6th-8th August 09

Mining – India 1
1. Mineral Production during May 2009 1
2. 12 Goa mines near wildlife sanctuaries face closure 2
3. Vigilance finds illegal mining rampant 3
4. CIL may finalise disinvestment proposal in couple of months 3
5. 50 years of its journey at Tata Steel 4
6. The road to Jharkhand just got longer... 5
7. Mining issue rocks House 7
8. Team seeks Lapang nod for mining8- Govt keen, says NGO 8
Mining – International 9
9. New website to link mining women 9
10. 2 confirmed dead in collapsed Mexico coal mine 10
11. Mining Company, Miners Return to Talks in Ghana 11
12. Stillwater Mining Company Reports Operating Results (10-Q) 13
13. Highlight of Business Operations: 13
14. Regulators to approve new coal mine in Maryland 15
15. Zimbabwe to adopt friendlier mine law 16
16. Schwarzenegger signs ban on dredge mining 17
17. Katanga Mining posts second-quarter loss 18
Other News 19
18. NO CITIZEN WILL GO HUNGRY SAYS PM 19
19. Implementation of Forest Rights Act 21
20. Gender Budgeting 22
21. Survey of Slum Dwellers and Employment Schemes 2323
22. Integrated Child Protection Scheme for welfare and Protection of Children 23
23. Govt gave enhanced allocations for NREGA, other schemes 25


Mining – India

Mineral Production during May 2009
________________________________________
11:22 IST
The mineral production from mining and quarrying sector in May 2009 was higher by 3.58% compared to that of the preceding month. However, the mineral sector has shown a positive growth of 3.73% during May 2009 as compared to that of the corresponding month of previous year.

The total value of mineral production (excluding atomic & minor minerals) in the country during May 2009 was Rs. 9009 crore. The contribution of coal was the highest at Rs. 3160 crore (35%). Next in the order of importance were: iron ore Rs. 2175 crore, petroleum (crude) Rs. 1550 crore, natural gas (utilized) Rs. 1025 crore, lignite Rs. 266 crore and limestone Rs. 214 crore. These six minerals together contributed about 93% of the total value of mineral production in may 2009.

Production level of important minerals in May 2009 was: coal 396 lakh tones, lignite 33 lakh tones, natural gas (utilized) 3307 million cu. m., petroleum (crude) 28 lakh tones, bauxite 1160 thousand tonnes, chromite 449 thousand tonnes, copper conc. 10 thousand tonnes, gold 131 kg., iron ore 204 lakh tonnes, leas conc. 10 thousand tonnes, manganese ore 208 thousand tonnes, zinc conc. 95 thousand tonnes, apatite & phosphorite 148 thousand tonnes, dolomite 347 thousand tonnes, limestone 192 lakh tonnes and magnesite 21 thousand tonnes.

In may 2009, the output of natural gas (utilized) increased by 16.57%, chromite 14.20%, magnesite 9.59%, manganese ore 7.41%, iron ore 3.86%, limestone 3.79%, lignite 2.48%, dolomite 2.48%, and petroleum (crude) 1.94%. The production of copper conc. remains at the level of previous month. However, the production of coal decreased by 1.06%, zinc conc. 1.33%, lead conc. 3.69%, bauxite 9.06%, apatite & phosphorite 10.24% and gold 17.61 percent.
******

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=51589

12 Goa mines near wildlife sanctuaries face closure
Panaji (IANS): Twelve mines, including one owned by Sesa Goa, face closure because of their proximity to wildlife sanctuaries.
Director of Environment Michael D'Souza directed the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) through a letter dated August 6 to stop mines which "have not obtained any clearances from the statutory authorities".
The list of mines includes Sesa Goa mines at Codli village, two mines operated by Shantilal Khushaldas Bros at Rivona, which do not have the required clearances and sanctions from the forest department.
Another mine belonging to Damodar Mangalji, which is also under investigation, is located in a lease area which is a protected site which has ancient rock carvings.
The administrative action follows an assurance given to the state assembly Thursday by Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira that all mines near wildlife sanctuaries would be ordered to stop operations.
"The undersigned has assured the august house that in case alleged illegalities are found to be true, the department of environment will immediately ensure necessary action to stop all such activities," Mr. Sequeira wrote in a note to the environment secretary a few hours after the assurance to the Assembly.
"The note from the honourable minister for environment is self explanatory, along with it is a list of 12 mines which are operating without fulfilling the requisite conditions or without having obtained any clearances from other statutory authorities," Mr. D'Souza has said.
The issue of illegal mining has been one of the main features of the monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly. A high level committee appointed by the chief minister has also thrown light on several instances of illegal mining in the State.
The opposition has repeatedly alleged that several Cabinet ministers were involved in illegal mining. Leader of opposition Manohar Parrikar had also alleged that nearly 18 per cent of Goa's mining exports was fed by illegal mining.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/008200908081012.htm

Vigilance finds illegal mining rampant


Express News Service
First Published : 08 Aug 2009 08:42:21 AM IST

BHUBANESWAR: The State Vigilance has found that there was rampant theft and illegal mining of iron and manganese ores from the mines held by Ram Bahadur Thakur Limited at Rudukela and Katasahi in Keonjhar district.
The Vigilance on Friday submitted a progress report to the State Government on its investigation into the alleged mining scam worth over Rs 4,000 crore.
Debadutt Patnaik, the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), who headed the Vigilance inquiry, told this paper that large-scale illegal mining has been found at RBT mines, the adjacent no-man’s-land and some other mines. Besides, there was also illegal mining in the forest land.
Criminal cases will be filed against those found guilty of these activities, he said, adding that illegal mining was going on with the knowledge of some officials of the Directorate of Mines and forest officials. Mining activity was also done without forest and environment clearances.
Patnaik said the exact amount of ore illegally lifted from the mines will be known within a couple of days. The Vigilance team has seized all documents in this regard from the office of the Director of Mines. Besides, it has also examined Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Regional Transport Officer and other mining officials in Keonjhar district.
As many as 11 teams were constituted to expedite the probe into the scam. Patnaik said it will take time to get into the details.
The BJP had exposed the mining scam, one of the largest in the country, during the budget session of the Assembly, which concluded recently, and demanded an enquiry by the CBI. The State Government, however, ordered a Vigilance probe into the scam on July 15.

