China, world’s largest coal producer will not approve any new coal mines for the next three years, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, which on Tuesday quoted Nur Bekri, the head of the National Energy Administration, in a report.

The new policy underscores the government's effort to clean up air quality, a point of contention that has greatly fueled public grievances in recent years.

The government has also readjusted its targeted energy mix for 2016. Under the new blueprint, non-fossil fuels will make up 13.2% of the country's energy, an increase from 12% this year. The ratio of natural gas will also increase to 6.2% from 6% while coal usage will be reduced to 62.6% from around 64.4% this year.

Oversupply and lower demand have already dragged coal prices down to multiyear lows.

China's benchmark power coal price increased 1 yuan per tonne to average at 372 yuan per tonne from December 16-22, according to the Bohai-Rim Steam-Coal Price Index.

"The government's renewed push to phase out coal use will only keep coal prices further depressed," said Gao Jian, an analyst at SCI International, a Shandong-based energy firm.

While coal-fired power in China has gradually abated in recent years in tandem with the country's slowing manufacturing sector, coal is still largely responsible for China's power generation, and China comprises nearly half of the world's coal consumption. As a result, many parts of the country, including Beijing and Shanghai, continue to grapple with toxic smog that shrouds cities, sometimes for days at a time.

Earlier this month, the capital city of Beijing issued its highest-level pollution alert for the first time when the air-quality index topped 300. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said an index reading above 300 is "extremely rare" in the U.S. and generally occurs only during events such as forest fires.

"Due to environment concerns, the government has been quite aggressive in introducing renewable energy into the market, but it might take a long time before we see a real shift because prices will remain as the main factor determining people's habit," said Li Li, director of research at Guangzhou-based ICIS.

For the next five years, the Chinese government also aims to add over 20 million kilowatts of installed wind power and more than 15 million kilowatts of installed photovoltaic power, the National Energy Administration said in a statement online.

Source: Nasdaq

Job title: Mining Engineer

Minimum Experience: 3 Years

Location: SGO-Sabodala Mine Site, Senegal, West Africa

Last Date: 21st January 2016

Description:

Teranga is a Canadian-based gold company which operates the only gold mine and mill in Senegal, West Africa. Gold production is expected to average about 200,000 ounces annually at all-in sustaining costs in the lowest (best) quartile of industry costs allowing the Company to generate strong free cash flows. Beyond the Company’s mine plan are significant opportunities for organic growth through further exploration discoveries on its 246km² Mine License and highly prospective 1,055km² regional exploration package – located on an emerging gold belt.

This is a fly-in/ fly-out role: 8 weeks on / 4 weeks off roster with travel in company time or 6/3 roster with travel on employee's time.

Summary of Role

The Mine Engineering department is responsible for the planning, scheduling and tracking of all mining activities; preparation and distribution of budgets, forecasts and plans; collection of relevant data; interpretation and analysis of the data and management of data quality. Strong input to data interpretation for mine planning and scheduling and operational decision making is a key mandate of the department.

As the Mining Engineer reporting to the Senior Mining Engineer, you will be a member of Teranga experienced Mining Engineering team to ensure the mining operation delivers ore to the ROM pad for processing at budgeted tonnes, grade and cost.

Areas of Responsibility

Drill & Blast

• Generate drill and blast designs with the aim to balance the competing needs between the following: Fragmentation, Powder Factor (ie cost) along with heave and movement of material (ie minimizing ore dilution)

• Working with production personnel, explosive’s contractor and geologists to ensure the above is achieved.

• Compiling and interpreting QAQC data to improve drill and blast performance

Mine Planning and Scheduling

• Responsible for mine planning and scheduling on site using MineSched software to produce practical production schedules to achieve forecast and budgeted targets.

• This includes short (2 weeks) and medium (monthly) term planning and scheduling.

• Delivery and documentation of the plans.

Production Reporting

• Responsible to ensure daily production across all the mining activities is captured and reported in a timely manner. This also includes validating and checking data to ensure its integrity.

• Responsible in collating data for the weekly, monthly and yearly reports.

• Assist in preparing data for generation of budgets.

Mine Design

• The use of Vulcan mining software to carry out the following as required:

• Pit Design modifications

• Waste Dump Designs

• Haul Road Designs

• Other Infrastructure Designs (e.g. Dams)

Haulage analysis

• Determine and analysis current haul cycles using historic data.

• Generating and optimising cycle times using Talpac Software for scheduling purposes.

Systems

• Contribute toward good communication within the Mining Department and other departments by developing and maintaining a team environment, which is conducive to two way communication.

• Contribute towards the maintenance of the image of a professional Service Department that is available to provide all services/ duties requested by other Departments.

• Provide assistance to other members of the Mining Department when requested.

• Propose work practice improvement and quality control.

Information

• Ensure the production of accurate and timely information for the site customers in compliance with instructions/ procedures for assigned tasks.

