IC Potash, which hopes to build a potash mine in New Mexico, on Tuesday said a study it paid consultants UK-based CRU Strategies to conduct on its Ochoa project found “excellent market potential” for future production of sulphate of potash (SOP).

TORONTO (miningweekly.com) The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada has appointed Ross Gallinger as executive director from August 15, the group said on Monday. He replaces Tony Andrews, who is stepping down after 25 years in the position.

Sierra Leone’s largest diamond-mining company, Koidu Holdings, says it has secured funding for the $150-million expansion at the Koidu kimberlite project and implementation is gaining momentum. CEO Jan Joubert reports that the expansion project incorporates all the currently evaluated kimberlite resources on the property. The richer K1 pipe, which was mined by vertical pit methods between 2005 and 2007, is currently being redeveloped to be brought back into production by the end of this year.

Global mineral exploration company Boart Longyear expanded its range of rock-drilling and blasting products with its new Lightning rod series, the company reported in May.

A coal mine explosion that killed 29 people in West Virginia last year was probably caused by faulty water sprays, badly managed ventilation and built-up coal dust, and could have been prevented, US Department of Labour officials said on Wednesday. Mine and company management were aware that chronic hazardous conditions were not being recorded properly and miners were “intimidated” into prioritising production over safety, administrator for mine safety and health Kevin Stricklin said at a public briefing to mark the one-year anniversary since the Mines Safety and Health Administration started its probe into the accident.

South African-founded group of consulting engineers and scientists SRK Consulting is continuing its involvement in the design of ring-dyke tailings dams to accommodate a fairly large deposition rate. Read more

South African sand and aggregate producer Inde-pendent Quarries has com-missioned the first of mining equipment provider Sandvik’s DPi series surface top-hammer drill rigs at its quarry in East London. Read more

Precious and base metals developer Kimberley Metals on Monday said that it was on track to deliver first copper production from its Mineral Hill mine, in New South Wales, by early July.

ASX-listed explorer Jupiter Mines has started a feasibility study on its A$1.6-billion Mount Ida magnetite project, in Western Australia, the company said on Monday. The feasibility study would be based on production of ten-million tons of magnetite concentrate a year, grading 68% iron.

Analytical services provider Performance Laborat- ories, a subsidiary of multidisciplinary mining company Time Mining, has been awarded two contracts for new outsourced laboratories and has completed construction of its first commercial laboratory in Africa. Read more

Germany's Demag Cranes has agreed to support an increased takeover offer worth around €963-million from NYSE-listed equipment maker Terex Corporation, the companies said last Thursday. Read more

Gold slid more than 1 percent on Thursday to post its biggest one-day decline in a month as the yellow metal was sold along with other commodities. "With the discussions in the market about lower commodity prices if China's slowing. And we've also had an outright decline in crude oil as well as base metals. I think that has sapped some of the vigor from the bullion market," said HSBC metals analyst James Steel in New York.