Inmet's Cobre Panama Copper Project

Copper miner Inmet Mining Corp is cautiously reviewing a renewed, $5.1-billion takeover bid for the company by rival First Quantum Minerals Ltd. First Quantum said it was now offering $72 per Inmet share, half in cash, half in stock. Although a hefty sum, this is not Quantum’s first offer. At a slightly lower bid, Quantum offered Inmet $4.9 billion in stock and cash at $62.50 per share at the end of last month.  Combining the two companies is said to result positively on the copper industry and the panama project, however no comment has been released by Inmet at this time.

At the end of last week, Inmet announced a 27-per-cent increase in reserves at its massive Cobre Panama copper project in Central America. The Toronto-based miner said late Thursday it has raised copper reserves at Cobre Panama to some 26 billion pounds. It also said it boosted gold reserves by 41 per cent, to some 7.3 million ounces.  By this increase, Inmet has now extended the estimated mine life at the project in Panama from 31 years to 40 years.

So what does this mean for the large miner? Well, they have their hands on one of the world’s largest copper projects in development. It also proves that copper demand around the world will remain strong into the future even if growth has slowed in other major markets.

This particular project will produce some 300,000 tonnes of copper per year, worth about $1.1-billion (U.S) at current prices. These numbers put the production parallel with giant mines in Chile and Peru.

Should you be interested in Inmet’s Panama Copper project please send your inquiries to recruit@teamcronos.com

Shortage of Experienced Engineers and Skilled Workers Looms

As qualified engineers and skilled labor grow in short supply, companies have resorted to luring experienced technical workers from the competition. Attractive compensation packages are the main bait, especially to those with 5 to 15 years of experience, as the mining and energy sectors scramble to meet demand from countries like China, India, Russia, and Brazil.

The shortfall of talent for those who have the technical expertise and leadership experience to hit the ground running have prompted consulting engineering firms to step up their hiring efforts. Consequently, there is cutthroat competition to get or retain talent. For instance, mining and energy companies are recruiting from other sectors; bigger and more lucrative companies hiring talent from smaller companies; and companies located in provinces actively seeking employees like Alberta are trying to fill their vacancies by recruiting from other provinces and overseas.  Unfortunately, hiring international talents also has its own hurdles. For starters, there is also a short supply of experienced engineers and skilled labor worldwide. And even when there are candidates who can fill the vacancies, getting their credentials recognized can be challenging.

Despite the fact that recruitment firms are intensifying their efforts to hire experienced engineers and technical workers, Engineers Canada predicts that there is going to be a national shortage of civil engineers in 2013. This comes at a time when demand for urban infrastructure like electricity, roads, and water has increased to about 18 percent in the first quarter of 2012. Without qualified personnel to do the job, infrastructure projects and consequently competitiveness suffers, declares the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The pendulum has swung to the candidate side and thus, companies are stepping up to get the best talent on board. Companies have become competitive as well as creative in coming up with good packages for their staff. As example, oil and gas firms that can afford it dangle compensation packages that are 30 to 50 percent higher than others. Other companies focus on their central location which enables workers to return home to their family everyday while still others are offering recreation facilities among other amenities. Companies are focusing on providing challenging projects, recognition for a job well done, competitive pay and promoting a supportive working environment.

Quebec’s Anti-Corruption Crackdown

Large corporations face major risks when bidding for construction contracts and while Quebec cracks down on questionable dealings in the industry, Pierre Duhaime of Montreal based SNC Lavalin is feeling the risk. The former SNC-Lavalin CEO was charged with fraud after allegedly approving $56M worth of untraceable payments to the company's major projects.

Rumoured to be the largest corporate scandal in Canadian history, Pierre Duhaime faces three charges of fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud and using forged documents. One of the projects related to these charges is Montreal's 1.3 billion dollar contract to design, build and maintain the McGill University Health Centre. Canadian police are focusing their investigation on $22-million in so-called "irregular" payouts authorized by SNC executives in order to win the McGill super hospital contract. The executives are also suspected of using a counterfeit document to cheat the Montreal University Health Centre during the bidding process for the contract between 2009 and 2010.

The scandal goes well beyond Canadian borders as SNC has global reach. Riadh Ben Aissa, the former SNC executive who led hundreds of construction projects worldwide is being held in a Swiss jail on similar charges. Aissa was arrested in April on charges of money laundering and corruption. Authorities in Canada and Switzerland have been conducting a widening search of the company' dealings, including dealings in Libya, focusing on $195 million in payments by SNC-Lavalin. The $139 million in payments is tied to a Swiss bank account in relation to mega-construction contracts in Libya. This is in addition to $56 million in "improper payments" on other international projects.

SNC has since tried to distance itself from the two executives, naming an outsider to replace Mr. Duhaime and distinguishing any foul play as the work of employees who are no longer with the company. So far this scandal has done little damage to the company' success at winning contracts. Its backlog continues to stand near an all-time high of nearly $10-billion. SNC Lavalin released a statement assuring its dedication to maintaining ethical standards of conducting business.

In the construction business, it is commonly known that winning contracts can be a real dilemma. Bribes are often common in less developed countries and if you don't pay them, the chances of winning the contract are slim. This is nothing new to Quebec's construction industry as the head of Quebec's anti-corruption squad called for "urgent action" to tackle collusion in the sector. The province has had an increase in allegations of bribery and corruption, bid rigging, false claims, labour and materials over-charging. Quebec's anti-corruption squad is cracking down on the construction industry including investigation of common contract and grant fraud.

For Further Information Please Visit:

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/11/28/pierre-duhaime-ex-lavalin-ceo-charged-with-fraud/

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/09/27/quebec-building-industry-public-inquiry_n_984241.html

Compressed Air for Energy Storage

Energy storage is the new technology for green companies who are keen on developing renewable energy sources. Energy from wind turbines and solar farms are then collected when they are at their most productive to be used later when it is needed. Nova Scotia, for example, is a good candidate for energy storage since most of its wind energy is produced at night but the higher demand is during the daytime.

Experts are now looking at compressed air to do the job. Various companies are already developing the technology. For Hydrostor, a company in Toronto, large inflatable balloon-like bags called "flexible accumulators" are used to store the compressed air 50 to 500 meters underwater. An underwater transmission line transmits excess power to an offshore floating platform. During the compression process, heat produced is stored in the platform. To recover the stored energy, air is released which then pushes upwards and drives a generator. An estimated 70 percent of the energy is recovered. The Hydrostor model is set to produce 1 MW/4 MWh.  Although cost-effective, the problem with pumped hydro is that it only work for cities located near bodies of water. A California-based company, LightSail Energy is now working on grid-scale storage which is as cost-effective and efficient as pumped hydro minus the geographic restrictions.

