Mining

Coal dust creation is a pervasive hazard of underground mining, harmful to both people and machines. Controlling it is therefore a key priority.

The Murray River coal project is the first proposed longwall coal mine in British Columbia. Minister of Energy and Mines, Bill Bennett, has stated that the project could potentially generate billions in economic benefits.

Murray Energy has sued the Obama Administration’s Office of Surface Mining for withholding records regarding the Stream Protection Rule.

Marco Möller has resigned as President, CEO and Director of Tango Mining. Ian Mann and Marc Bamber have also resigned as directors of the company.

The Mining Association of Canada supports Canada partaking in the Trans-Pacific Partnership and indicates it will help Canada’s mining sector to remain competitive globally.

A round-up of some of this week’s key news items from the international coal industry, from updates on coal production to the latest sales and acquisitions.

David Brown has bought out its Indian joint venture partner, Bharat Forge.

Swedish engineering company, Sandvik Group, has said it will divest its Mining Systems business.

Anthracite sales and ROM production have jumped in 3Q15 as demand for the speciality coal remains strong going into the peak winter demand period.

Joy Global is to close its heavy fabrication and welding department at its Milwakee facility on low demand for mining equipment.

South African coal company, IchorCoal, has launched its bid for Australian mining company, Universal Coal.

Shares in Swiss mining and trading giant, Glencore, have recovered from their low in late September but remain well below their peak as low commodity prices continue to hit mining companies.

Mike Sherman, RMI, UK, looks at how new sensor technology can be used to improve mine efficiency and safety.

Bumi Resources revises debt restructuring plan to take into account reduced cash flows. Yet the company indicated it can only sustain a total debt of $1.2 billion.

Bowie Resource Partners will scale back production at Bowie #2 mine near Paonia, Colorado, as a result of idling longwall mining due to developing a new longwall panel.