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Vigilance+finds+illegal+mining+rampant&artid=Xi677d4Ejpc=&SectionID=mvKkT3vj5ZA=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=nUFeEOBkuKw=&SEO=


CIL may finalise disinvestment proposal in couple of months
7 Aug 2009, 1620 hrs IST, PTI

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NEW DELHI: Coal India Ltd said the proposal to divest up to 10 per cent government stake in the Navratna PSU is likely to be finalised in a

couple of months.

"We are likely to finalise the disinvestment proposal (in CIL) in a couple of months," Coal India Ltd Chairman P S Bhattacharyya said on the sidelines of India Leadership Summit 2009 here.

The Board of Coal India Ltd (CIL) has recommended that "5-10 per cent" government equity can be disinvested.

Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal had earlier said the first right for purchase of shares would be given to the company employees to make them partners in the company and then the option will be given to those whose land had been acquired by CIL.

However, the coal ministry would have to introduce a bill to amend the present Coal Mines Nationalisation Act for the proposed disinvestment.

CIL has an estimated coal reserves of up to 100 billion tonnes and over 80 per centmarket share in the country.

Coal India produced about 403 million tonnes of coal last fiscal. The company has a capital expenditure plan of Rs 3,200 crore for this fiscal and aims to increase production by 7.5 per cent to 435 million tonnes by the end of the current financial year.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Indl-Goods-Svs/Metals-Mining/CIL-may-finalise-disinvestment-proposal-in-couple-of-months/articleshow/4867674.cms

50 years of its journey at Tata Steel

7 Aug 2009 , Jamshedpur : Tata Steel today celebrated the Golden Jubilee of Sinter Plant 1 at its premises in the Jamshedpur Works. The function was graced by Mr B Muthuraman, Managing Director, Tata Steel, as the chief guest and Mr Raghunath Pandey, President, Tata Workers’ Union, as the guest of honour. Mr H M Nerurkar, Executive Director, India and South East Asia, was also present on the occasion. With this, Sinter Plant 1 completes 50 years, replete with rich experience, under the tutelage of those who are role-models in the steel industry today.

Present on the occasion were several renowned sinter-makers who have paved the way for the global stature that Tata Steel enjoys today; Dr T Mukherjee, Mr M S Dighe, Mr R V Chari, Mr. Amitabha Mukherjee, Mr V Balasubramanium, Mr P N Roy, Mr R P Tyagi, Mr. K K Mangal, Mr B K Das, to name a few. Sinter Plant-1 is the oldest sinter making plant in India. After growth of sintering technology in India, several steel plants like SAIL, RINL etc adopted this technology. Now Tata Steel has four Sinter Plants producing 7.8 MTPA of sinter and pioneering in sintering technology.

Addressing the gathering Mr Muthuraman said, “The Golden Jubilee celebration is a nostalgic, historic occasion. Over the last 50 years, SP1 has played a vital role in steel making, thereby helping our country to improve its economy in a rather environment-friendly way. The Steel Works at Jamshedpur is truly a role model to all our other units. I wish all my colleagues the very best in days to come.” Mr H M Nerurkar too lauded the effort of all saying, “We have had quite a few gainful years at sinter making. With our understanding of technical know-how towards sinter making and steel-making getting enriched on a constant basis, we are better placed today to use sinter efficiently at all our blast furnaces.” Mr Raghunath Pandey, spoke highly of the harmonious relations that Tata Steel management has shared with the Union for more than 75 years now.

One of the first technical headway in steel-making technology, the Sinter Plant was installed for the first time in India at Tata Steel Jamshedpur Works, to use fine iron ore amply available in Noamundi and Joda mines. As iron ore fine cannot be charged into the Blast Furnace directly to make hot metal, Sinter Plant helps in making lumps out of iron ore fines and dust with the help of solid fuel. Sinter Plant No.1 is the oldest sinter making plant in India and was commissioned by Ms Lurgi, Germany during two million ton program (TMP) of Tata Steel in Year 1958.

Over the years, it has helped to increase the iron ore reserves life in India by using fines and dust of the mines. It is now competing with new sinter plants globally, owing to its higher quality and lower cost of product, through constant improvement of its technology and facilities. Recently, the Company has spent a lot of money to improve its quality further, with the result that SP1 sinter is now being consumed by larger blast furnaces without any problem. To improve environment, Sinter Plant uses a lot of waste material generated in steel plant. Requirement of coal and coke becomes low when sinter is used for making hot metal. Thus Sinter Plant 1 is serving the country to improve its economy, conserve natural resources and environment significantly.

About Tata Steel
Established in 1907 as Asia's first integrated private sector steel company, Tata Steel Group (including Corus) is among one of the world’s top ten steel producers with an annual crude steel capacity of over 24.4 million tonnes. It is now the world's second-most geographically-diversified steel producer, with operations in 26 countries and a commercial presence in over 50 countries. The Tata Steel Group, with a turnover of US$ 29 billion in FY '09, has over 80,000 employees across five continents and is a Fortune 500 company. Tata Steel India is the first integrated steel plant in the world, outside Japan, to be awarded the Deming Application Prize 2008 for excellence in Total Quality Management.