Now, Watts Wind Energy Inc. has partnered with LightSail Canada Inc. of Halifax to conduct trials on their compressed air system in Nova Scotia. Electricity from wind turbines will be converted to compressed air and stored in metal tanks. A generator is then used to turn the energy back to electricity when it is needed.

Nova Scotia is said to be an ideal place for energy storage development because of its stringent policies on renewable energy and its wind and in-stream tidal potential. Other tests are set to be carried out in Digby and Cape Breton. Batteries and compressed air are considered for the pilot testing in Digby while the testing in Cape Breton will involve the use of pumped hydro.

General Compression, another company working on energy storage, is also developing a system to store compressed air in underground caves and old mines.

Energy storage is set to become a crucial component of Canada’s energy industry. It currently ranks sixth globally insofar as total installed wind capacity goes, according to a report released recently by Industrial Info Resources.
 

Mine Safety Concerns Emerge After Potash Corp. Fire

Fires are serious affairs but they become deadlier when they happen in a mine. Smoke spreads quickly as circulation systems keep the air moving steadily. So when flames erupted from a large spool of electrical wire like what happened in Potash Corp.’s Rocanville mine in Saskatchewan at 2 a.m. on September 25, Jamie Johnson knew he had to act fast.

As the lead hand of a three-man crew running a miner, he called the control room as soon as the emergency system sounded and was told to move to a refuge station 6.5 kilometers away. This was also the case for 16 other mine workers who were spread out across three other refuge stations in the mine. Earlier, nine other workers who were near the end of their shift had been brought to the surface just a few minutes after the fire started. The 20 others left in refuge stations below would not be whisked up until 24 hours later.

Although the fire was put out and no one was hurt, the incident at Rocanville prompted the Communications, Energy and Paperworker’s Union of Canada to call for a mine safety review on its cause. Potash Corp.'s occupational health and safety committee and management have already begun an internal investigation into the cause of the fire. They will then forward their report to the mine safety unit of the provincial government where the Occupational Health and Safety division of Saskatchewan will assess it to prevent future incidents.

In the event that government investigations, which is set to conclude in 90 days, will reveal that the mining company has been remiss in complying with safety regulations, the Occupational Health and Safety division will bring the matter to the justice ministry.

But for Johnson and the other miners, the refuge stations and weekly emergency drills had clearly served their purpose. The shelters—which were sealed off from the rest of the mine—were large and had fresh air, water, food, and bathroom facilities. It also has a landline which would keep the miners connected with those above-ground, including their families. 

Meanwhile, the constant drills and training, as mandated by government standards, that they constantly underwent has helped them stay calm and focused in such emergency situations. For instance, Johnson and his crew already had a backup plan in case they encountered heavy smoke on the way to the refuge area: They would have to go back to the mine and wall themselves in with a brattice to separate the clean air from the dirty air. Johnson reflects: "We had a pretty good idea of what we were going to do. We just didn’t want to have to go through it." Thankfully, they only encountered light smoke and made their way to the refuge area in safety.

Rocanville mine resumed operations the day after the incident.

Investor Confidence and Quartz Fuel Mining in the Yukon

Fraser Institute’s Survey of Mining Companies: 2011-2012 held good news for the mining industry in the Yukon. It was rated as 10^th among the 93 jurisdictions surveyed in terms of Policy Potential Index or PPI which measures the overall attractiveness of mining policies instituted by a particular government. The Yukon also holds the distinction as the only Canadian Territory to reach the top 10 in this survey. The other top jurisdictions are: 1) New Brunswick, 2) Finland, 3) Alberta, 4) Wyoming, 5) Quebec, 6) Saskatchewan, 7) Sweden, 8) Nevada, and 9) Ireland.

Yukon Chamber of Mines executive director Michael Kokiw cited investor confidence brought about by the recently-implemented streamlined permitting process as one of the factors for the Yukon’s meteoric rise in the Fraser rankings. He reveals that the "industry’s adherence to best-management practices and early, effective engagement with First Nations and communities" combined with "the relative certainty and transparent regulatory and permitting processes" make them competitive globally which benefits the economy and elevates "the quality of life of all Yukon residents."

The rise is indeed unprecedented. From only $46 million spent on exploration in 2006, the figure rose to $320 million in 2011 and from zero dollars for rock mineral production in 2006, the 2011 figure rose to $485 million. For 2012, the exploration expenditure is estimated to be $200 million with more growth expected in the future.

Investor confidence is further backed by the fact that the Yukon delivers. The mineral quartz fuels the industry, generating revenues of up to $4.3 million. Gold, meanwhile, accounted for only for $224,466 in revenues. Capstone Mining Corporation which acquired Minto Explorations in 2005 has now discovered nine more deposits in its explorations since then. They are now processing and waiting for their Phase 4 Quartz Mining License to get approved before they can start harvesting. When Phase 4 operations get underway, the current 36,000 tonnes per day production is expected to increase to 37,050 tonnes per day. Cindy Burnett, vice-president for investor relations of Capstone, reveals that the lifespan of the mine is 10 years since it has a "reserve of 11.4 Mt."　

There are more than 80 mineral deposits in the Yukon’s four mining districts of Dawson, Mayo, Watson Lake, and Whitehorse. The six major mines in the territory include Brewery Creek which mines lode gold; Bellekeno and Minto which mine quartz; Carmacks Copper which mines oxide copper; Wolverine which mines zinc; and Sa Dena Hes which mines lead and zinc.

For Further Information Please Visit:

http://flip.matrixgroupinc.net/cmmq/2012/summer/index.html

Diamond Production Up in N.W.T.

Diamond production has increased in the Northwest Territories. From its 2010 figures, EKATI, Diavik, and Snap Lake—N.W.T.’s three diamond mines—registered an estimated $40 million increase in value in 2011. The overall production of the mining industry in the N.W.T. is pegged at $2.1 billion in 2011 which is nearly a 5 percent increase over the 2010 figures.

The excellent production in N.W.T.’s mines has translated to a wide spectrum of benefits. Pam Strand, President of the N.W.T. & Nunavut Chamber of Mines sums up the advantages: "The N.W.T. mines have turned their production value into significant employment, business and tax benefits for the territory and for Canada." Specifically, the diamond mines have created not only $4 billion in Aboriginal businesses but a record-breaking more than 8,700 person years of Aboriginal employment as well.

The trend seems set to continue as De Beers Canada ventured into a Traditional Knowledge Study Agreement with Deninu Kué First Nation for the Gahcho Kué Project. De Beers owns Snap Lake Diamond Mine. Tom Ormsby, De Beers Canada’s director of external and corporate affairs dubs Gahcho Kué Project as "Canada’s next great diamond mine." The timing couldn’t have been better as most of the mines in the N.W.T. are closing. EKATI Diamond Mine, which produces an average of three million carats of rough diamonds annually, is scheduled to close in seven years. EKATI is Canada’s first diamond mine.

