A Blog for Browsing Mining, Mineral Processing, and Metals Info

BEIJING May 14 (Reuters) – China’s natural resource ministry said on Thursday that plans consolidating the rare industry into six firms have been approved, according to state media.

The plans involve miners and processors in the industry consolidating under six firms — China Aluminum Corporation , Xiamen Tungsten Co Ltd, Inner Mongolia BaoTou Steel Union Co Ltd, China Minmetals Corporation, Ganzhou Rare Earth Group Co Ltd and Guangdong Rare Earth Industrial Group Co Ltd, Xinhua news agency reported.

Read more at: http://af.reuters.com/article/metalsNews/idAFL3N0Y55XX20150514

2015-05-13

TORONTO – Sherritt International is the recipient of the 2015 Syncrude Award for Excellence in Sustainable Development. The prize recognizes the company’s sustainability work at the Ambatovy nickel joint venture in Madagascar.

Read more at: http://www.canadianminingjournal.com/news/nickel-sherritt-wins-syncrude-sustainable-development-award/1003623040/?&er=NA

LONDON, May 12 (IFR) – Russia’s Norilsk Nickel is meeting bond and equity investors at a capital markets day in London on Monday, according to three sources.

Read more at: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/12/bonds-stocks-mmc-norilsk-nick-idUSL5N0Y357L20150512

Sirius Resources’ Nova nickel-copper project.

Gold and base metal producer Independence Group is running the ruler over Mark Creasy​’s Sirius Resources in what could prove a precursor to a $3 billion merger.

Read more at: http://www.smh.com.au/business/mining-and-resources/independence-group-eyes-potential-3b-sirius-resources-merger-20150512-ggzndl.html

Samsung Electronics Co., has begun assembling smartphones a factory outside Jakarta to meet demand in fast-growing Indonesia, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The move is the latest sign that the South Korean technology giant is shifting some of its operations to low-cost, fast-growing emerging markets where it is looking to build its presence and cut costs.

Read more at: http://www.wsj.com/articles/samsung-begins-smartphone-assembly-in-indonesia-1431344822

The Shanghai Futures Exchange plans to allow delivery of foreign-made nickel into its futures contracts as it seeks relief from a shortage of domestic supply to the bourse.

Russia’s OAO GMK Norilsk Nickel, the world’s largest producer, is among suppliers the exchange plans to authorize, SHFE said Friday in an e-mailed response to questions. Six brands made by six domestic companies are currently deliverable into the SHFE futures, which started trading in March. That compares with 59 brands for its copper contract and 23 for the London Metal Exchange.

http://bloom.bg/1bCh0Ww
Bloomberg

The parts in the A350 XWB aircraft are strong and lighter weight and substantially reduce production time and manufacturing costs.

Israeli 3D printer provider Stratasys Inc. (Nasdaq: SSYS) has announced that aircraft manufacturer Airbus has produced more than 1,000 flight parts on its Stratasys FDM 3D Production Systems. The parts are for use in the first-of-type A350 XWB aircraft were delivered in December 2014.

http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-stratasys-delivers-3d-printed-aircraft-parts-for-airbus-1001034166

The UK Government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills announced that LPW Technology, a market leader in the development and supply of metal powders for additive manufacturing (AM), has been awarded government funding through the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI).

Read more at: http://www.powderbulksolids.com/news/LPW-Awarded-Funding-to-Develop-Super-Clean-Powders-05-04-2015

Ottawa, Ontario, May 1, 2015 – The Royal Canadian Mint is pleased to announce that it has been awarded its first ever contract with Bank Indonesia in Jakarta, to produce nickel-plated steel blanks for its 1000 Rupiah circulation coin. This contract win with Indonesia brings the number of countries using the Mint’s multi-ply plated steel technology to 34.

“The Mint’s multi-ply plated technology is the most advanced plating process in the world and is renowned for producing high-quality, cost-effective and secure coinage products,” said Sandra L. Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “We are proud that these blanks which will be used daily in Indonesia will originate from our Winnipeg facility where our employees apply their technical expertise to deliver the best quality

http://www.mint.ca/store/news/royal-canadian-mint-wins-first-contract-with-bank-indonesia-24700042?cat=News+releases&nId=700002&parentnId=600004&nodeGroup=About+the+Mint#.VUV38VL3aJJ

In 2012 Indonesia produced more than one million motor vehicles for the first time. Its vehicle output rose 3.6 times during 2000–12. This was a large increase compared with global output growth of 1.4 times, while neighbouring Malaysia’s output only doubled. By 2014 Indonesian output reached nearly 1.3 million vehicles, with exports expected to be around 200,000. Foreign direct investment (FDI) has driven this impressive performance, but now Indonesia’s rising middle class is the main reason for optimism in the automotive industry.

http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2015/05/02/indonesias-automotive-industry-shifts-up-a-gear/