http://www.prdomain.com/companies/T/TataSteel/newsreleases/20098875181.htm

The road to Jharkhand just got longer...
;Dipankar Bose
RAMGARH/RANCHI, 7 AUG: If anyone is planning to take the National Highway (NH)-33, any time soon, they should have ample amount of time on their hands. Thanks to the lackadaisical attitude of the state government and complete lack of co-ordination with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), the journey will now get longer. Considered as the lifeline of Jharkhand, linking capital Ranchi with the Grand Trunk Road and then upto Patna, via Hazaribagh on one side and upto West Bengal border via Ghatshila on the other, the National Highway is being extended, due to the impending danger lurking under the surface of the extremely busy thoroughfare.
Underground fires, that have been simmering in the abandoned coal mines of CCL’s Kujju sector for a long time now are gradually spreading to surrounding areas now ~ mostly abandoned coal mines ~ resulting in cracks along the surface of the road.
The affected areas lie between Ramgarh and Hazaribagh, near Kujju’s Loha Gate. Subsidence of land with buzzing sound indicating raging underground fire was reported quite some time ago, by the locals and recently the fumes billowing from beneath the surface have turned the area hazy. But, the authorities concerned paid no heed to the impending danger and did not chalk out an alternative route which would be suitable for both heavy and light vehicular movement along the National Highway.
The result: Vehicles continued plying along the NH-33. But, when cracks developed on the road surface at more than a dozen locations in the last nine days, authorities finally took notice.
Ramgarh district authorities, headed by the divisional commissioner of the district Mr AK Sinha, did some brainstorming late last night along with Mr BK Singh, general manager of CCL’s Kujju sector and officials of the NHAI and decided on imposing an immediate diversion and complete closure of all vehicular movement along NH-33, near Kujju. The traffic plan has therefore increased the travelling distance from Ranchi to Patna from 75 to 115 kms. Heavy and very heavy vehicles are now to take a de-tour from Ramgarh, after leaving Ranchi and then the route via Gola, Bokaro and Dhanbad proceed to Grand Trunk Road from the Govindpur crossing. The route from Barhi crossing on the Grand Trunk Road to Ramgarh and then to Ranchi will be via Govindpur in Dhanbad and then along the Vishnugarh-Petarwar Road. For lighter vehicles coming from Hazaribagh and headed towards Ranchi, there will be route diversions from Charhi on NH-33, where motorists have to take the route via Kedla, Ghato NayaMore near Kujja and then reach Ramgarh.
According to sources with the NHAI, a fresh alignment has been prepared for a diversion from Kujju, which will be around 750 metres long. The estimated cost of completion of the diversion link will be approximately Rs 3 crore.
However, the proposal is yet to be sent to the state government for its approval and the date for the diversions will also have to be fixed.

http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=2&theme=&usrsess=1&id=263789



Mining issue rocks House


Opposition leader and TD president N.Chandrababu Naidu addressing the suspended legislators staging a dharna at Gun Park in Hyderabad on Thursday.
Express News Service
First Published : 07 Aug 2009 02:58:54 AM IST
Last Updated : 07 Aug 2009 10:23:34 AM IST

HYDERABAD: About 80 members belonging to TDP, TRS, CPI and CPM members were suspended from the House for a day as they tried to stall the proceedings by insisting on constituting a House committee to probe the alleged illegal mining by the Obulapuram Mining Company in Anantapur district. But Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy refused to concede the demand, maintaining that there was nothing fishy in the operations of the company.
The Praja Rajyam party also demanded a House committee but it confined to registering a protest on the Government’s rejection to appoint a House committee. The Lok Satta party wanted a legislation on the royalty issue pertaining to mining of minerals in the State.
The House could not take up the day’s business for about four hours.
Finance Minister K Rosaiah was able to give a reply to the general discussion on the budget only after the suspensions. The opposition members later staged a dharna near the Gun Park.
A question from the Telugu Desam party about the illegal mining in the Obulapuram of Anantapur district sparked off the ruckus. The TD legislators P Raghunatha Reddy, BK Parthasaradhi and Abdul Ghani wanted to know from the Government whether illegal mining was going on in Obulapuram. For this Mining Minister Balineni Srinivasa Reddy replied in the negative.
The contention of the Opposition parties was that illegal mining of iron ore was taking place in violation of norms in Anantapur district bordering Karnataka. The mine owners earned crores rupees by exporting the iron ore and in the process the Government lost royalty to the tune of crores, they contended.
Raising supplementary questions, TD member Nagam Janardhan Reddy stated that the Obulapuram Mining Company was illegally carrying out mining operations without environmental clearances.
The minister clarified that the mining operations were being done according to the directives of the High Court.
Intervening in the debate, Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy recalled the members of all party delegation (except those of the TDP) saying that no irregulariteis took place in mining after making a field level visit and therefore there was no need now for the constitution of a House Committee.
Differing with the Chief Minister’s contention, Opposition leader N Chandrababu Naidu wanted to know why the Government did not implement the Union Forest and Environment ministry’s directions that mining should be suspended immediately.
Quoting a report from a news magazine, he alleged that the Chief Minister had stakes in the Obulapuram company. Naidu stated that the company was shipping about 4,000 trucks loads of iron ore every day and there was revenue loss of about Rs 1,500 crore every year.
But the Chief Minister refuted the allegations and said that the State Government had given reply to the Centre and there were no orders for suspension of mining activity.
He wanted to know from Naidu why was he interested in a dispute between two mining companies.
However, not satisfied with the reply, the TD, TRS, CPI and CPM demanded constitution of House committee and raised slogans.
Deputy Speaker N Manohar and Speaker N Kiran Kumar Reddy tried to pacify the Opposition members by adjourning the House twice.
As the uproar continued till 12.30 p.m., the Speaker suspended the members from the House for a day.
Later the suspended members staged a dharna at Gun Park. Chandrababu Naidu demanded the Government to nationalise all mineral sources in the country.

