POLICY AND LEGISLATION

SEGMENTS

VENEZUELA
Taking control of Cement Plants, iron and steel industry
The Energy Minister informs of the Government's Policy to address the issue of tackling the prolonged housing shortage by taking control of the cement plants currently operated by transnationals in the Country. The Venezuelan government also announced renationalizing Orinoco Iron and Steel (Sidor) enterprise while respecting the rights of major stockholders. Sidor was earlier privatized in 1997.
more on: Sidor nationalization 

vENEZUELA takes a stand on further open pits and exploration at Imatica.
The Environment Minister announces policy decision not to issue further permits involving open pits as well as exploration in Imatica Forest Reserve citing environmental concerns. The Country is also planning to review all mining concessions already granted.
related:
Cristinas gold mine
Crystallex Venezuela Operations-LasCristinas
Earth Action-Save Imatica

USA - Idaho Cobalt Project- Blueprint for the future
This could be the blueprint for the future. The concerns of the environmental groups on eco restoration and Company's on engaging long legal tangles and operational interruptions were discussed objectively by sitting together. The agreement showed both as willing partners with a common concern. While the Company came forward for legal and financial binding for water monitoring and treatment not only during the life-cycle of the mine but perpetually thereafter with an annual binding financial commitment, the environmental group on their part assured help in avoiding costly legal battles and willingness to work together for the benefits of a common cause.
23082008

CANADA - Lakes for tailing ponds 
The reclassification of the Second Portage Lake for the Doris North Project and the Baker Lake for the Meadowbank Project as tailing ponds in the Canada Gazette brings to focus the need for awareness of the local residents who feel the need to be educated by expert, professional and unbiased information. There is a provision that a "habitat compensation plan" provided by the mining companies is in place.

TANZANIA-Tax regime, incentives and exemptions for mining
The panel appointed for reviewing the mining activities had suggested increasing the taxes and reviewing the incentives in place. These recommendations are statutory and need to be approved by parliament. The budget however included a 0.3 per cent Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) of the turnover for Corporate reporting losses for three years consecutively a move that is considered an incentive to the growing mining industry.
17062008

Kazakhistan - priority for natural resources
Control over natural resources
State's priority over natural resources including minerals is legalized.

SURINAM
The environmental minister looks ahead for encouraging investment in Bauxite and Gold mining while at the same time protecting the biodiversity. Scientists recently discovered new species in the jungles of Surinam. The Country looks ahead with a right balance for responsible mining and preserving the bio diversity keeping its economy in mind. 

POLAND
Poland plans opening its coal mining to private sector and looks for investment within the country. Poland is Europe’s largest coal producer far ahead of Germany. The move is generally well received judging by Poland’s need for investment for modernization and stabilizing the scenario in the future.

NIGER
Niger is the fourth largest uranium producer in the world. In a drastic move and change of policy, Niger brought in policy changes enabling the Government to audit foreign firms in the mining and energy sector operating in that country. The country holds 5% of known uranium resources of the world and looks for its right share in the exploitation of mineral wealth

INDIA

ORISSA - Supreme Court clears mining projects
In a recent move, the Supreme Court cleared the mining projects of Vedanta and Poscoe in the hills of Orissa. These hills are considered to be the "most bio diversity hot spots of the Eastern Ghats" by environment protection Group and the villagers consider these as sacred. The villagers consider any amount of compensation "worthless" and are moving to use their legal protection provided by the "Forest Rights Acts". Their efforts got a boost from the recent visit of a Congress Leader.. 

Coal demand to quadruple by 2031
The Minister for Coal indicates that the demand for coal could exceed two billion tonnes per annum by 2031-32. The current level is around 460 million tonnes per annum. The Government is alive to the environmental issues and Global Warming forecasts and is taking steps to add more washeries and look at alternative fuels. The current moves include acquisition of properties in other countries as well as allocating coal blocks linking to captive power plants with the possibility of a private role. 17042007

Alumina plant in Visakhapatnam district
The MOU between the Andhra Pradesh government and the government of Ras Al Khaimah provides for setting up a 2.5 million tonnes alumina plant and an aluminium smelter with The Andhra Pradesh. Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) supplying bauxite from deposits falling in the Jerrela group of villages of Chintapalli block. The project slated for completion within 36 months after obtaining all clearances is likely have a potential employment for 10000.
related:
The Mineral Industry of India    html     pdf  impact and issues

Call for "steel vision"
The Managing Director, The Tata Iron and Steel Company Ltd. wants focus on "steel vision" for India to move the steel production five fold in 15 years. Unlike other countries, population in India plays a major role and since most of the iron ore is in forest lands, issues arising out of mining laws, forestry, water management etc are to be addressed.

DRC
Ban on export of copper ore to Zambia lifted
Katanga enforced a ban on movement of raw ore to Zambia with a view to force local production of value-added processing, during March 2007. The decision therefore to lift the ban permitting raw ore transport to Zambia brings relief to the processing units located in Zambia.
more

Policy on export of Cobalt concentrates
Katanga Province reiterates its policy enforcing ban on cobalt concentrates. The Country has given time-bound permission for companies to develop facilities for value addition within the Country.
19052008

Mongolia
"Resource curse" and much more
Mongolia is in a dilemma but is in no hurry and appear determined to avoid "the resource curse" and plan to go forward though appearing to move slowly. The vast untapped mineral resources of Mongolia is attracting major players with a focus to usher in a "new Age". Mongolia passed a windfall tax on copper and gold and revised its mining laws giving leverage to the State.
The people however expect transparency and look for prosperity from the mineral resources. Ivanhoe Mines, has already spent more than $US300 million ($366 million) developing Oyu Tolgoi, which could turn out to be the biggest resource of gold and copper. 
more