A total of six new mines have been proposed in N.W.T. But to continue reaping the gains, the nation’s diamond industry must seek out ways to prolong the life of its mines. Diavik is already moving towards that end as it goes from open pit to underground mining. This will extend its mine life up to 2020.

The road to continued mining success in N.W.T. is by no means easy as the challenges are very real. Yet, the exploration programs and history of past successes ensure that Canada continues to be a key diamond producer. Tom Hoefer, Executive Director of N.W.T. & Nunavut Chamber of Mines, concludes: "We are in a deficit-reduction situation in Canada, and we are hopeful that governments will understand that putting money into the minerals industry is an investment that provides big returns. We don’t want to miss that window if we are to maximize opportunities to Canada and its residents, particularly in the north, where mining and non-renewable resources are clearly our competitive advantage." 

Saskatchewan Mining: On a Roll

The world economy may have suffered in the past five years but the mining industry in Saskatchewan did not skip a beat. In fact, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (PotashCorp), operator of half the province’s ten mines, surpassed its 2007 capacity production of 9.1 million tonnes. It registered 9.3 million tonnes in 2011 for potash production - and continues to expand.

PotashCorp is surging ahead, allocating $7.7 billion for its expansion projects. It intends to spend $6 billion to improve its Saskatchewan operations in Allan, Cory, Lanigan, Patience Lake, and Rocanville. These projects are slated to be finished in 2014 at the earliest and are expected to create 36,000 person years of employment for Saskatchewan. It is also expected to double the company’s operating capacity for potash.

Other potash producers in the region—The Mosaic Company, Agrium Inc., K+S Group, BHP Billiton Ltd., Vale S.A., Rio Tinto PLC, JSC Acron, Western Potash Corp., Karnalyte Resources Inc., and Encanto Potash Corp.—are also expanding their various operations. 　Bill Johnson, PotashCorp’s Senior Director of Public Affairs, is optimistic: "About half of the world’s potash reserves are in Saskatchewan, so the future looks very good. The growth markets for us are China, India, Brazil and South East Asia, where both the population base is increasing significantly, and also the wealth. When that happens, one of the areas you see growth in is food production."

But potash, used mainly in fertilizers, is not the only mineral keeping Saskatchewan’s economy upbeat. Diamond, uranium, and coal are also big contributors. More than $50 billion is expected to be infused in the diamond fields located in the eastern part of Prince Albert in the next twenty years. Uranium production in McArthur River/Key Lake, Mc-Clean Lake and Rabbit Lake continues to be a major industry, contributing $1.09 billion to the province’s economy. Saskatchewan is Canada’s third largest producer of coal with its three mines in Boundary Dam, Bienfait and Poplar River all operated by Sherritt International Corp.

The exploration cost for these minerals is not cheap. Estimates from Natural Resources Canada show that the expenditures reach close to $300 million. But when compared to the economic benefits— $3 billion spent on wages, goods and services and $2 billion in revenues through royalties and taxes—it’s easy to understand why the mining industry in Saskatchewan is on a roll.

Study Reveals B.C. to Profit More from Northern Gateway Pipeline

In the ever-growing debate that hounds the proposed construction of Enbridge’s $6-billion Northern Gateway pipeline to Kitimat that would deliver the products of Alberta’s oil sands to Asian markets, a study might just convince those opposed to the project to agree. Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI), a not-for-profit research establishment based in Calgary reveals that B.C. is set to receive a lions share in the construction and operation of the pipeline. Alberta, however, will still get the largest share of the wealth derived from the sale of the bitumen extracted from its oil sands.

According to the report, construction and operation of the Northern Gateway is set to contribute to $8.9 billion to the gross domestic product of Canada over a span of 25 years. B.C. is slated to get $4.7 billion; Alberta $2.9 billion; and Ontario $608 million.

The CERI report further reveals that the pipeline is also expected to provide B.C. with 70,000 person-years of employment especially in the construction phase which is expected to take place from 2014 to 2017. Meanwhile, Alberta would only be receiving 37,000 person-years.

But this is not enough for B.C. Premier Christy Clark. She says that these benefits, when divided over the course of 25 years, is not enough to counter the risks that such a project will bring to the province in the event of an oil spill. Clark has earlier declared that Victoria will not give the green light for the project unless her conditions were met—the most controversial of which is bigger financial cuts to the profits that will be earned in shipping the products of Alberta’s oil sands to Asia.

Clark has received support from Harper’s Heritage Minister James Moore who said: "Christy Clark is very much, I think, in the right in terms of her responsibility to represent British Columbians, to make sure that the rest of the country understands that just because British Columbia is physically the Asia-Pacific gateway, it doesn't mean that we're the doormat for companies like Enbridge to think that they can go ahead and do business without having due diligence and taking care of the public's interest." Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird of Ottawa and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney of Calgary, meanwhile, have lambasted Clark’s call saying that a "toll gate" approach is detrimental to the national interest.

Canadian Government Supports Young STEM Entrepreneurs in Southern Ontario

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) graduates in Southern Ontario who want to start their own business will receive help from the government of Canada. Not only will they get skills support and management training, they will also be given seed financing to get their start-ups off the ground. This was announced in June this year by Kellie Leitch, Member of Parliament for Simcoe–Grey, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Thirty young STEM entrepreneurs with promising innovations will be identified by the Centre for Commercialization of Research (CCR) which will manage the project and contribute more than $1.1 million for the initiative. Dubbed as the Scientists and Engineers in Business, the program is expected to launch not only new STEM companies in Southern Ontario but equip them to become globally-competitive as well. By developing the business skills of graduates and giving these young entrepreneurs targeted support, the Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative hopes to increase the success rate of these innovative businesses.

Dr. Mario Thomas, Managing Director of the Centre for Commercialization of Research (CCR) reveals: "CCR is proud to be the catalyst that will enable these bright innovators to turn their ideas into new businesses. Our team of highly qualified, dedicated and well–connected business experts will offer tremendous support and mentorship to these innovators to help them nurture and develop their academic discoveries into sustainable, commercial ventures."

CCR operates under the umbrella of Ontario’s Center for Excellence (OCE), a not-for-profit organization that aims to spur economic growth by supporting industrially-relevant research and open new market opportunities by commercializing leading–edge discoveries. OCE forms working partnerships with university and college research departments, research hospitals and Ontario businesses towards this end.

The Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative is in line with FedDev Ontario’s thrust to promote more business opportunities and create jobs to enhance competitiveness and diversify the economy of southern Ontario.

