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WASHINGTON — Western militaries may lose access to critical materials needed for weapons and other systems, because of the growing demand for new technologies, questionable supply lines and production in unfriendly or dangerous countries, NATO documents show.

“Key strategic materials are those that are crucial in the manufacture of sophisticated military hardware or components such as airframes, gas turbines, rocket motors, munitions, armor and electronics,” according to a newly released NATO request for information. “These materials are becoming increasingly scarce.”

Read more at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/nation/2014/02/12/critical-materials-shortage-national-security-risks/5400267/

JOHANNESBURG – LSE- and JSE-listed diversified miner GlencoreXstrata on Tuesday reported firm increases in its South African and African production of ferrochrome, copper and oil in the 12 months to December 31.

Production of ferrochrome from the company, headed by CEO Ivan Glasenberg, rose 32% to 1.2 million tons on better utilisation of smelters and furnaces and the successful commissioning of the Tswelopele pelletising plant in South Africa.

Read more at: http://www.miningweekly.com/article/glencorexstratas-ferrochrome-up-32-african-copper-up-43-2014-02-11

Cradle Resources intends to carry out a Definitive Feasibility Study for its Panda Hill Niobium Project in Tanzania and intends to complete an equity raising to fund this.

The company had previously estimated initial capital expenditure for a 1 million tonne per annum project at US$125 million.

This will generate EBITDA of US$100 million per annum over a 26 years mine life.

Read more at:  http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/52672/cradle-resources-plans-dfs-for-tanzania-niobium-project-52672.html

The major expansion of operations at BHP Billiton Worsley Alumina is now officially complete with the refinery reaching its nameplate capacity of 4.6 million tonnes per annum.

 The major milestone has been reached in Worsley’s 30th year of operations in the South West, with celebrations planned to mark the anniversary later this year.

Read more at: http://www.bunburymail.com.au/story/2077418/worsleys-major-expansion-reaches-capacity/?cs=278

NASA—building on successful partnerships with private companies to resupply the International Space Station—is now looking to private entrepreneurs to help exploit resources on the moon.

The lunar soil is rich in coveted rare earth elements: 17 chemicals in the periodic table that are in an increased demand because they are heavily used in everyday electronics.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2014-02-nasa-private-companies-exploit-moon.html#jCp

Iron ore prices have fallen to seven month lows and are likely to weigh on the share prices of Australia’s biggest miners, just as they prepare to report their profit results.

Rio Tinto is expected to report its final year earnings on Thursday, while BHP Billiton and Fortescue Metals Group will report their December half results next week. In the past, strong iron ore prices have helped to bolster their company earnings and share prices.

The major miners are each trading higher heading into this week’s busy reporting period. Rio’s share price is $65.96, BHP shares are $39.09 and Fortescue is $5.60.

Iron ore was last quoted by the Steel Index at $US120.90 a tonne. That is down 10.5 per cent since the start of the calendar year.

Read more at: http://www.afr.com/p/markets/iron_ore_price_drop_to_hit_big_miners_8h2Xq3TT9ol5aexW1z3UMO