North American Palladium ramps up exploration program

The Zimbabwe mining industry is expected to conclude a US$1 billion revolving facility at a number of African development banks to recapitalize mining firms as it emerges from a decade of hyperinflation, international sanctions and political turmoil that all but ground the sector to a halt. The mining industry, rich in precious metals and diamonds, made up roughly 20% of Zimbabwe's GDP and at $1.7bn 65% of all exports last year according to government statistics. This figure is set to increase dramatically particularly if the country receives approval to restart diamond exports currently under an international ban.

Lumina Copper and Lumina Royalty announced that they have closed their previously announced arrangement. Under the terms of a statutory plan of arrangement which received shareholder approval on June 7, 2011 (the "Plan of Arrangement"), the shareholders of Lumina Copper (the "Shareholders") each received, as a distribution in respect of a reduction of capital, one common share of Lumina Royalty for each common share of Lumina Copper

EnerVest Energy and Oil Sands Total Return Trust (the "Fund") (TSX:EOS.UN) announces the June 2011 distribution of $0.0417 per unit. The record date for this distribution is June 30, 2011 and the payment date will be July 15, 2011. The ex-distribution date for this payment is June 28, 2011. The Fund is listed on the TSX under the symbol EOS.UN and is an actively managed, diversified closed-end trust investing in developers and miners of the oil sands industry as well as businesses that are indirectly involved with the oil sands industry through the provision of supplies and services.

We will continue to drive shareholder value through operational efficiency as we move into future phases of our oil sands business in Canada.” First oil at LDP was achieved in January 2011 and is expected to ramp up to its rated capacity of 18,800

SW Radio Africa news reports India has raised concerns as Russia is set to join China in moves to control diamond mining in Zimbabwe, with the Federation’s state diamond group Gokhran seeking a license to mine at the controversial Chiadzwa fields. China already has two companies operating there in partnership with Zimbabwe’s state diamond firm. Zimbabwe is set to become the world's leading producer, with an expected volume of 40m carats per year worth some $2bn annually from the rich deposits in Chiadzwa and Marange. The troubled country, emerging from years of hyperinflation and political turmoil, is however barred from selling diamonds because of alleged human rights violations and has built up a stockpile worth $4bn–$5bn.

Bralorne Gold Mines announced the first successful milling results for its Bralorne mine operation located near Gold Bridge, British Columbia. Milling operations began on a test basis in early April with the processing of low grade material from the stockpile. The mill was operated nearly continuously during May, with gravity and flotation concentrates being produced.

Canada Lithium Corp. (TSX: CLQ; U.S. OTC: CLQMF) announced today the results of the updated feasibility study for the development of a mine and lithium carbonate processing facility at its Québec Lithium Project near Val d’Or, Québec. A National Instrument 43-101 compliant technical report respecting the updated feasibility study will be filed on SEDAR within 14 days. The June technical report will replace the technical report dated January 5, 2011, that was prepared in respect of a feasibility study for the project that was completed in December, 2010.

Alderon Resource Corp. (TSX.V: ADV) (OTCQX: ALDFF) is pleased to announce that its summer/fall 2011 drill program has commenced at the 100% owned Kamistiatusset (“Kami”) Iron Ore Project in western Labrador. The CDN $11 million program will consist of 26,000 metres (m) of drilling and is designed to upgrade the current resource as well as expand the known zones of mineralization and target new areas. Image by Alderon Resource Corp

Two workers died after they were hit by waste debris being removed from Brazilian miner Vale's (VALE5.SA) Stobie underground copper-nickel mine in Sudbury, Ontario, officials said on Thursday. The employees were working in a shaft about 1,000 metres below the surface on Wednesday evening when the accident occurred, and were dead when rescuers reached the scene, the company said.