MP Leitch says: "Our government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long–term prosperity for southern Ontario. This investment will help graduates to develop their business and management skills so they can launch promising start–up businesses, and bring their innovative ideas to market."

If you want to learn more about Scientists and Engineers in Business and other initiatives of FedDev, you can call 1-866-593-5505 or visit their website at http://www.feddevontario.gc.ca.

It’s All Systems Go for Waterloo Light-Rail and Bus System

A 23-mile transit network is set to be constructed in Ontario to link the cities of Kitchener, Cambridge, and Waterloo. The $818-million light-rail transit/bus rapid transit (LRT/BRT) network is one of the largest infrastructure projects that will be constructed in the region. Parsons Brinckerhoff was named by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to be its general engineering consultant. The LRT/BRT network is seen as the most efficient solution to the projected population boom in Ontario’s Technology Triangle.

The entire cost of the project will be divided among the Province of Ontario which will give $300 million; the Federal government of Canada which will contribute up to $265 million; and the Region of Waterloo which is expected to cover the construction cost of $253 million. Like previous infrastructure projects in the region, a private company will be hired to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the network.

Joe Marie, Vice President of Parsons Brinckerhoff, reveals that with construction to begin in 2014, the project is being fast tracked. It is scheduled to be finished in 2017. By utilizing new mixed used development within walking distance from each station, Marie says that the project aims to "integrate aBRT into the rail system for seamless operation and to integrate the stations into the fabric of the community." The "a" before the BRT refers to "adapted" bus rapid transit which means that the buses will still move in city traffic as opposed to a dedicated bus lane. However, they will have signal priority and be given the chance to avoid traffic congestion through the provision of a bus shoulder. Taking the aBRT service will mean getting to two destinations on the route faster than if you were to be driving yourself.
 

Light-rail transit will be constructed from the Conestoga Mall in Waterloo to the Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener. From there, an aBRT will bring passengers to the Ainslie Street bus terminal in Cambridge. There will be 16 stations in the LRT line which will be placed in the more urbanized areas along the corridor where there will be more people. In the aBRT route, meanwhile, there will be six new stations that will be constructed which will include three park-and-ride stations.

 

The station at King Street North/Victoria Street West Hub will provide centralized connectivity for all the transportation modes in the region. Various infrastructure will be developed to cater to intercity trains that are part of the GO Transit system and the VIA Rail Canada system. There will also bays and loops for buses; underground and at-grade connections for the LRT; and facilities for taxis, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

For Further Information Please Visit:

 

http://www.techtriangle.com/modules/news/newsitem.php?ItemId=1095

 

Canada’s Top 40 Mining Companies

The Canadian Mining Journal has released its list of Canada’s Top 40 mining companies in August, 2012. The top ten spots go to the following: 1) Agrium; 2) Barrick Gold; 3) Suncor Energy; 4) Teck Resources; 5) Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan; 6) Goldcorp; 7) Kinross Gold; 8) Canadian Oil Sands Trust; 9) First Quantum Minerals; and 10) Cameco. As of December 31, 2011, the gross revenue of Agrium was CAD$15.3 billion while Barrick Gold posted revenues of CAD$ 14.2 billion. The two have been trading places in the Top 40 list over the past years. In 2010, it was Barrick that was on top.

In the third spot is Suncor Energy, a bitumen producer, which brought in CAD$12.2 billion last year. Teck Resources, which occupies the fourth spot, posted CAD$11.5 billion in earnings. It is an integrated miner that also derives significant earnings from several by-products, including indium which is used in flat display screens in homes and offices.

Due to its exhaustive efforts to market its products globally, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, ranks as the fifth spot with 2011 revenues of CAD$8.6 billion. The company is the world’s largest potash producer. In sixth place is Goldcorp. The strong price of gold propelled this producer to the top 10 from only CAD$3.7 billion revenue in 2010 to gross revenues of CAD$5.3 billion in 2011.

In seventh place is Kinross Gold, a gold and copper producer. It posted revenues of CAD$3.9 billion last year, up from its 2010 gross revenues of nearly CAD$3 billion. At eighth place is Canadian Oil Sands Trust. Mainly because of its Syncrude Project, this bitumen producer raked in CAD$3.875 billion in gross revenues in 2011.

First Quantum Minerals, a copper producer, was in the ninth spot with earnings of CAD$2.6 billion. It also derives substantial by-product income from gold. In tenth place is Cameco, a uranium producer. Despite fears of decreased demand for the metal fueled by the earthquake which hit Japan in March 2011 damaging one of its nuclear power stations, Cameco still brought in revenues of CAD$2.4 billion.
 

Despite these revenues posted by Canada’s top mining companies, it has been noted that these figures are still far behind the world’s Big 5 miners. BHP Billiton hauled in $67.9 billion, Rio Tinto garnered $60.5 million, and Vale reaped $60.4 billion. Rounding out the short list are Xstrata at $33.9 billion and Anglo American at $30.6 billion.

The complete Top 40 list, the runners-up, the top revenue gainers, top earners, and other rankings can be found in the Canadian Mining Journal website at　

 

 http://www.canadianminingjournal.com/news/forty-of-our-finest/1001609286/.

Report Details How Canada Can Win as a Sustainable Energy Superpower

The challenge to simultaneously meet the demands of economic prosperity and environmental preservation is a difficult one. Yet, P.Kim Sturgess, President of the Canadian Academy of Engineering believes that Canada is one of the few nations in the world "that have the physical resources and the science and technology" to become a sustainable energy superpower. In her preface to the first Volume of the Canadian Academy of Engineering publication entitled Canada: Winning as a Sustainable Energy Superpower released in June 2012, Sturgess writes: "Canada distinguished itself in the past by its ability to create and implement public-private collaborations that have built visionary physical infrastructure projects in transportation, communications and energy.. This is the time for major new physical infrastructure projects that will shape Canada in the twenty-first century and help strengthen its social assets."

Formed with the collaboration of industry experts, the publication describes how Canada can become such a superpower. The report traces how Canada's history of big projects; hydroelectric power; interconnection of electricity grids; nuclear energy; and the production oil sands, natural gas and liquefied natural gas, coal, and bioenergy can be sustainably harnessed to provide energy and wealth to the country for years to come.

One of the ideas discussed was the development of new hydroelectric projects that would help replace aging thermal power plants and reduce Canada's emission of greenhouse gases. Possible sites identified for this potential renewable energy source include Lower Churchill, tides of the Bay of Fundy and Ungava Bay, St. Lawrence River-Great Lakes Basin and "Northern Waters," James Bay, and the Western Half of Canada.

Connecting Canada's existing provincial electricity grids using a high-capacity transmission system is also expected to reduce the country's carbon footprint while improving business for renewable energy ventures like wind, bioenergy, solar, tidal, and wave energies.

