Comment on 50-million year old tree fossil uncovered in Canadian diamond mine by Fossil Smasher

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• Comment on 50-million year old tree fossil uncovered in Canadian diamond mine by Fossil Smasher
• Comment on BC to lead mining jobs creation in Canada: report by Marie Anton
• Comment on 50-million year old tree fossil uncovered in Canadian diamond mine by wags
• Comment on BC to lead mining jobs creation in Canada: report by Akber
• Comment on Chinese oil company confident of Nexen takeover’s success by Justin Flontek
• Comment on 50-million year old tree fossil uncovered in Canadian diamond mine by Stan

Comment on 50-million year old tree fossil uncovered in Canadian diamond mine by Fossil Smasher Posted: 27 Sep 2012 08:04 PM PDT A 50 million year old fossil has been uncovered in the Ekati diamond mine in Canada's Northwest Territories. The fossilized piece of redwood was preserved by solidified magma from a prehistoric eruption, and indicates that Canada's frigid north was once host to a far warmer climate which permitted rich forest growth. According to Live Science the fossil was uncovered 315 meters below the Earth's surface in a kimberlite pipe – a volcanic pipe formed when magma pushes through fractures in the Earth's crust and which is a frequent source of diamond deposits. Scientists say the site of the mine, which is located just south of the Arctic Circle, would have once been covered with a forest of prehistoric redwoods, some of which were engulfed by an eruption of magma from deep below the earth's surface over 50 million years ago. The specimen is believed to be the oldest of its type ever uncovered in the region, exceeding northern Canada's Axel Heiberg fossil forest by millions of years in age.

Comment on BC to lead mining jobs creation in Canada: report by Marie Anton Posted: 27 Sep 2012 06:45 PM PDT British Columbia, Canada's most western province, will employ over 16,700 mining professionals in the next 10 years according to a report released Wednesday by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) in partnership with the BC Mining HR Task Force. However the study acknowledges that human resources challenges continue to threaten the future competitiveness of the B.C. mining industry. "A combination of factors including the pending retirement of the baby boom generation, difficulties in attracting and engaging youth and an under-representation of diverse groups paints a challenging ten-year talent forecast," it says. While the industry has taken tremendous strides in addressing these issues, finding experienced and skilled workers is becoming more difficult, and competition across sectors of the economy is increasing, says the document. The British Columbia Hiring Requirements and Available Talent Forecasts: Exploration, Mining, and Stone, Sand, & Gravel 2012 report shows cumulative hiring requirements of 13,300 under a baseline scenario, whilst an uptick in the BC mining industry could see this number rise by at least 3,000. "Based on what we know today, that there won't be enough new entrants to the mining labour market to meet the projected needs" cautions Dr Martha Roberts, Director of Research at MiHR.  "It will be essential for industry employers to be strategic and proactive in workforce planning to ensure the right people can be found when the skills and labour shortages are realized," adds Roberts. The impact of the pending retirements and strategies to manage through this will continues to be a priority for mining employers.  Net change in employment in the BC mining industry is expected to increase slightly over the forecast period, with the bulk of hiring requirements stemming from a need to replace retiring workers. "The key element that has not changed in the ten-year outlook is that the workforce continues to age. Nearly half of the mining workforce is eligible to retire by 2022 so we are not only going to lose workers, but the valuable knowledge and experience they take with them" says Roberts. Regional and subsector analysis show that hiring needs and the talent gap differ throughout the province. "The report provides a solid foundation for local solutions to reflect the needs in mineral exploration, mining, and stone, sand and gravel extraction," says David Bazowski, Chair of the BC Mining HR Task Force. "We can look ahead and target solutions to fill critical gaps and ensure the future success of our industry. The report findings highlight the importance of partnerships and collaborations between industry employers, government, and education providers that have been nurtured through the activities of the BC Mining HR Task Force," he adds. In the last three years BC has seen a record of mining claims, with more than 11,000 filed in the first seven months of 2012. The industry revenues in B.C. have doubled over the past eight years, reaching more than $9.8 billion in 2011. In terms of mineral exploration, that nearly $463 million was spent last year alone and 2012 should see a similar amount by the end of the year. Related: Record surge of mining claims in western Canada>> >> The coal boom's impact on BC >> >>

Comment on 50-million year old tree fossil uncovered in Canadian diamond mine by wags Posted: 27 Sep 2012 05:55 PM PDT A 50 million year old fossil has been uncovered in the Ekati diamond mine in Canada's Northwest Territories. The fossilized piece of redwood was preserved by solidified magma from a prehistoric eruption, and indicates that Canada's frigid north was once host to a far warmer climate which permitted rich forest growth. According to Live Science the fossil was uncovered 315 meters below the Earth's surface in a kimberlite pipe – a volcanic pipe formed when magma pushes through fractures in the Earth's crust and which is a frequent source of diamond deposits. Scientists say the site of the mine, which is located just south of the Arctic Circle, would have once been covered with a forest of prehistoric redwoods, some of which were engulfed by an eruption of magma from deep below the earth's surface over 50 million years ago. The specimen is believed to be the oldest of its type ever uncovered in the region, exceeding northern Canada's Axel Heiberg fossil forest by millions of years in age.