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Mining+issue+rocks+House&artid=xXwPJTKAMBI=&SectionID=e7uPP4|pSiw=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=EH8HilNJ2uYAot5nzqumeA==&SEO=

Team seeks Lapang nod for mining
- Govt keen, says NGO
OUR CORRESPONDENT


Lapang
Shillong, Aug. 7: A delegation of a pro-mining group met Meghalaya chief minister D.D. Lapang today and urged him to give a no-objection certificate to uranium mining in West Khasi Hills.
After the meeting, Wonder Myrthong, the president of Langrin Warsan Lyngdoh Socio and Economic Development Organisation, told reporters that the government was keen to give a green signal to the Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) to start mining.
“The chief minister told us that the government was keen to exempt the UCIL from the purview of the Land Transfer Act to purchase land to carry out uranium mining,” Myrthong said.
According to the current Land Transfer Act, companies and individuals from outside the state are barred from purchasing land in Meghalaya.
Myrthong claimed the chief minister had sought two weeks’ time to examine the issue of exempting the UCIL from the purview of the act.
Allaying fears regarding harmful radiation, Myrthong said as there was a shortage of power, nuclear energy could be used to produce electricity.
In May last year, an anti-mining group from Langrin, the Langrin Youth Welfare Association, met Meghalaya Governor R.S. Mooshahary to stop uranium mining in West Khasi Hills.
The anti-uranium mining group had told the governor that the UCIL was trying to mislead the people through inducements to carry out uranium mining in the state.
The association said the corporation continued to mislead the people of West Khasi Hills through various inducements, including many development packages.
The Centre, through the UCIL, had offered a Rs 10,000-crore development package, besides job opportunities, to the locals.
The corporation also offered packages for the construction of roads, hospitals, and drinking water facilities.
The president of the youth association, B.S. Lyngdoh, said the Centre, instead of investing in the “destructive nuclear energy” should focus on harnessing hydel power in West Khasi Hills and particularly take up the pending Kynshi power project.




http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090808/jsp/northeast/story_11333733.jsp


Mining – International

New website to link mining women



By Stephanie Smail
Posted Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:37am AEST
Updated Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:36am AEST
• Map: Rockhampton 4700
The Queensland Minister for Women, Karen Struthers, says she hopes a new networking website for female miners will help attract more women to the industry.
Ms Struthers says the 'Women in Mining and Resources Queensland' website (http://www.womeninminingqueensland.com) will help women communicate with other women working in the mining industry.
She says less than 10 per cent of Queensland's mining workforce is female and women working in remote areas often need more emotional support.
"It can link them up to other women, it can link them up to events and activities so they don't feel so isolated," she said.
"There's a lot of great women working in the mining and resources sector around the state but many of them are doing it pretty much on their own.
"It can be a lonely old job out there in some of those mining towns and if you're out in more isolated parts of the state, it can be pretty tough working in a male dominated area."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/07/29/2639419.htm

2 confirmed dead in collapsed Mexico coal mine
Saturday, 08 Aug 2009
It is reported that a northern Mexican coal mine has caved in killing two men and injuring several more.

Mr Victor Manuel Martinez spokesman of Coahuila state Public Ministry said that more than 20 people were working at the mine owned by Minera Siderugica de Coahuila when the accident happened early Thursday. His is investigating the cause.

Coahuila suffered one of Mexico's worst mining accidents in 2006 when an explosion at the Pasta de Conchos coal mine killed 65 miners. Coahuila borders Texas.

The United Steelworkers and the Mexican miners union have protested for years alleged health and safety violations at Mexican mines.

(Sourced from Associated Press)

http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/08/08/MTA2MjMx/2_confirmed_dead_in_collapsed_Mexico_coal_mine.html

Mining Company, Miners Return to Talks in Ghana
By Anna Boiko-Weyrauch
Accra
07 August 2009



Labor and management from mining company AngloGold Ashanti are back in negotiations, after the union stopped work at the company's two mines in Ghana earlier this week.

Ghana's National Labor Commission stepped in and got the two sides to return to negotiations. Five-thousand employees who had assembled outside the mines are also back at work while the parties discuss compensation.

One of the issues is the pay gap between foreign and local workers. Union deputy Eric Gyima says his organization had to get involved to bring the lower salaries of Ghanaian mineworkers closer to their foreign colleagues' pay.

"We believe that as a trade organization we cannot sit unconcerned and allow these glaring imbalances and injustices, unfairness, to continue," he said.

The mineworkers' union says some foreign employees are paid almost thirty times more than a Ghanaian doing the same job. AngloGold Ashanti vice president for Ghana, Keith Faulkner, says it is unfortunate, but that is how they have to do business.

"You need to compete on the international market for an international skill, then you have to pay an international salary. It does cause angst and grief because it is disparate, there is a gap and everybody in the industry knows that," he said.

Gyima says union members understand the general market situation.

"We are not saying pay us the salary you pay to, you know, the administrators or that you pay to the bosses. That is not the point. But we believe there might be a fair distribution in incomes so far as AngloGold's income policy is concerned," he said.

Gold is Ghana's largest export. AngloGold Ashanti reported record earnings of $167 million in the second quarter - an 11 percent increase over the start of the year on the strength of improved production from mines in Ghana and Tanzania.

Beyond the dispute over salary inequality in Ghana, there is also the issue of whether pay rates should be determined in dollars or in the local currency, Cedis.

Under the current system, salaries are first quoted in dollars and then paid to workers in cedis. That way workers are more protected from a shaky local economy. Now, the company wants to determine the salaries in cedis from the start. Faulkner says that makes more sense given the local economy.

"We should always be looking at the equity of their earnings with relation to the local economy. With the purchasing power, with the forces on them and adjust wages and salaries appropriately," he said.

Faulkner says when AngloGold converts workers' salaries from dollars to local currency, the workers benefit when the exchange rate is good for the dollar, but sometimes they lose money if the exchange rate falls. He says rising inflation this year has also made paying workers more expensive.

The union is suspicious that AngloGold Ashanti is just trying to save money. Gyima says workers want to keep the current payment system.

The Mineworkers Union and AngloGold Ashanti both say they hope to finish negotiations as soon as possible. Union members say they are prepared to strike in the next two weeks if the differences are not resolved.

http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-08-07-voa18.cfm

Stillwater Mining Company Reports Operating Results (10-Q)

Aug. 07, 2009 | Filed Under: SWC

Stillwater Mining Company (SWC) filed Quarterly Report for the period ended 2009-06-30.