Harnessing the Alberta Oil Sands which hold at least 1.6 trillion barrels of bitumen (where the expected 300 billion barrels that can be recovered is said to be larger than Saudi Arabia's oil reserves) is yet another strategy. By employing environmentally-friend methods like reduction of freshwater use, shorter time periods for restoring disturbed land close to original conditions, and the use of non-fossil heat sources for bitumen extraction, development of the Alberta Oil Sands is expected to generate sustainable energy and economic activity for the entire country.

All these and the other "big projects" outlined in the book can "maximize the value of Canadian energy assets and propel Canada to the status of a sustainable energy superpower." When such projects are undertaken, sustainable jobs can be created for the next forty years. These can become springboards for future projects, resulting in "prosperity for Canadians long into the future."

For Further Information Please Visit:

http://www.acad-eng-gen.ca/documents/VolumeI-LR.pdf

Global Acclaim Given to Canadian Infrastructure Projects

Six infrastructure projects in Canada have been given global acclaim as they made it to Infrastructure 100: World Cities Edition, a report that showcases 100 of the most innovative and inspiring urban infrastructure projects from around the world. Prepared by KPMG, the projects were judged on the basis of feasibility, social impact, innovation, technical or financial complexity, and scale.

With the majority of the world’s population concentrated in cities, the pressure to develop sustainable urban infrastructure mounts. Brad Watson, Partner and Head of KPMG’s Global Infrastructure Advisory practice in Canada, puts it this way: “The worldwide demand for infrastructure is expected to require the investment of tens of trillions of dollars over the next four decades. A focus on innovative infrastructure solutions that drive economic renewal, create jobs, and deliver tangible long-term impact is critical when balancing the needs of the population, the economy, and the environment.”  

Here are the six Canadian infrastructure projects that have made it to the illustrious list:

1.       SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) Polytechnic’s Trades and Technology Complex. Set to be completed this year, the Trades and Technology Complex is expected to provide 740,000 square feet of additional space for this school that specializes in giving students training in energy, construction and manufacturing.

2.       Calgary International Airport Development. Featuring the country’s longest runway, central de-icing facility, and an international concourse that features sustainable design principles, this $1.95-billion expansion more than doubles the size of the current airport to meet current and future passenger growth.

3.       University of British Columbia’s Bioenergy Research and Demonstration Facility. A top performer in the “urban energy” category, this clean energy project is set to be the world's first biomass-fueled, heat-and-power generation system that will operate on a scale suitable for communities. A renewable material called cross-laminate timber and not steel or concrete will be used to construct the building.

4.       Harvest’s Energy Garden. Located in Richmond, British Columbia, this is Canada’s first high-efficiency system for producing renewable energy from food scraps and yard trimmings. It also generates energy for up to 700 homes in the Lower Mainland area.

5.       Durham York Energy Centre. This new center in Courtice, Ontario is set to process as much as 140,000 tons of residential waste annually. It is also expected to recover metals and energy.

6.       Waterfront Toronto. Dubbed as one of the largest regeneration projects in North America, this is now the tenth year of this 25-year plan. Focusing on 800 hectares of underused land, this comprehensive project includes 40,000 new residences, 20 percent of which will be devoted to affordable housing; the generation of 40,000 new jobs; new transit infrastructure; and 300 hectares of parks and public spaces.

Toronto Wayfinding System Strategy Underway

In its thrust to create a "legible" city that will give residents and tourists the opportunity to confidently move around, the Toronto Wayfinding System Strategy was launched. With the first phase of the program already initiated in October last year, Wayfinding aims to decrease traffic congestion, enhance the functionality of city streets, define Torontos character, and encourage economic vibrancy and competitiveness. The City hopes that trips become easier for commuters as the system is designed to encompass transportation modes and electronic devices. This is especially timely as Toronto expects an influx of guests in the 2015 Pan-Am Games.

The strategy combines coordinated signs, apps, pocket maps, and urban design to conveniently direct people to where they are going. Signs will be placed in strategic areas, which include transit exits, intersections, pedestrian, and cyclist routes. The appropriate placement of subtle signals like lighting, landscaping, and public art will also help in pointing out directions and city attractions. There will also be signs that will indicate the length of walking time it would take to get to a nearby attraction. Apps on smartphones will not only give directions but other useful information on the destination as well.

The initial plan has been drafted and is in front of the public works committee in September and to the council after that. Once approved, the second phase will involve refining the design options and site testing. The two pilot testing sites for the Wayfinding System Strategy are Pan-Am Games venues. The first is in east downtown and the second is located around the Scarborough Campus of the University of Toronto.

For the project to be implemented across Toronto, the final phase is expected to cost $7.2 million. But with the city being a major tourism destination, investing in the strategy is bound to generate returns. Andrew Weir, vice president of communications for Tourism Toronto which helped develop Wayfinding, believes that the system can encourage tourists to "consume more of the destination." Knowledge of how to navigate the urban maze can make them more comfortable in spending more time and consequently, more dollars in the City. Toronto is fast becoming a destination for visitors from the United States, the United Kingdom and Chinese and Indian tourists as well, prompting the Wayfinding team to include the languages of these visitors when planning the signs.

The Wayfinding System Strategy is developed by the team of Steer Davies Gleave and DIALOG. They are working closely with a Steering Committee and group of Stakeholders that include City staff and representatives such as the TTC, Metrolinx, Tourism Toronto, Pan Am Games, The Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario, and the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas.

Deep Geologic Repository Project

Managing nuclear waste has been a growing issue in the recent years. These issues are being addressed and the NWMO (Nuclear Waster Management Organization) and OPG (Ontario Power Generation) are attempting to create and operate a Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) for the long-term management of low and intermediate level nuclear waste. This project is estimated to become a 14 year long process.

This deep geological disposal facility would operate on the Bruce Nuclear Site within the municipality of Kincardine, Ontario. The DGR would manage about 200,000 cubic metres of waste produced from the continued operation of OPG-owned nuclear generations at Bruce, Pickering and Darlington, Ontario.

Having made their original proposition in 2005, the organizations have already submitted the Project for and Environmental Assessment (EA) assessment and are now undergoing a Public Comment Period. Expecting to receive permission from the EA to build the DGR in 2014, and anticipating another 5 to 7 years to construct the facility, the NWMO and OPG are hoping to start receiving waste, earliest in 2019.

Chevron Canada Resources Canadian Beaufort Seismic Program

Inuvialuit Settlement Region has struck the minds of Chevron Canada Resources. The waters of this region, within the Canadian Beaufort Sea, "indicate geologic formations that may contain volumes of producible hydrocarbons", Chevron explains. Acquiring seismic data from the region would aid in evaluating petroleum reserves in the area.