Qualifications

• Completed Mining Engineering degree

• Minimum of three years’ experience in an operating open pit mine

• Good working knowledge of mining activities

• Experience in open pit drill and blast

• Demonstrated experience working with, coaching and mentoring employees with diverse backgrounds

• Strong software knowledge and skills: CAD, Vulcan, Minesched, Shotplus and Talpac is an asset

• Strong communication skills, ability to speak and write in English with French speaking skills an asset

• Ability to train less experienced members of the staff

• Ability to liaise and promote liaison between maintenance, mining and contracting personnel

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment

Our Vision, Culture & Values

• We are committed to a culture with a friendly and informal environment; dedicated and empowered people who want rewarding careers and the ability to make good decisions that positively impact the business.

• We are a fast-growing junior miner that offers career opportunities; the work is challenging and exciting with tremendous growth and challenge.

• Health and safety is one of our highest priorities – we have an exceptional record and strive to continuously improve all practices.

• We are committed to social responsibility, to our people, and to supporting and sustaining the local communities.

Teranga Promise to You

Teranga Gold offers a competitive remuneration package, including excellent medical and dental benefits and insurance for employees and their dependents. Teranga Gold also provides excellent on-site accommodations and amenities including meals and laundry services, single accommodation quads with en-suite facilities, tennis courts, a fitness centre, a grass soccer pitch, basketball courts, internet access

If you experience difficulties submitting your CV on line, please email your CV to the HR Team at Teranga Gold at recruitment@terangagold.com

For more details visit: Teranga Gold

Jindal Steel and Power (JSPL) will resume mining coal from two of its stalled projects in Australia as it expects to get regulatory clearances from Canberra soon, its chief executive said.

JSPL holds majority stakes in Wollongong Coal Ltd (WLC) which used to operate Russell Vale Colliery and Wongawilli Colliery in the Southern Coalfields Region of New South Wales.

WCL had to suspend operations at its Russell Vale Colliery in September because of regulatory issues. Wongawilli Colliery was shut for maintenance in August but it now needs government approvals to restart mining.

"Once we get these necessary clearances, we aim to start mining at Wongawilli by end-March and at Russell Vale by June," Ravi Uppal told in an interview.

The mining and environmental clearances are likely to come soon, Uppal said.

JSPL bought majority stakes in WCL in 2013 to mine coal, mostly for its operations in India.

Russell Vale Colliery and Wongawilli Colliery have a combined reserve of 500 million tonnes and WCL initially expects to mine a million and a half tonnes from each one of them per year, Uppal said.

Separately, Uppal said India's steel demand is expected to grow at 8-10 percent a year from the next fiscal year beginning in April due to industrial expansion and spending on infrastructure.

Steel demand in India is currently growing at 4 percent a year, according to government and industry estimates.

New Delhi would have to curb cheaper steel imports to boost local demand, he said.

India this month slapped import duties for five years on some stainless steel imports from China, the European Union and the United States to protect local industry.

Source: Reuters

Weak commodity prices, declining grades and a fall-off in demand from China will continue global mining sectors’ downward cycle well into 2016.

However, regulatory mandates, tax burdens and stakeholder expectations remain as high as ever. This is according to the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited’s (Deloitte Global) Tracking the Trends 2016 report which was recently released.

 The top issues facing mining companies in 2016 include:

     1.    Going lean: Operational excellence remains front and center

In an effort to achieve true operational excellence, industry leaders are leveraging best practices from other industries and tackling difficult issues, including labor relations.

      2.    Innovation: Preparing for exponential change

Innovation is a critical theme for miners.  However, many mining companies remain at the early stage of the adoption curve - placing most of their innovation focus on technological optimisation of old techniques rather than looking for new ways to configure and engage externally.

Short-term strategies miners should consider adopting include: enhanced innovation, collaborative ecosystems, digital workforce engagement, and improved asset management, aligning work processes with energy availability, 3D printing and modularization.

      3.    China’s transition: Looking for the silver lining

Given China’s influence on the global economy, miners should take steps to understand the global impact of the country’s domestic market trends – particularly as the Chinese Government follows an increasingly interventionist path.

Concerns over currency weakness may spur Chinese enterprises to buy overseas assets over the short-term - including natural resources.  To prepare for these incipient shifts, it would be worth miners considering extreme scenarios, developing plans relative to China’s investment initiatives and leveraging Chinese expertise in areas such as design, construction and financing.

      4.    Adjusting to the new normal

Commodity demand – particularly out of China - is down, but production is not falling. In fact, some producers have ramped up output to reduce unit costs, consolidate market share or avoid the costs associated with shutting down older mines.

      5.    Preparing for inevitable change

The global move towards renewables has threatened the outlook for thermal coal. Although fossil fuels are likely to continue playing a critical role in the global energy mix, the move to alternative power sources is inevitable.

      6.    Changing the nature of stakeholder dialogues

Old tactics no longer work.  Instead, a new form of stakeholder engagement is needed - one that can demonstrably meet the demands of multiple groups.  Miners should align their investments with the underlying needs of their disparate stakeholders to fully maximise opportunities.