Stillwater Mining Company is engaged in the exploration development mining and production of platinum palladium and associated metals from the Stillwater Complex in southern Montana which the company believes isthe only significant primary source of platinum and palladium outside theRepublic of South Africa. The Stillwater Complex includes an extensivemineralized zone containing platinum group metals known as the J-M ReefThe Stillwater Complex has been prospected for gold copper nickel and chromium. Stillwater Mining Company has a market cap of $626.1 million; its shares were traded at around $6.65 with and P/S ratio of 0.8.
Highlight of Business Operations:
For the second quarter of 2009, the Company has reported net income of $4.2 million, or $0.04 per share, compared to a profit of $16.3 million, or $0.18 per share, in the second quarter 2008. Most of the difference is attributable to lower metal prices in 2009 – the combined average realization per mined ounce sold for platinum and palladium was $530 in the second quarter of 2009, compared to $740 (net of hedging losses) in the second quarter of 2008. Mine production of platinum and palladium totaled 137,700 ounces in the 2009 second quarter, as compared to 126,200 ounces in the same period of 2008, reflecting performance improvement at Stillwater Mine offset in part by the scaling back of operations at the East Boulder Mine. In the current pricing environment for PGMs, the Company is managing toward maintaining neutral or slightly positive cash flow. The Company’s total available cash and short-term investments at June 30, 2009, was $175.4 million, down from $181.8 at March 31, 2009, and $180.8 million at the end of 2008. Net working capital (including cash and investments) increased slightly during the quarter to $235.9 million, up from $227.5 million at the end of first quarter 2009, and $230.4 million at year end 2008.

Following the sharp decrease in PGM prices and restructuring of operations in the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company’s operating objectives for 2009 as previously reported include mine production of 495,000 ounces at a total cash cost of $399 per ounce and capital expenditures of $39.0 million while maintaining a neutral to positive cash flow. The Company performed well against these objectives in the second quarter producing 137,700 ounces at a total cash cost of $331 per ounce with capital spending of $13.0 million. Capital expenditures during the 2009 second quarter included $2.7 million of final spending on the second electric furnace at the Columbus smelter and a $3.4 million prepayment for electric haul trucks at the Stillwater Mine.

For the second quarter of 2009, the Company recognized net income from its recycling operations of $1.7 million on revenues of $12.5 million, reflecting a combined average realization during the quarter of $643 per sold ounce. Total tons of recycling material fed to the furnace during the 2009 second quarter, including tolled material, averaged 9.7 tons per day. The lower volume was in response to more limited advances to suppliers and to the significant decline in PGM prices which has reduced the incentives in the market to collect recycled material. By way of comparison, for the second quarter of 2008 when PGM prices were much higher, the Company recorded recycling segment net income of $7.8 million on revenues of $108.2 million, at an average realization of $1,813 per sold ounce. Total recycling tons fed to the furnace in last year’s second quarter averaged 20.9 tons per day. Volumes of material available for recycling appear to be gradually recovering during 2009 but remain far below their year-earlier levels.

During the second quarter of 2009, PGM prices continued to improve from their second-half 2008 lows: afternoon postings on the London Metals Exchange for platinum and palladium were $1,186 and $249 per ounce, respectively, at June 30, 2009, up from $1,124 and $215 per ounce, respectively, at March 31, 2009, and up from $898 and $183 per ounce, respectively, at December 31, 2008. The Company’s earnings have improved at these higher price levels, and the Company’s available liquidity has remained fairly stable to this point.

Capital spending of $13.0 million in the 2009 second quarter included infrastructure and mine development investment of $4.8 million at the Stillwater Mine and $1.5 million at the East Boulder Mine. Total equipment spending during the quarter totaled $6.7 million, including $2.7 million toward completion of the second electric furnace and $3.4 million as a prepayment for electric haulage at the Stillwater Mine. Through the first six months of 2009, capital spending totaled $25.2 million. As noted already, total capital spending for 2009 is projected at about $39.0 million; spending to date appears to be in line with that guidance. Installation of the second electric furnace at the Columbus smelter, a major construction project that began in 2008, was completed and the furnace was placed into service during the second quarter of 2009.

The Company has set a mine production objective for 2009 of 495,000 PGM ounces, generally in the same range as 2008. Second quarter 2009 mine production of 137,700 ounces was a little ahead of this pace. Total cash costs per ounce (a non-GAAP measure of extraction efficiency) for 2009 are targeted at $399 in the 2009 plan, again in the same range as the $396 per ounce in 2008. For the second quarter of 2009, total cash costs per ounce were $331, significantly lower than target. Capital expenditures will decline sharply to about $39.0 million in 2009, down from about $82.3 million in 2008. Second quarter 2009 capital expenditures of $13.0 million were a little ahead of the targeted pace, but included one-time expenditures of $2.7 million for completing the second smelter furnace and $3.4 million in prepayments for electric haul trucks. At the Stillwater Mine, lower development activity in 2009 should still be sufficient to maintain the current developed state, but the mine will eliminate additional spending to expand the developed state that has been included for the past several years. At East Boulder Mine, development has been pared back further, providing only the additional development needed to support 2009 production. The Company recently has begun supplementing its 2009 development expenditures modestly at East Boulder in view of somewhat higher than planned PGM prices realized to date. Available cash balances declined slightly during the quarter, reflecting higher working capital requirements for recycling and an additional $2.5 million of restricted cash utilized in part to further collateralize final reclamation surety bonds.

http://www.gurufocus.com/news.php?id=64373


Regulators to approve new coal mine in Maryland

Saturday, 08 Aug 2009
A Bureau of Mines official said that state regulators plan to approve an underground coal mine that would tunnel beneath the Casselman River a popular western Maryland trout stream near Grantsville.

Mr Alan V Hooker chief of the coal permits section said that he expects the agency to offer a permit later this month to Maryland Energy Resources LLC a company controlled by the Joseph Peles Coal Co of Indiana.

