THE signing of the Oyu Tolgoi (OT) Underground Mine Development and Financing Plan by the Government of Mongolia, Turquoise Hill Resources and Rio Tinto is not only the best news to come from Mongolia for some time … it is a major boost to the global mining industry.
By John Miller /Editor
THE Philippines looks set to benefit from its enormous mineral potential - it has been said countless times before in recent history but this time around appears to have some substance. Strength in the nickel sector owing to Indonesia’s ban on raw ore exports, the success of a number of gold producers and a government that is making some positive moves to attract mining investment all add up to create a bright light in a rather gloomy global mining scene.
In early 2015 the global mining industry is under intense pressure as falling commodity prices force all miners into cash preservation and cost cutting measures. These have resulted in mass lay-offs, write downs and projects being stalled or cancelled. Even for resource-rich countries like Australia the days of basking in the triumphs of the mining boom are well and truly over and 2015 will see more of the ‘batten down the hatches’ mindset.
AS details of China’s Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan (APPCAP) evolve, concerns have been raised that continual re-thinking of targets is creating uncertainty for energy suppliers in the Asia-Pacific. In a report assessing the impact of China’s environmental policies, Wood Mackenzie concludes that within the energy, resources and mining sectors, the policies broadly continue to encourage expansion of natural gas. However, it says coal demand will be supported and remain China’s dominant energy fuel.
Based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, John Miller has been working as a mining journalist for The ASIA Miner for the past seven years, focusing on mining developments throughout Asia and Australia. He was promoted to editor, The ASIA Miner, during July 2010, is editor of Coal Age Indonesia and has responsibility for E&MJ Australian coverage. John has more than 30 years experience as a journalist. He is also an author with more than five historical books published and a biography published. He has also served his community as a city Councillor and was mayor of Orange from 2002 to 2004.