Chevron Canada Ltd. put forward a proposition to the National Energy Board earlier in 2012. After having been reviewed by the Canadian Environment Assessment Registry, they have been permitted to conduct a ship-borne marine geophysical program consisting of 3-D and/or contingent 2-D swath seismic surveys in the Canadian Beaufort Sea. Scheduled for an estimated period of (weather dependent) 40 to 70 days between late July and mid-October 2012, the seismic surveys are taking place approximately 120 kilometres north of Herschel Island. The Project area consists of approximately 43 000 square kilometres, with water depths ranging from approximately 20 to 2000 metres. The seismic source vessel would tow a dual sound source (airgun array) and up to 12 6-km long streamers of receiving hydrophones, and would be accompanied by two full-time support vessels. The activities associated with the Project include 3-D and/or 2-D seismic surveying, scouting, ice reconnaissance flights, possible crew change flights and associated re-supply activities.

For Further Information Please Visit:

 http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/clf-nsi/rthnb/pblcrgstr/chvrnbfrtssmcprgrm/chvrnbfrtssmcprgrm-eng.html

Newfoundland’s Nickel Processor

The construction of Vale’s nickel processing plant and support infrastructure in Long Harbour Newfoundland has required two thousand four hundred trades people for the starting phases of the project. This number is estimated to jump to 4,000 workers who will be working on the site during peak construction scheduled for October.

The $3.6 billion facility will process nickel concentrate from Vale’s operations in Voisey’s Bay, Labrador. The hydrometallurgical facility was designed to produce 50,000 tonnes per year of nickel metal and associated copper and cobalt.

The infrastructure and civil engineering were designed in Vale/Fluor’s St. John’s office, while the engineering of the process facilities was done in Fluor’s Vancouver office. Six of the process buildings were pre-engineered buildings designed by Colony.

The process area consists of approximately 800,000 square feet. The majority of buildings in this area were erected on site with steel shipped from the U.K. to the port of Argentia. Some of the buildings are the largest in Newfoundland with the Neutralization Building standing at about 1100 feet long, 200 feet wide, and 60 feet high.

　

Construction of the plant is scheduled to finish in 2013.

Quebec Rail To Help Plan Nord

Canada’s biggest railroad wants to build a $5-billion rail line to ship iron ore from Northern Quebec to port. This development would be a crucial link that could transform Canada into the world’s third-largest producer of Iron ore.

Stretching from the Port of Sept-Îles on the St. Lawrence River to north of Schefferville, on the border between Quebec and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the line will pass numerous mining projects in the Labrador Trough – a geological formation rich in iron ore. Montreal-based Canadian National Railway Co.’s 800-kilometre project, backed by Quebec’s public pension fund would not be functional until 2017 if approved.

There are already two rail lines in the region, but their capacity is lacking the means to meet demand from planned new mines in northern Quebec and Labrador. The Quebec government says the region represents potential private investments of more than $20 billion. This would bring a large boost to CN’s annual revenue.

Assuming the Labrador Trough projects go ahead, as well as the huge Mary River mine on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic, Canada could produce as much as 250 million tonnes a year by 2020.

The Thunder Bay Airport Solar Park

The Thunder Bay Airport Solar Park in Thunder Bay, Ontario is one of the first utility-scale solar installations on airport authority land. The Solar park is owned and developed by SkyPower and EPC-contracted to Canadian Solar. The project, which was named one of the top entries under the "Solar Projects North America" category in 2012 went live in October 2011. It is now expected to generate enough renewable energy to power 15,000 homes over the next 20 years. As a clean energy source, the Thunder Bay Airport Solar Park will effectively offset almost 7,500 metric tons of carbon per year. The installation further secures Ontario's status as the greenest province in Canada.
 

The Thunder Bay project symbols a first of many for SkyPower and its EPC partner Canadian Solar as they develop themselves into the world of commercial and utility-scale project development. SkyPower and Canadian Solar recently announced a 50:50 joint venture agreement towards fore fronting international solar development. The firms will combine SkyPower's development expertise with Canadian Solar Inc.'s leadership in innovation, Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) and module manufacturing.

Roche Bay and Tuktu Iron Projects- Advanced Explorations Inc.

On June 28^th 2012 Advanced explorations Inc. announced that field work is underway on its iron ore properties located on the Melville peninsula in Nunavut, Canada. Advanced explorations inc (AEI) is based in Toronto, Ontario and is a resource development company focused on developing its Roche bay and Tuktu iron ore projects in one of the worlds largest developing iron ore districts. The Ocean-based Roche Bay project possess an NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate of over 500 million tonnes outlined within a small portion of the potential 140km of banded Iron formation. A recent feasibility study for the project is near completion. A preliminary economic estimation for the deposit indicates a net present value of around US $1.1 billion and the potential for rapid advancement into development of iron concentrate products.

The Roche Bay project will move forward according to AEI who continued a geotechnical program that includes confirming water depths for Capesize ships in its natural deep water harbour at Roche Bay. Additional exploration work is also being undertaken to follow-up previously discovered high grade iron at the Tuktu Project to further determine the project's direct-ship ore (DSO) potential.

Preliminary reports indicate, the northern portion of the anomaly is reasonably exposed and has been traced along strike for approximately 500 metres where it disappears under shallow cover. Widths up to 100 metres have been prominent. The first assays from the channel sampling are expected within the next 4-6 weeks. These early findings have identified the size potential for a high grade (DSO) mineralization with grades to be verified by laboratory analysis. The company expects to release photos of its field activities on its corporate website.

Ecological Engineering - Cole Engineering's Restoration Project.

Cole Engineering has recently taken on a 20 million dollar wetland restoration project in east Hamilton. This is nothing new to the ecological engineering firm as they have completed over 25 restoration projects in the last couple years. Cole’s plans are to turn an open body of Hamilton water with low diversity and limited fish and wildlife into a fertile natural wet land.

The video explains the approach to remediating a wetland that was created in Hamilton Harbor in 1990 as a sediment trap to relieve the shipping lanes downstream. In order to clean up the harbors sediment, the city has partnered with the Federal and Provincial governments. These Canadian governments have tapped into the ‘Canadian Strategic Infrastructure Fund’ which provides support for large infrastructure projects.

Check out the video Cole Engineering posted on 'Canadian Consulting Engineers' website below for more information!

http://www.canadianconsultingengineer.com/videos/play/?plid=1001427558

New Transportation Projects In The GTA

Good news for those commuting in the Greater Toronto Area! Not only is Toronto investing in public transportation with the Air Rail Link To Toronto Pearson Airport but the great city is expanding its toll highway. A new 50/50 joint venture between SNC-Lavalin and Cintra Infrastructures has been awarded the contract to design, build, finance and maintain the first phase of a project to extend the Highway 407 toll highway.