Mr Hooker said the company would have to first agree to certain environmental conditions and post a bond. He added that "Once bond is posted, we would issue the permit.”

Mr Joseph Peles said it would take three to five months to open the mine, which is projected to employ 20 to 25 workers initially. He said it's not clear whether mining will begin this year.

The mine would extract an estimated 360,000 tonnes of coal annually for 20 years from deposits beneath about 3,000 acres south of Grantsville. It would be Maryland's largest working deep mine.

(Sourced from mde.state.md)

http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/08/08/MTA2MjQx/Regulators_to_approve_new_coal_mine_in_Maryland.html

Zimbabwe to adopt friendlier mine law

Saturday, 08 Aug 2009
Reuters reported that Zimbabwe's mines minister said on Wednesday his country was reviewing a bill forcing foreign companies to sell stakes in their businesses to make it less harsh and attract badly needed foreign investment.

Under proposed indigenization laws foreign companies cannot hold more than 49% of a business and must sell any stake above that to Zimbabweans.

Mr Obert Mpofu Mines and Mining Development Minister said "We are going to come up with user friendly legislation. The bill will be finalized soon and presented to parliament in the current session. He said that I can't comment on whether we will remove the 51% requirement or not, there is a consultation process on this by all the key stakeholders."

He declined to say when the bill would be brought to parliament for debate, before being passed into law.

Mr Mpofu told an investment conference in Johannesburg the review of the bill would seek to strike a balance between attracting investors and indigenization. He said that whatever we do should not discourage investment and not compromise indigenization."

Mr Mpofu said the review would also include views from others in the region such as South Africa, which has adopted the black economic empowerment to include blacks in the mainstream economy after years of exclusion under apartheid.

He said that Zimbabwe has launched a review of all mining contracts, saying it will introduce a use it or lose it policy to allow investors to take advantage of unused mineral resources. He added that we are contemplating introducing that kind of measure, which is aimed at those who have been sitting on mineral deposits for a long time without exploiting them."

The laws have led to the withholding of investment badly needed to raise production as Zimbabwe tries to recover from economic collapse under a unity government between President Mr Robert Mugabe and old rival Mr Morgan Tsvangirai.

(Source from Reuters)
http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/08/08/MTA2MjI1/Zimbabwe_to_adopt_friendlier_mine_law.html

Schwarzenegger signs ban on dredge mining

By Thadeus Greenson
McClatchy Newspapers
Posted: 08/07/2009 05:27:08 PM PDT


EUREKA — After years of fighting, the Karuk Tribe feels it got a major win Thursday that will help protect vulnerable fish populations.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill Thursday authored by Sen. Patricia Wiggins, D-Santa Rosa, placing a short-term ban on suction dredge mining, a controversial gold mining technique that some feel pollutes rivers and streams, threatening salmon and other fish populations.
Craig Tucker, the Klamath campaign coordinator for the Karuk Tribe, said Thursday's news is the culmination of the tribe's years-long fight to rein in the practice of suction dredge mining by getting the state Department of Fish and Game to overhaul its dredging restrictions and place limits on what areas can be mined, when they can be mined and the size of equipment that can be used.
"The Karuk Tribe, as well as others, have been working on this for a number of years," Tucker said. "Today is a big win."
Suction dredging sucks sand and gravel from the bottom of a stream and sends it into equipment that recovers the heavier gold. The gravel and sand is then sent back into the stream.
The New '49ers Club, which is located in Happy Camp and offers customers a "true life gold prospecting adventure," opposed the bill, saying mining restrictions would severely limit its moneymaking opportunities. Club owner Dave McCracken was not immediately available for comment Thursday.
Wiggins bill, S.B. 670, places a
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moratorium on suction dredge mining in California streams until the DFG finishes a court-ordered overhaul of regulations that govern the mining practice. According to Tucker, DFG will use the California Environmental Quality Act process to access the impacts of the mining practice, and that consequently, the process might take 18 months to three years to complete.
In a news release, Wiggins said her legislation will help address the decline of salmon, steelhead and trout populations throughout California. Calling the governor's support for the bill "a boost for the state's commercial fishing industry," Wiggins said his signing of the bill "is a victory for the fish."
With salmon fishing seasons canceled throughout almost the entire state, Wiggins said her bill is also about equity.
"The current ban on salmon fishing affects the livelihoods of thousands of commercial fishermen, fish processors and charter boat operators," Wiggins said in the release. "The ban has eliminated hundreds of thousands of dollars in economic activity — especially in rural areas.
"This bill will create economic equity," she continued. "We can't ask an entire fishing industry to stop its work while allowing a small group of mostly recreational hobbyists to continue a practice that harms fishery resources."
Back in 2005, DFG was ordered by the courts to overhaul its suction dredge mining regulations on the heels of a lawsuit filed by the Karuk Tribe. But, to date, that has not happened. In July, an Alameda County Superior Court judge ordered a moratorium on new dredging permits, but S.B. 670 immediately suspends the practice for existing permits as well.
According to the Associated Press, about 3,500 permits are issued each year for suction dredge mining in California, where people come from around the country to experience the rush of finding raw gold in the same rivers and streams to which prospectors flocked as much as 150 years ago.
Tucker said the Karuk Tribe initially attempted to negotiate only modest mining restrictions, but that miners "went ballistic." Now, some five years later, the practice is suspended indefinitely.
"We just want to make sure this hobby mining has a minimal impact on fish," Tucker said. "It's interesting — we never set out at the beginning of this to be part of an effort to ban dredging statewide, but it was the mining companies on the Klamath that just kind of brought us to this point."

http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_13017723?nclick_check=1

