We’re pleased to announce that MINE is now free for the iPad. Download our app from Newsstand to read the latest issue and browse our back issues for free.

MINE digital magazine: Issue 36 | August 2015

According to research, the minerals trade has been partly responsible for fuelling deadly conflicts that have displaced 9.4 million people and fuelled violence and rape in a number of countries, and the EU is taking action after MEPs voted in favour of a law to tackle the trade in conflict minerals. We look into the law and ask what the EU can learn from the US in enacting it.

In Australia, we find out why the government decided to drop an investigation into claims that the world’s biggest iron ore miners are driving down prices to push their rivals out of the game, and we learn more about the ‘rare earths crisis’ and China’s dominance in the market.

We also speak to entrepreneurial mining veteran Henk Van Alphen about his new gold exploration company, check up on how BHP Billiton spin-off South32 is faring, and ask how Amur Minerals managed to work its way through the Russian licensing system to own a single licence covering what could be one of the world’s largest ever nickel assets. Moreover, we look into environmental opposition to seabed mining and solutions to Australia’s legacy of abandoned mines.

Read the issue for free on your iPad through our app, or if you’re on a desktop computer you can also read it in our web viewer.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In this issue

Rising Above or Going South?
Although it initially received a mediocre response from investors, BHP Billiton spin-off South32 has now gained the backing of number of analysts and institutional funds. However, opinions remain divided about the new company’s future. Adam Leach investigates
Read the article.

Price Tactics
The Australian government has decided against investigating claims that iron ore miners are intentionally driving down prices to push their rivals out of the game. Adam Leach looks into the debate surrounding price tactics
Read the article.

The False Monopoly
Despite widely publicised concerns over constrained supplies, the ‘rare earths crisis’ has laid bare the vulnerability of China’s ‘monopoly’ over these vital elements. Chris Lo investigates
Read the article.

Learning Lessons
A new EU law, similar to the US’s Dodd-Frank 1502 clause, could help to end the use of conflict minerals in manufacturing. Heidi Vella asks what lessons the EU should take on board to help end a deadly trade
Read the article.

Going for Gold
Entrepreneurial mining veteran Henk Van Alphen tells Heidi Vella about his newest endeavour, gold exploration company Wealth Minerals, and what he has learned from his many years in the industry
Read the article.

Humble Beginnings
Amur Minerals has managed the seemingly impossible, working through the Russian licensing system and gaining approval for a detailed exploration and mine production licence on the Kun-Manie nickel copper sulphide deposit. Adam Leach finds out what’s next for the project
Read the article.

Beyond the Sea
The vast potential for minerals in the Clarion-Clipperton zone of the North Pacific Ocean is thought to be unmatched, but environmental opposition to seabed mining is growing. Heidi Vella asks how economics and the environment can be balanced
Read the article.

Mission Makeover
Degrading the environment and the industry’s reputation, Australia’s abandoned mines are growing in number.
Heidi Vella learns about the reasons behind the country’s legacy of post-mininig wastelands and potential solutions to the problem
Read the article.

Next issue preview

Zambia has capitalised on private sector interest in its mineral deposits for decades, but now a period of tense negotiations between public and private is expected as the government seeks to get greater value and encourage foreign investment in infrastructure. We profile Zambia’s playing field. Meanwhile, in Australia, up to five million jobs are expected to become automated across the economy by 2030. We ask what the trend could mean for Australia’s mining workers.

We also learn more about a new mineral sands joint venture between major Rio Tinto and junior Savannah Resources, report on the M&A climate as consolidation in the industry continues, and look into investigations by the US Department of Justice regarding suspected price manipulation in precious metals at some of Wall Street’s biggest financial institutions.

Digital Magazine FAQ

You can read MINE for free on the iPad. Download our app from Newsstand to read the latest issue and browse the back issues in our archive. Sign up for a free subscription in the app and never miss a new issue.

You can also continue to read the desktop version for free on our web viewer. (Browser compatibility: The web viewer works in the latest two version of Chrome, Firefox and Safari, as well as in Internet Explorer 9 and 10. Some features may not be compatible with older browser versions.)