This highway runs east-west across the Greater Toronto Area bringing many GTA workers into the cities core. The Highway 407 East phase 1 will stretch 22 kilometers from Brock Road in Pickering to Harmony Road in Oshawa. It also includes a 10-kilometer north-south connection from near Lake Ridge Road to Highway 401 and a connection to Highway 35. To design and build this new plan it is said to be a 3-1/2 year job. The extension is estimated to be open by the end of 2015.

The SNC-Lavalin-Cintra joint venture—known as 407 East Development Group General Partnership—will operate and maintain the highway for 30 years. However the province will maintain ownership and collect the tolls. The value of the contract is $1 billion.

Waterloo, a small city located 112 km from Toronto is also making transportation news. Parsons Brinckerhoff has been named as the general engineering consultant to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in Ontario for a major new transit program in the region. The program includes a 19-kilometer light rail transit system and a 17-kilometer bus rapid transit network through the Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo area.

This project will successfully increase the use of public transit within the wellington region. Parsons Brinckerhoff will help the regional government prepare its criteria and performance requirements for a private partner that will design, build, finance and operate the LRT.

Air Rail Link To Toronto Pearson International Airport

AECOM has recently been chosen as the lead design sub consultant for a joint venture that will design, build and finance part of the Air Rail Link to Toronto Pearson International Airport. This transportation project will consist of a rail link between Union Station downtown and Toronto Pearson International Airport. This desired new route will be approximately 30 kilometers to the northwest.

AECOM will provide architectural, structural, rail, utility relocation and other services for a 3-kilometer spur line and passenger station. The link will also connect Metrolinx’s GO Transit’s Kitchener line to Toronto Pearson Terminal 1. This transformation will make the international airport more accessible to its GTA supporters.

The scope of services includes a new elevated guide way and track on high-level bridges and at-grade rail structures; relocating existing utilities; providing provisions for the future electrification of the ARL; and ensuring that construction on airport lands will not interrupt the Greater Toronto Airport Authority’s capital works program. The contract for this venture is worth $129 million dollars.

The Ring Of Fire

Ontario has announced a $3.3 billion dollar plan to build North America's first major chromite mine deep in Northern Ontario. The Ring of Fire stands apart from other resource mega-developments around the world in one important respect. Located in McFaulds Lake, somewhere between James Bay and Thunder Bay, the Ring of Fire mineral deposits are said to contain vast reserves of nickel, copper and some gold. That is not all, the ring of fire contains a massive repository of relatively minor ore - chromite. Chromite is refined into ferrochrome to make stainless steel.

This location is North America's only known large-scale chromite deposit. Canada would become the worlds forth- largest chromite producer if development is approved. Tucked deep into northern Ontario, the Ring of Fire contains rich mineral deposits that could transform the region much as the oil sands have transformed Alberta. The Canadian government has referred to the ring of fire as the most promising mining opportunity in Canada.

However, like the oil sands it has raised deep environmental and social concerns. This large project faces some opposition from first nations, local communities and environmentalists. The First Nations are worried about the environmental impact of the development in such a remote and delicate area of the province. Others want to make sure that proper environmental legislation is implemented before blindly pushing forward. To address these concerns the Provincial and Federal governments have been working together to come up with ways to work with the first nation communities in order to take advantage of this new and exciting opportunity.
 

Major Changes to Environmental Assessments

Canada’s natural resource minister, Joe Oliver, announced major changes to the federal process for environmental approvals of projects.  This action will put into motion the “one project, one review” process. In other words smaller and more standard projects will only need provincial assessments rather than both federal and provincial approvals.  

Changing the approval process will not only save a lot of time (years of paper work) but will also be cost efficient. These changes will directly affect consulting engineering firms within the mining, oil and gas and energy sectors.

As long as projects meet the requirements under the Canadian Environmental Assessment act and are of smaller scale, they can be processed under provincial review. This will free up more space for larger projects under Federal review. Federal environmental assessments will still be needed for large projects that have greater potential for ‘significant adverse environmental effects’. Due to these changes, the time span for review will become significantly less.

In addition, Ottawa is also setting timelines for hearings in order to move approvals along quickly. 24 months for panel review, 18 months for national energy board hearings and 12 months for standard environmental assessments.  

To make things even easier the government has merged the number of organizations responsible for review. Now instead of 40 agencies, there will only be the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, the National Energy Board, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. These major changes to environmental approvals will certainly make the review process as efficient as possible. 

Canadian Oil Sands To More Than Double Its Workforce

It has become apparent that the Canadian oil sands will need more working hands throughout the next decade as expansion projects create new positions and many existing workers start to retire. The Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada states in a report, "Oil Sands Labour Market Outlook to 2012", that the sector will need 73% more workers, while some oil sands operation and occupations are planning to add over 100% of their workforce by 2021.

Already employing 20,000 people at the end of 2011, Alberta will be on the look-out for more help as they are embracing stable oil prices and a hefty dose of international investment. Alberta’s oil sands accounts for 15% of the country’s oil and gas, and that figure is expected to expand. Now more than ever, there is a need for skilled talented workers.

However, Alberta will also experience a series of challenges with this expansion. Skeptics believe there will be problems supplying the demand of skilled professionals. Where this talent will come from is likely to be a lingering question. Another concern lies with the rising labor costs, which may come as a burden to those in the oil industry.

Northern Miners Get Rid of Diesel

Diavik Diamond mine, located 300 km north of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, currently relies completely on diesel. This diesel is shipped to the site by plane or ice road. However, operators Diavik Diamond Mines Inc and Harry Winston Diamond Corporation are in the process of developing a 9.2 megawatt wind farm, consisting of 4 enercon 2.3 megawatt turbines.

If this wind farm is successful, the farm will supplement almost 10% of the mine’s energy requirements, reducing the amount of diesel used by almost 40 million litres. This would equal approximately 100 less ice road trips by truck.  However, there are many challenges that come along with this new process. For instance, the turbines must be able to operate in temperature well below zero, at minus 40 degrees Celsius. This is 10 degrees colder than what most wind turbines can usually face.

Extreme cold leads to a number of challenges for the functionality of the turbines. For example, the gearbox contains a number of hydrocarbon-based lubricants. These cold temperatures cause the lubrication to stop, which prevents the turbine from working. Subsequently, instead of a gearbox, the turbine requires a direct driver rotor that connects to a synchronous generator.

Secondly, cold temperatures cause ice build up, and the turbine will need a blade that resists ice damage. A hybrid design that includes both steel and concrete will be needed in order to prevent freezing.

This project will cost an estimated 25 million. However, it will save the mine $5 million a year on diesel fuel and transportation costs. Although the project presents many challenges due to the cold climate, the operators believe this project will be successful. Bring on the cold!