Katanga Mining posts second-quarter loss
Fri Aug 7, 2009 5:32pm EDT

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* Q2 loss/shr $0.09
* Q2 sales $62.3 million
Aug 7 (Reuters) - Canada's Katanga Mining Ltd (KAT.TO) reported a second quarter loss on Friday, hurt by restructuring expenses.
The copper and cobalt miner, which operates a major mine complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reported a net loss of $57.5 million, or 9 cents a share, including a one-time restructuring expense of $15.9 million.
Total sales for the quarter were $62.3 million, mainly on back of copper cathode sales, which were $47.9 million. During the quarter, Katanga produced 10,478 tons of copper cathode, 500 tons of cobalt metal and 560 tons of cobalt concentrate.
Shares of the company closed at 66 Canadian cents Friday on the Toronto Stock Exchange. (Reporting by Ashutosh Joshi in Bangalore; Editing by Unnikrishnan Nair)

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssIndustryMaterialsUtilitiesNews/idUSBNG50703420090807
Other News

NO CITIZEN WILL GO HUNGRY SAYS PM

PRIME MINISTER'S SPEECH ON THE OCCASION OF CONFERENCE OF STATE CHIEF SECRETARIES
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14:4 IST
The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said “in no case should we allow our citizens to go hungry.” He was speaking at the conference of state chief secretaries in New Delhi today. Dr Singh said that the situation arising out of the delayed Mansoon in the country, must not be allowed to turn in to a calamity and this must be avoided at all costs. The Prime Minister also asked the states to “take strong action against hoarders and black marketers.” He also told the states chief secretaries “We should not hesitate to take strong measures and intervene in the market if the need were to arise.”

Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s speech on the occasion:

“Today the country is facing a difficult situation. The monsoon has been delayed and in many places it has been deficient, though some parts of the country have received normal or excess rainfall. Agricultural operations have been adversely affected in several parts of the country causing distress to farmers and their families. A deficit of more than 6 million hectares has been reported in paddy, which is the worst affected crop.

However, we are helped by the fact that we are operating today against a back drop of record production and procurement of foodgrains in both 2007-08 and 2008-09. This was made possible by the substantial increase in the Minimum Support Prices and other policy initiatives. Thus, we are in a position to ensure adequate availability of foodgrains in the drought affected areas. We should not hesitate to take strong measures and intervene in the market if the need were to arise.

Our collective efforts should be to work out an area specific strategy. We should maximise production in the traditional crops in those areas which have had adequate rainfall and look for alternate crops in those areas where paddy could not be sown due to deficiency in rainfall. The other part of our strategy should be to save the standing crop. This would help us as a nation to mitigate the adverse effects of the inadequate rains from the point of view of overall food production of the country.

I am sure that all the States would be implementing alternate crop plans for those areas which have received deficient or scanty rainfall or have passed through a prolonged dry spell.

Government of India has taken a decision recently to re-imburse 50% of the cost that the State would incur in providing diesel subsidy to those farmers who are affected. Moreover, a few states have been provided additional power from the Central pool. I have requested the Minister of Power to extend similar support to other States. I would, however, request you to ensure that this additional power is used only for agricultural operations.

Two years back we introduced two important schemes for the agricultural sector, namely, the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna and the National Food Security Mission. It is a matter of concern that there are several States where funds under these two schemes are still lying unutilised. I would urge all of you to kindly review the position when you get back and ensure that funds meant for the farmers are not left unutilised due to procedural constraints.

We should also start planning for the coming rabi season so that we are able to increase rabi production to compensate for whatever loss in production we may face in kharif. This would require that we meticulously plan for the availability of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs to the farmers. Availability of credit has to be ensured through the banking and cooperative channels. In fact, since the country is deficit in pulses and oilseeds production, this may be a good opportunity to utilise available land by diversifying to rabi pulses and oilseeds and enhancing their productivity as well.

I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the need for efficient utilization of our water resources. There are several issues here such as excessive use of ground water in some regions leading to falling water tables; wasteful use of ground water leading to degradation; and very little effort towards water harvesting. The problem of managing the water sector is very complex. Situations like the present one remind us of the need to focus our attention on this neglected area. We have to develop a common strategy on the cautious use of ground water in critical areas; exploring the untapped water in the Eastern region; creating storage capacity; in situ moisture conservation; rain water harvesting and ground water re-charge; promotion of tank irrigation; and participatory water management. We have several schemes through which these objectives can be achieved. However, we require more efforts and better coordination in this direction. We should use the funds available in these programmes to immediately restore our water bodies. That would have a direct impact on agricultural operations.

On the food front, one major challenge is to ensure proper management and distribution of food stocks to meet the needs and expectations of the people of India. We expect State Governments to intervene in procurement to supplement the efforts of the Central Government. This would, in addition, reduce the cost of procurement, storage, freights and distribution and thus ensure better availability to the people.

While the current food stock position is comfortable, we need to ensure that this position continues in the next year as well. To this purpose, in the coming season, we have to procure both paddy and wheat to meet the targets set for each State Government. Simultaneously, we have to build proper storage capacity in the country. The Central Government is committed to creation of adequate storage capacity. State Governments must involve themselves in this important endeavour.

At the same time, we need to be aware of the possibility that reduced production of kharif crops in the current year may have an inflationary impact on prices of food items in the coming months. Of late, we have seen a rising trend in the prices of certain essential commodities like pulses, sugar and some vegetables. In order to contain increase in prices of essential commodities, the Central Government and the State Governments will have to work together and activise the public distribution system, which is an important safety net especially for the poor and helps cushion them against price rise. We will also have to ensure effective enforcement of stockholding limits and strong action against hoarders and black marketers.

Going back to the immediate concerns, I would urge that wherever there is need, the States should immediately commence relief operations. In case the Contingency Relief Fund available with the States is not sufficient, they should quickly prepare a detailed memorandum for assistance under the National Calamity Contingency Fund. I am told that no State has so far sent its memorandum seeking assistance for drought affected districts, even though 141 districts in the country have been declared as drought affected. The potential offered by the National Rural Employment Guarantee Program should be fully utilised. The States may also monitor the availability of seeds, fodder and cattle health requirements and, if necessary, arrange for fodder outlets or cattle camps, as appropriate.