      7.    Starved of finance, miners struggle to survive

Attracting capital has become harder than ever, as segments of the industry continue running at a loss. In response, companies will likely continue to seek out alternative sources of financing – even when the terms aren’t entirely in their favour.

      8.    Tax challenges will impact yesterday’s management

To keep pace with the evolving tax environment, companies should take steps to understand the financial implications of these new tax rules, assess their operational and corporate structures, take a fresh look at their management and engage with government stakeholders – especially where tax rules related to stability or production agreements threaten to change.

      9.    The M&A paradox: To buy or not to buy

Despite predictions of a pick-up in mining M&A, M&A deal values and volumes continue to disappoint. In fact, the most active deal flow in recent years has come from divestment's and rescue-type deals.  To take advantage of these opportunities, miners may want to consider buying counter-cyclically and thinking twice before divesting.

     10.   An expanded view of corporate and personal welfare

Industry risks related to both safety and security continue to grow. To enhance their safety records and security postures, miners may want to strengthen their safety procedures.

Full report download here:

Source: Deloitte

Canadian Mining Journal is the leading exploration and mining journal in Canada. Covers mineral exploration trends, Corporate Trends,  metal prices and new geological models, underground mine developments and operating performances, unique challenges of open pit operations and more. It is Canada's First Mining Publication.

Job title: Senior Mining Engineer (Underground)

Minimum Experience: 5 Years

Location: Papua New Guinea-Enga Province-Porgera

Last Date: 29th December 2015

Description:

Barrick (Niugini) Limited (BNL), the operator of the Porgera Joint Venture Mine based in the Highlands of Enga Province in Papua New Guinea and offers a unique and challenging work environment. At an elevation in excess of 2100 meters the Porgera Valley has a year round temperate climate with an annual rainfall of approximately 3.6 meters. The 2500 strong workforce is extremely diverse both culturally and in regards to education, skill and experience. Porgera Joint Venture is an open pit and underground gold mining operation, with mineral processing facilities including pressure oxidation and autoclave technology. 

Position Objective 

BNL seek to appoint an experienced Senior Mining Engineer (Production) Underground to join the Porgera team. Reporting directly to the Superintendent – Mine Engineering Services, the Senior Mining Engineer (Production) Underground is responsible for the following: 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Supervise the Underground Mine Engineering Team in working to the 2 weekly and 13 week plan, manage the production, drill and blast, ventilation, dispatch and back fill engineers to render a quality service to the Underground Mine Operations team.
• To oversee the communication of the 2-weekly and 13 weekly plans within the context of the relevant forecast/budget plan between UG Mine Engineering Services and the UG Operations teams.
• To monitor compliance to plans and investigate variances in planned activities, provide timely feedback to UG Operations and Mine Technical Services Management team.
• Monitor UG equipment performance trends. Facilitate use of equipment performance data in 2-weekly and 13-weekly process.
• Report on a weekly and monthly basis to all parties regarding production figures and numbers.
• Maintain quality control systems in respect to execution of mining designs and plans.
• Provide training and coaching to all team members, with specific attention to National and Local employees as part of the Company’s Training and Localisation Plan.
• Coordinate and manage projects within area of accountability, to achieve completion to agreed quality, budget and schedule.
• Review expenditure on a monthly basis and ensure all variances to budget are investigated and explained. 

To be suitable for this role, you will possess the following: 

Work Knowledge:

• Significant mine engineering experience (>5 years), with experience in a senior underground production role.
• Underground mine planning experience.
• Experience in the design, installation and management of mine ventilation systems.
• Experience in the management of underground mine water.
• Experience in drill and blast engineering.
• Knowledge of underground mining technology and heavy production equipment.
• Experience in developing the role-specific knowledge of less experienced engineers.
• Demonstrated success as an effective leader.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team safely and improve team safety awareness.
• High level understanding of all relevant legislation affecting the employment and safety of persons in the mining industry in PNG.
• Demonstrated application of continuous improvement ideas.
• Current Drivers Licence. 

Computer Skills:

• Advanced skills in the use of mine planning software and production databases.
• Good computer skills with the ability to use integrated management systems, word processing, presentation and spreadsheet applications. 

Communication Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.
• The ability and willingness to train and develop national employees;
• For those candidates who have strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and Chinese are encouraged to apply.

Your point of hire will be Cairns, Australia and your primary location will be the Porgera Mine Site. An on-travel allowance will be provided to candidates who reside outside of Cairns, Australia. The roster for this role is a fly in, fly out rotation on 16 days on, 12 days off. 

The Company will provide assistance as per BNL Relocation Policy to relocate the successful candidate to Cairns, Australia if the candidate holds a current visa to reside in Australia. The offer for this role is conditional upon the candidate successfully obtaining and retaining a visa that allows you to work in Papua New Guinea.

                                                  For More Details Visit: Barrick