How To Handle Counter Offers

Although it may initially seem like a strategic move, using a potential employer's job offer to try to barter a raise from your current company is not a good way to advance in your career. While tempting, statistics show that this type of bargain will likely end unsuccessfully. There are six major reasons why accepting a counter offer may not be in your best interest:
 

• 1. Employers often make counter offers in a moment of panic. Usually the employer is frantic due to the need to allocate staff for upcoming large projects. After the initial panic and relief passes, you may not only find that your relationship with your employer has changed, but your standing within the company has also been altered. You have now become the employee who is looking for a better opportunity, and you are no longer part of the team.

 

• 2. The unwritten rule within the recruitment industry is that 70 to 80 percent of people who accept counter offers either leave that position or are let go within a year. Even though you gained a raise by taking a counter offer, your company may just be buying time as they look for your replacement, with the thought that it is only a matter of time until you start looking around again. You could very well turn down the new job offer and accept your employer's counter offer only to find yourself losing both jobs in the end.

 

• 3. While more money is always a motivator, there are usually other reasons that drive us to look for new opportunities. Personality clashes, dislike of your boss, boredom with the work, lack of recognition and unreasonable deadlines are all common examples. These factors will not change even after you receive a raise.

 

• 4. Salary increases will not be easy to gain in the future. If the only reason you received your raise in the first place was because you were planning to leave, chances of getting another increase are slim.

 

• 5. In the worst scenario, the company may tell you to take the other company's offer, forcing you to accept the other position whether it is the right place for you or not. In this case, you will have to leave your job even if you were not really planning to do so.

 

• 6. When building a career, it is important not to burn bridges with potential employers. Going through a company's hiring process only to accept a counter offer from your own company ruins your chances of consideration from the other company in the future. If the potential new employer is someone you would like to work with down the road, it is better to be honest with your intentions up front.

Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan Includes Darlington Refurbishment

Ontario's long-term energy plan focuses on maintaining a clean, modern and reliable electricity system. The main goal of the program is to ensure clean air, reliable energy and a strong economy. In order to achieve Ontario’s broad goals, in 2006 OPG was given the go ahead to set up two new nuclear reactors on the Darlington site, adding an additional 4,800 MW to the province’s base load.

In light of the recent nuclear disaster in Japan, many Canadians spoke against the new reactors, and the plan was put up to public debate. The public hearings for input on this matter were scheduled just days after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and there has been strong public scrutiny against the proposed plan.

It seems that the Fukushima disaster is ripe in the minds of the Canadian public and has influenced reaction from organizations such as the Canadian Environmental Law Association, Greenpeace Canada, Lake Ontario Water Keeper and North Watch, who are all opposed to new nuclear at Darlington. These public action leaders teamed up to file a judicial suite with the federal court in September 2011. The action sought to stop federal approval of the new reactors on the grounds of possible environmental issues and risks. The argument of those opposed is that there are safer and cheaper ways to build reactors.

The outcome of the debate sparked 67 recommendations that need to be addressed before continuing with the licensing process. These recommendations will be addressed and OPG assures there are no major barriers preventing the execution of the project. OPG and Darlington supporters remain hopeful that the Federal government will make a positive decision in order to obtain licensing to prepare the site. However, those opposed remain skeptical of OPG's building plans.

In the meantime, Ontario still deals with the concern for and importance of a long-term energy plan. With this concern OPG awarded a two phase contract to plan for and then replace major components of the reactors at Darlington. The contract is for more than $600 million and is jointly held by SNC- Lavalin Nuclear Inc and Aecon Construction Group. The plan details the clean up and refurbishment of Darlington's existing reactors. The refurbishment plan will involve the removal and replacement of 480 pressure tubes and calandria tubes as well as 960 feeder pipes for each of the stations four reactors. This will give the reactors another 25- 30 years of life.　

Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance

On March 1, 2012, twelve of Canada’s largest oil sands producers jointly announced the formation and signing of a charter under the newly formed “Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance”. The goal of both the alliance and the charter is to address environmental issues relating to the oil sands through collaborative, action-oriented strategies.

The alliance consists of major players in the industry: BP Canada Energy Company, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Cenovus Energy Inc., ConocoPhillips Canada Resources Corp., Devon Canada Corporation, Imperial Oil, Nexen Inc., Shell Canada Energy, Statoil Canada Ltd., Suncor Energy Inc., Teck Resources Limited and Total E&P Canada Ltd. The group’s initial focus will be on tailings ponds, greenhouse gas emissions, land and water. The alliance intends to use their collaborative powers to overcome obstacles within funding, human resources and intellectual property as they impact environmental performance on large-scale oil sands projects, and members have vowed to collectively develop new and innovative production methods that minimize environmental impact.

Canada’s Oil sands Innovation Alliance is not the first environmentally-focused association in the industry, as the Oil Sands Tailing Consortium, the Oil Sands Leadership Initiative and the Canadian Oil Sands Network for Research and Development pre-exist the alliance. However, this new alliance is the most broadly based of its kind, and boasts some of the most influential executives in the business.

PDAC at a Glance

There is always a lot of buzz about PDAC every year.  For those of you new to the mining industry, here is some information about the convention, the exhibitors, and the best place to be on March 5th – from Team Cronos!

What is PDAC? What is the convention?

•  PDAC is a national association representing the mineral exploration and development industry
•  The PDAC conference is a world leading convention for individuals, companies and organizations who are interested in or have dealings with mineral exploration
• The four day annual convention, which was first held in 1932, is now held is in Toronto – this year, it runs from March 4-7^th and features over 1,000 exhibitors and will host over 27,700 attendees from 120 countries
• If you want to network in the mineral industry, this is the place to do it. The conference also gives you the choice to attend technical sessions and courses.
• Toronto is known to be the mining business capital of the world – the city is home to more than 400 mining and exploration company offices, over 30 mining company head offices and several hundred mining suppliers, consulting firms and service providers.

2012 PDAC Convention – Program Highlights

•  Technical Program - Featuring talks by industry experts on best practices
• Trade Show - Featuring 405 exhibitors promoting technology, products and services
• Investors Exchange - the leading investment show dedicated solely to the mineral industry, featuring 581 exhibitors
• Prospectors Tent - Featuring maps, samples and claim results of independent prospectors
• Core Shack - Featuring the latest mineral discoveries from around the world
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event series, which provides practical insight into a range of issues affecting exploration and mining companies in Canada and abroad
• Aboriginal Program, which includes a technical session and short courses, an Aboriginal Forum, and the Skookum Jim Award
• Student Program, including the popular Student-Industry Networking Luncheon and the new-this-year Student-Industry Forum

Join Team Cronos in our hospitality suite at the 2012 PDAC Convention on Monday, March 5th at The Intercontinental! For details, please message us today. See you there!