Ecuador’s new mining policy backs large-scale projects

Anglo-Swiss Xstrata Plc. (LON:XTA) reported today mixed production results for its first quarter, with copper production declining 18%, but said operating and financial performance remains strong.

For centuries, pilgrims have thronged to the Chilean mountain town of Andacollo – to worship at the historic church and to mine the dusty hills for copper. Now a new wave of pilgrims is worshipping at the altar of Andacollo – Canadians, in the form of Teck Resources Ltd., which that has spent more than US$ 440 million expanding an open-pit copper project on the edge of town.

The Australian reports on a potential clash of visions in the Tasmanian rainforest, where 10 new mines are proposed and 58 exploration licences active.

Canada-based Nautilus Minerals Inc. announced today that its common shares are now trading on the OTCQX International for greater access to the U.S. capital markets.

Mount Kellett Capital Management, a 20% shareholder in Baja Mining (TSX:BAJ), has escalated the war of words between the two companies by demanding the resignation of Baja CEO John Greenslade following a damning announcement of cost overruns at Baja's Boleo project.

US copper giant Freeport McMoRan has been ordered to settle claims worth $6.8 million for polluting areas around the Morenci Mine in Arizona.

Ecuador needs at least 300 mining engineers and geologists in the near future to be able to deliver on its recent mining contracts, but only about 40 such professionals graduate annually from six universities that offer those programs, according to the agency that regulates Ecuador’s mining industry.

A consortium of Indian firms is among 25 companies shortlisted to invest in new copper and gold deposits in Afghanistan.

Diversified miner Anglo American Plc. (LON:AAL) announced today the 14th Civil Court of Santiago has rejected state copper giant Codelco's latest petition to freeze 49% of the dividends paid by the Sur Division of the London-based miner.