© The Cairns Post THE $1.5 billion Rio Tinto Alcan bauxite mine expansion at Weipa has wide reaching economic, employment and export benefits which have been underestimated by the business community. A business leader has admitted that many did not

Despite a report on Wednesday showing a surge in July, China's copper imports were still down 22% in the first seven months, suggesting slowing demand in the world's top copper consumer is adding to concerns that shaky western economies will knock prices further. However, according to a new study by Canaccord the copper mining industry is operating under 'a high degree of stress' and called robust copper prices the 'new normal' thanks to supply shortages. More than 500,000 tonnes of production have been lost this year due to weather delays, poor deposit grades, worker strikes and mill problems, mostly in Chile, the world's number one producer.

Chairman of BHP Billiton Jac Nasser has called for construction of a resources centre in Australia to address the skills shortage in the resources industry, reports Adelaide Now.

Nasser said Australia could suffer a decline in living standards unless it lifts its productivity levels through initiatives such as creating a ``global resources centre of excellence''. "Without productivity improvements, it's hard to see how Australia can address the challenges that we face, including climate change, an ageing population and a high exchange rate,'' Mr Nasser told a luncheon in Sydney on Wednesday.

An Australia Ministerial media statement announces that more than 15 000 people are expected to attend the Skills West Expo in Perth August 19-21, which will promote in-demand occupations such as mining, construction, health, education, finance, entertainment and recreation.

“The expo will showcase these occupations by providing a direct link to companies and educational institutions,” [Development Minister] Mr. Collier said. “It will prove ideal for students starting their careers or people looking to make a change through training and education.” With more than $225billion worth of resource or infrastructure projects either committed to or under consideration in WA, there is a clear need for skilled workers in a wide range of industries and occupations.

The North Shore news reports shipments of potash out of North Vancouver's Neptune Terminals rose 37% in the first six months of this year, compared to a mere 1% gain for overall tonnage handled by Port Metro Vancouver over last year. The increase, which brings the terminal's total to 3.8 million tonnes, was spurred by robust potash demand in Asia. Last year's total also marked a substantial jump from the previous year, when total tonnage rose 143%.

Quadra FNX Mining announced second quarter 2011 profits up 75% at $63.8 million and revenues up 76% to $298 million on Wednesday, but was not spared the stock market mayhem and was trading down over 2% by midday on Wednesday bringing its losses for the month to 18%. The results of the Vancouver-based copper miner with operations in Ontario, the US and Chile were only marred by a jump in cash costs to $2.33 per pound of copper, but after raising $500 million during the quarter now sits on a healthy $1 billion in cash.

NTVKenya reports that a rare earth company in Kenya is facing angry opposition from residents who want the company to stop exploration work. The project is located on the south coast, 85 kilometers from Mombasa. The exploration license was issued to Cortec Mining Kenya, a South African company that was incorporated in Kenya last year.

Macusani Yellowcake Inc. (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:YEL) (FRANKFURT:QG1) is pleased to announce additional assay results from the drilling program on two platforms, PT-CH17 and PT-CH2, at the Chilcuno Chico area on the Kihitian Property on the Macusani Plateau in Puno, Peru. The exploration program, which targeted the deeper Manto "B" zone, intersected 11 m with a weighted average grade of 2,042 ppm U3O8 (or 4.084 lbs/ton) from 85 to 96m. This intersection represents the high-grade portion of a larger 27 m intersection (from 74 to 101m) with a weighted average grade of 862 ppm U3O8 (or 1.724 lbs/ton).

Silver Quest Resources (TSX VENTURE:SQI) ("Silver Quest" or "the Company") is pleased to report drill results from 11 holes (BW-171 through BW-179, BW-181 and BW-182) drilled in the current 20,000 metre drill campaign to expand the resources on the Davidson Gold Project claims, a joint venture with New Gold Inc., which is the operator of the joint venture. Silver Quest has a 25% interest in the joint venture. The project is approximately 110 kilometres southwest of Vanderhoof, BC.