Africa development body, funds see opportunity in mining infrastructure

Billionaire iron ore heiress Gina Rinehart is being sued in the NSW Supreme Court by her daughter, Hope Welker. The nature of Welker’s claim is currently unknown, and Rinehart’s legal team is seeking to keep the matter confidential. Rinehart’s barrister, Alan Sullivan, QC, told the court the application had been made because of “the impact on commercial negotiations”.

Australians believe that the mining industry is much larger than it actually is, according to a study by the Australian Institute. In the study released on Thursday, Australians were asked to estimate what percentage of the nations workers are employed by the mining industry. The average response was around 16 per cent, when according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) the actual figure is 1.9 per cent. The survey also found Australians believe that mining accounts for more than one third (35%) of economic activity. However, ABS figures show that the mining industry accounts for around 9.2 per cent of GDP.

Atlas Iron Limited (“Atlas”) [ASX: AGO] has today declared its recommended off-market takeover offer (“Recommended Offer”) for all of the fully paid ordinary shares in FerrAus Limited (“FerrAus”) [ASX: FRS] free of all defeating conditions. Additionally, Atlas confirms that FerrAus Shareholders who validly accepted the Recommended Offer before it was declared unconditional will be issued their consideration within 3 business days of today’s date (13 September 2011). FerrAus Shareholders who now validly accept the Recommended Offer will be issued with their Atlas Shares within 3 business days of their acceptance being processed.

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 7, 2011) - Advanced Explorations Inc. (the "Company" or "AEI") (TSX VENTURE:AXI)(FRANKFURT:AE6) is pleased to announce that work continues in support of the Roche Bay Feasibility Study ("FS"). In addition to this summer's resource and geotechnical drill programs the Company has initiated a number of metallurgical studies looking to optimize concentrate process and quality while reducing the associated operating and capital cost. To date there have been five independent metallurgical studies undertaken (two in Canada, two in Germany and one in China) which support the previously reported results that a high quality concentrate can be produced. The Company does expect to provide a further update on the C- Zone resource as part of this ongoing work with the intention of expanding the FS resource base.

The deal-making frenzy in the global mining sector during the first half of the year was followed by a dramatic drop in activity in July and August, according to a new report by consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers. Figures from the report titled Riders on the Storm show that in July and August the value of global mining deals fell by 49% and deal volumes declined by 25%. The sharp reversal came after a record first half when 1,379 deals worth $71bn were announced even though Chinese entities, firmly focused on value, retreated from iconic western takeovers. Buyers were also willing to pay over the odds for large publicly listed targets – for $500 million+ acquisitions, the average premium was 37%. For sub-$500 million deals, premiums averaged a mere 8%.

Brazilian mining giant Vale (VALE5.SA) is in talks with Chinese and other ship owners to sell or lease its planned fleet of giant bulk carriers, a Vale official told Reuters on Monday.

India's reputation as a mining jurisdiction was further besmirched today after two powerful mining magnates were arrested over allegations of corruption. The Guardian reports that Indian police have arrested Gali Janardhan Reddy, the owner of Obulapuram Mining Corporation and his brother-in-law Srinivas Reddy, the company's managing director, over allegations they created an illegal business empire worth billions. The men face charges of conspiracy, forgery and violation of mining laws.

Rio Tinto Group and Anglo American Plc (AAL), which together own about three-quarters of Palabora Mining Co., said they plan to sell their entire holdings in the South African miner as it no longer fits their investment objectives. Palabora’s main asset, a mine that produces copper and magnetite, “is no longer of a sufficient scale” for either Rio or Anglo, and a sale process for their stakes has started, the companies said today. Rio holds about 58 percent of Palabora and London-based Anglo almost 17 percent. Their combined holding is valued at about $700 million based on the closing price of Palabora stock in Johannesburg trading today. Image of copper spools at Palabora mine, courtesy of Rio Tinto

Steel Guru reports that Liberia is poised to reap the rewards of its mineral riches once again, with the first shipment of iron ore produced since the end of its decades long civil war expected later this year, and gold production due to resume in as soon as six months.