In short, the contingency plan for crops, drinking water, human and animal health, fodder etc., should be brought into operation without delay and a close watch kept on availability of foodgrains and prices of essential commodities. The need is for us to act promptly, collectively and effectively. I assure you of our Government’s full support regarding any additional assistance that may be required in your efforts. In no case should we allow our citizens to go hungry. This calamity must be avoided at all costs. And we have the means and resources to deal with this difficult situation credibly, effectively and deep sense of commitment to our nation’s growth and ideals.”

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=51714&kwd=

Implementation of Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest (Recognition of Forest Rights ) Act
________________________________________
16:32 IST
LOK SABHA

Union Panchayati Raj Minister Dr. C.P.Joshi today informed the Lok Sabha that the responsibility of implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act rests with the State/UT Governments and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs being the nodal Ministry in this regard is monitoring the implementation of the Act.

Replying to a written question the Minister said the Act and Rules were notified on 31-12-2007 and 1-1-2008 respectively. More over, all State/UT Governments were requested on 11.1.2008 for constituting various Committees under the Act. He said in order to ensure speedy implementation of the Act, the MoTA had conveyed major actionable points along with timelines to the State/UT Governments on 31.1.2008 for follow up.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has also written to the State/UT Governments on 15-2-2008 reiterating the need for expeditious implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act and to hold meetings of Gram Sabha on 28-2-2008 during which the provisions of the Act & Rules and the roles and responsibilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Gram Sabhas and Forest Right Committees were suggested to be explained. The ministry has again a letter has been issued to all State/UT Governments on 15.6.2009 to take urgent steps to accelerate the process of implementation of Act.

Dr. Joshi was replying to a written question in the Lok Sabha today whether the Union Government has requested the State Government to expedite implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and other Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act and Rules in February, 2008.

*****

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=51663

Gender Budgeting
________________________________________
16:26 IST
Lok Sabha

Ministry of Finance has issued instructions to all Ministries/Departments to set up a Gender Budget Cell. Presently, 56 Ministries/Departments have set up Gender Budgeting Cells (GBCs).

As per the Charter of Gender Budget Cells issued by the Ministry of Finance, the Gender Budget Cells are to review the performance of programmes of their respective Ministries/Departments that have an impact on women.

The Ministry of Women & Child Development (WCD) is the nodal Ministry to promote gender based budgeting and mainstreaming across all sectors. The Ministry organises training programmes and workshops with officials of different Ministries/Departments to enable the GBCs to take up Gender Budgeting.

The Ministry of WCD is also organising training programmes for State Governments and other Bodies like State Commissions for Women, Public Sector Units and civil society organisations, developing resource materials for Gender Budgeting including Gender Budget Handbook and Manual, and developing a team of Master Trainers at the National level and State level.

This information was given by Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena in written reply to a question raised in Lok Sabha today.

BSC/BY/GK/-296/09


http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=51659
Survey of Slum Dwellers and Employment Schemes
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11:27 IST
RAJYA SABHA

The Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Kumari Selja has said that the Census of India, 2001 conducted enumeration of slum population in 640 cities and towns with population of 50,000 or more. Subsequently, at the request of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, the Registrar General of India conducted enumeration of slum population in 1,103 towns with population between 20,000 and 50,000, which revealed that the slum population in these 1,743 cities and towns, was 52.4 million. Extrapolating from this data, the percentage of slum population works out to 23.5 per cent of the total city/town population.

Further, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation has released funds under urban Statistics for HR and Assessments (USHA) to 65 identified cities under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and other cities with more than one lakh population covered under Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP) for preparation of slums, household and livelihood profiles.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha yesterday, she said, with a view to ameliorate the living conditions of the urban poor the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation is implementing an employment oriented urban poverty alleviation programme named Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rojgar Yojana (SJSRY) on all India basis since 01.12.1997. The scheme now revamped with effect from 01.04.2009, strives to provide self-employment through skill upgradation, assistance to women self held groups, setting up of micro-enterprises and also wage employment through utilizing the labour of urban poor in constructing socially and economically useful public assets. The scheme is being executed through States/union Territories and targets the urban poor living below the poverty line.

AD/DB


http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=51591

Integrated Child Protection Scheme for welfare and Protection of Children
________________________________________
16:14 IST
LOK SABHA

The Ministry has recently introduced a centrally sponsored scheme namely ‘Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)’ for implementation through State Governments/Union Territories Administrations. Under this scheme, one of the components is for setting up of ‘Open Shelters’ for children in need of care and protection in urban and semi-urban areas. The programmes and activities of these Open Shelters inter alia include age-appropriate education, access to vocational training, recreation, bride education, linkages to the National Open School Programme (NOSP), health care, counseling etc. This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Smt. Krishna Tirath in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

The Minister said that the ICPS also provides for setting up and maintenance of Institutional Services like Shelter Homes, Children’s Homes and Observation Homes, Special Homes for children in need of care and protection and children in conflict with law. Provisions have been made for providing education according to their age and ability either within the institution or outside through a formal high quality education system. Provision has also been made to provide vocational training to juveniles/children when they complete their schooling or drop out of school.



http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=51649

Govt gave enhanced allocations for NREGA, other schemes
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• [ + ]
STAFF WRITER 18:16 HRS IST
New Delhi, August 7 (PTI) The government provided enhanced allocations for National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Indira Awaas Yojna and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna as part of the economic stimulus package designed to contain the impact of global slowdown on the Indian economy during 2008-09.

"These schemes (NREGA, IYA and PMGSY) are directly or indirectly integrated with agriculture activities," Union Minister of State for Rural Development Pradeep Jain Aditya stated in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

"Keeping this in mind, the Union government provided enhanced allocations for NREGA, IAY and PMGSY as part of the economic stimulus package designed to contain the impact of global slowdown on the Indian economy during 2008-09, he added.

He was asked whether the Union government proposes to integrate rural development schemes and agriculture activities to prevent the global slowdown from hitting the rural economy.

http://www.ptinews.com/news/217583_Govt-gave-enhanced-allocations-for-NREGA--other-schemes