POLICY ON EXPLORATION AND PROJECTS

INDIA     CANADA     TANZANIA     SOUTH AFRICA     VENEZUELA     DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO     AUSTRALIA     INDONESIA      UZBEKISTAN     FINLAND     Montana     Zimbabwe     Jamaica     PHILIPPINES      Malawi

INDIA/ORISSA - Supreme Court clears mining projects
In a recent move, the Supreme Court cleared the mining projects of Vedanta and Poscoe in the hills of Orissa. These hills are considered to be the "most bio diversity hot spots of the Eastern Ghats" by environment protection Group and the villagers consider these as sacred. The villagers consider any amount of compensation "worthless" and are moving to use their legal protection provided by the "Forest Rights Acts". Their efforts got a boost from the recent visit of a Congress Leader.. 

CHANGES IN POLICY FOR INCREASED GLOBAL 
India's Union Minister indicates introduction of policy changes in the Parliament with a view to encourage international participation in mining, exploration and also mandatory iron ore supply between states.
26062007

CANADA - Lakes for tailing ponds 
The reclassification of the Second Portage Lake for the Doris North Project and the Baker Lake for the Meadowbank Project as tailing ponds in the Canada Gazette brings to focus the need for awareness of the local residents who feel the need to be educated by expert, professional and unbiased information. There is a provision that a "habitat compensation plan" provided by the mining companies is in place.
11082008

TANZANIA-Tax regime, incentives and exemptions for mining
The panel appointed for reviewing the mining activities had suggested increasing the taxes and reviewing the incentives in place. These recommendations are statutory and need to be approved by parliament. The budget however included a 0.3 per cent Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) of the turnover for Corporate reporting losses for three years consecutively a move that is considered an incentive to the growing mining industry.
17062008

SOUTH AFRICA - CHANGES IN MINING POLICY
South Africa's Minister indicates amendment to Mining Laws 2004, to provide for community participation and to ensure employee share schemes benefiting workers as well as steps to improve safety measures including stipulated accountability for accidents.

VENEZUELA - Taking control of Cement Plants, iron and steel industry
Taking control of Cement Plants, iron and steel industry
The Energy Minister informs of the Government's Policy to address the issue of tackling the prolonged housing shortage by taking control of the cement plants currently operated by transnationals in the Country. The Venezuelan government also announced renationalizing Orinoco Iron and Steel (Sidor) enterprise while respecting the rights of major stockholders. Sidor was earlier privatized in 1997.
more on: Sidor nationalization 

vENEZUELA takes a stand on further open pits and exploration at Imatica.
The Environment Minister announces policy decision not to issue further permits involving open pits as well as exploration in Imatica Forest Reserve citing environmental concerns. The Country is also planning to review all mining concessions already granted.
related:
Cristinas gold mine
Crystallex Venezuela Operations-LasCristinas
Earth Action-Save Imatica

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
Policy on export of Cobalt concentrates
Katanga Province reiterates its policy enforcing ban on cobalt concentrates. The Country has given time-bound permission for companies to develop facilities for value addition within the Country.
19052008

AUSTRALIA
Policy change on uranium mining
The Labor Party moves towards abolishing the "No New Uranium Mining" policy, does not find favor with the states of Queensland and Western Australia

Policy change on uranium mining
The Labor Party moves towards abolishing the "No New Uranium Mining" policy, does not find favor with the states of Queensland and Western Australia

INDONESIA  Buyant Bay
Is the trial really over? The Court ruling may not open the floodgates of investment, but the mining laws in the present draft form are being watched with interest and apprehension.

Buyant Bay Is the trial really over? The Court ruling may not open the floodgates of investment, but the mining laws in the present draft form are being watched with interest and apprehension.

UZBEKISTAN
The pointers on control over mining operations.
Can the revoking of license for developing the Khandiza polymetallic deposit and the operational control moves in the Joint Venture Zarafshan mine, be seen in isolation?
related:
Khandiza polymetallic deposit
Uzbekistan seeks Korean involvement
Zarafshan mine
Mine of the week

FINLAND
Environmental impact assessment decree
The Finnish degree moves towards the compliance with the EU's environment impact assessment directive and now includes uranium mining, enrichment and processing. However the ongoing tests and research are exempt.

Montana's ban on cyanide could come under review with the proposed new gold mine.

Zimbabwe - Mine expansion
In the background of discussions over a new mining legislation, the management is considering of a fifth expansion of the Mimosa Platinum in view of its excellent working results. While the new expansion would not require any additional infra-structure, new mining equipment for mechanization and installation of a new mill to increase the concentrator capacity are being considered.

Jamaica - Bauxite mining plans
Mining plans face stiff opposition in > Cockpit Country in Jamaica and the >Accompong Maroons have made their intentions very clear. Alumina exports accounted for more than 50% during 2005 and this could go > further during 2006.Jamaica produces 9% of the world's bauxite and is ranked fifth in terms of alumina production.

PHILIPPINES
Go ahead for Lafayette mining
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) permitted Lafayette to proceed with its third test run at its polymetallic project on Rapu-rapu islands over a period of 15 days attesting that the Company has in place 'emergency-response' system to handle spills in case of necessity
related:
Reaction to the end of 30 days test run
also:
Threat to Ocean?

Responsible mining
The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office considers mining operations as responsible when there is local acceptance and a balance is maintained between mining and environment.
also - Ghana - Responsible mining alliance  
more -  on responsible mining

Malawi
Government sends signals to license holders and dormant mines