A new research facility at The University of Queensland (UQ), The Mineral Characterisation Research Facility (MCRF), will lead research into more effective resource processing. It hopes to increase Queensland’s metal production by 2% and cut mining electricity use by 1% - that translates to increasing exports by $255 million and decreasing carbon emissions from electricity production by 427,000 t.

Opportunities for mining projects in South Africa to create and sustain jobs are being jeopardised by a lack of necessary planning by key government departments, and clashing of policies that prevent the right decisions being made in good time. The industry risks losing momentum if these challenges are not addressed urgently, according to chairman of SRK Consulting, Roger Dixon. He said a comprehensive plan to support and develop the industry is required - to ensure that the various government departments can contribute in an integrated way, and to build better co-operation between the industry and state bodies.

By Marc Davis, www.BNWnews.ca: The recent headline-grabbing $39 billion bid by the world’s largest mining company for the planet’s top potash producer appears to be spurring potash-hungry Chinese investment funds into action. On the heels of BHP Billiton’s unsuccessful initial takeover offer for Potash Corp of Saskatchewan last month, China Mining United Fund has announced a move to more than double its treasury to $760 million. Launched just last year, it is one of China’s first private mining-oriented investment funds.