IPP Media reports: Mantra Tanzania Limited has sponsored six students to complete a mine training course as part of an effort towards corporate social responsibility.

[Organizational capability manager Kevin] Flynn said the course curriculum was special for electricians, mechanics, fitters, water technicians and welders. “TCME acquired a licence from South Africa to use their curriculum at the college. This means that on completion, the students will be awarded certificates that can earn them jobs in mining companies in the country and in South Africa”, he said.

Hecla Greens Creek Mining Co. has donated $300,000 to the University of Alaska Foundation (UAF) to fund a mining career development program at the University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau Empire reports.

It will aid students in preparing for mining industry jobs through education, job shadowing and training. “We’re giving the biggest amount of money we have in our history,” said Hecla President and Chief Executive Officer Philip Baker. Baker said there is a need for qualified employees in the industry and this outreach, combined with internships, will help provide a pathway for students coming out of high school and through college to go directly into the workforce.

The investment will allow ArcelorMittal Mines Canada to increase its annual production of iron ore concentrate from 14 million tons to 24 million tons by 2013. AMMC is also evaluating increasing its production of iron ore pellets from 9.2 million tons to 18.5 million tons. The scheme represents a total investment of CAN$2.1 billion dollars that will create 8,000 jobs during construction and more than 900 permanent jobs once completed. Commenting, Peter Kukielski, Member of the Group Management Board and Head of Mining for ArcelorMittal, said “ArcelorMittal Mines Canada is a flagship mining asset for the Group, which offers considerable opportunity for expansion. We have already announced our intention to grow our iron ore production to 100 million tons by 2015 and this expansion forms an important part of that.”

Toronto stock exchange listed Minera Andes announced on Friday the proposed spin-out of its copper assets, including the 100%-owned Los Azules project, has been deferred. The gold, silver and copper exploration company cited weaker financial markets, financing uncertainties, and a delayed legal decision regarding its dispute with TNR Gold over claims on the Argentinean property, as contributing to the board’s decision.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports on Friday that the state of New South Wales announced a 60-day freeze on new exploration licences for coal, coal seam gas and petroleum in a push to resolve the escalating conflict between farmers, miners and conservationists over land use. The need for a moratorium was questioned by the state's mining industry, which said billions of dollars in investment were at stake, but it said it broadly supported the development of a new approach to avoid conflict over valuable land.

"Everyone who has money is rushing to invest in iron ore," Baosteel Group chairman, Xu Lejiang said on Friday, warning that supply may outstrip demand “sooner than expected” pushing prices down in the process. Brazil’s Vale, and Australian heavyweights BHP and Rio Tinto have some $45bn slated for new mines. The cash price of 62%-iron ore shipped to China's Tianjin port has almost tripled from Nov. 21, 2008 when data became available, according to the Steel Index.

Two Chinese state-owned companies have invested over $73m for a roughly 30% interest in privately-owned Century Iron's plans to export iron ore extracted at several properties in Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador in eastern Canada. The transactions are part of $115.5m of financing arranged by Century Iron through private placements and the amalgamation of Century Iron Mines Corp. and Century Iron Ore Holdings.

Reuters Africa reports Exxaro (JNB:EXX) has invited bids for the company’s stake in a zinc and lead mine in Namibia. The market news is quoted as saying: The assets up for sale include Exxaro’s 50.04 percent stake in the Rosh Pinah mine and its wholly owned Zincor refinery.

TATA Steel's European unit Corus said on Friday it will cut around 1,500 jobs in northern England as part of a restructuring of its long products unit, which supplies clients including builders and miners. Like others in the industry, Tata Steel has faced a margin squeeze since last year, as the price of raw materials increases but demand from sectors like construction remains muted.