Comment on BC to lead mining jobs creation in Canada: report by Akber Posted: 27 Sep 2012 01:03 PM PDT British Columbia, Canada's most western province, will employ over 16,700 mining professionals in the next 10 years according to a report released Wednesday by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR) in partnership with the BC Mining HR Task Force. However the study acknowledges that human resources challenges continue to threaten the future competitiveness of the B.C. mining industry. "A combination of factors including the pending retirement of the baby boom generation, difficulties in attracting and engaging youth and an under-representation of diverse groups paints a challenging ten-year talent forecast," it says. While the industry has taken tremendous strides in addressing these issues, finding experienced and skilled workers is becoming more difficult, and competition across sectors of the economy is increasing, says the document. The British Columbia Hiring Requirements and Available Talent Forecasts: Exploration, Mining, and Stone, Sand, & Gravel 2012 report shows cumulative hiring requirements of 13,300 under a baseline scenario, whilst an uptick in the BC mining industry could see this number rise by at least 3,000. "Based on what we know today, that there won't be enough new entrants to the mining labour market to meet the projected needs" cautions Dr Martha Roberts, Director of Research at MiHR.  "It will be essential for industry employers to be strategic and proactive in workforce planning to ensure the right people can be found when the skills and labour shortages are realized," adds Roberts. The impact of the pending retirements and strategies to manage through this will continues to be a priority for mining employers.  Net change in employment in the BC mining industry is expected to increase slightly over the forecast period, with the bulk of hiring requirements stemming from a need to replace retiring workers. "The key element that has not changed in the ten-year outlook is that the workforce continues to age. Nearly half of the mining workforce is eligible to retire by 2022 so we are not only going to lose workers, but the valuable knowledge and experience they take with them" says Roberts. Regional and subsector analysis show that hiring needs and the talent gap differ throughout the province. "The report provides a solid foundation for local solutions to reflect the needs in mineral exploration, mining, and stone, sand and gravel extraction," says David Bazowski, Chair of the BC Mining HR Task Force. "We can look ahead and target solutions to fill critical gaps and ensure the future success of our industry. The report findings highlight the importance of partnerships and collaborations between industry employers, government, and education providers that have been nurtured through the activities of the BC Mining HR Task Force," he adds. In the last three years BC has seen a record of mining claims, with more than 11,000 filed in the first seven months of 2012. The industry revenues in B.C. have doubled over the past eight years, reaching more than $9.8 billion in 2011. In terms of mineral exploration, that nearly $463 million was spent last year alone and 2012 should see a similar amount by the end of the year. Related: Record surge of mining claims in western Canada>> >> The coal boom's impact on BC >> >>

Comment on Chinese oil company confident of Nexen takeover’s success by Justin Flontek Posted: 27 Sep 2012 08:48 AM PDT China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) believes its proposed $15.1 billion takeover of Canadian oil producer Nexen Inc. (TSX & NYSE:NXY) should go ahead without major hiccups as talks with provincial leaders reaffirmed the values of China as an investor in its oil sands sector, the Globe and Mail is reporting. Citing unidentified sources, the paper said that CNOOC, which has won approval from Nexen shareholders for the acquisition, has specially structured the deal to meet Canadian regulations and benefit the country. It adds that none of the premiers who have held meetings with CNOOC executives have voiced any concern about the proposed deal. The CNOOC-Nexen deal is now under federal government review to determine if the takeover represents a so-called net benefit to the Canadian economy, as required under the country's foreign-investment laws. Since CNOOC made an official application to the Canadian government in late August, mixed messages about the authorities' position on the subject have generated increasing among investors. Shares in Nexen reflected the market tension Wednesday, closing at $24.91 among fears that public opposition will convince the government to block the deal. Senior Conservative officials, led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, have suggested the issue of market reciprocity — or guarantees that Canadian investors will get access to Chinese assets — could play a key role in the ruling. Truth is the country's ruling Conservative Party is split over the matter and Harper has been left with difficult final call to make, as an analysis by Reuters explains: A green light, still viewed by many as likely, would allow China's biggest ever foreign takeover, extend China's foothold in Canada's crude-rich oilsands – an area with the biggest proven resources of energy outside Venezuela and Saudi Arabia — and help Beijing fulfill its drive for better access to energy resources to fuel the world's second-largest economy. A "no", or conditions on the deal that were too onerous for CNOOC, would cut the takeover premium on Canadian resource stocks, and likely stem Chinese investment in the energy patch, as well as damaging Canada's already dented reputation as a friendly jurisdiction for foreign investment. It would also infuriate Beijing, which might make the Chinese market a less welcoming destination for Canadian exporters. When U.S. opposition thwarted CNOOC's attempt to buy California-based Unocal Corp. in 2005 it angered Chinese officials and strained Sino-U.S. relations. But Canada's has to also consider the consequences of upsetting its Southern neighbour, whose pressure could come into play at the time of the final decision. The most recent U.S. show of disapproval came a week ago, when Nebraska Republican Congressman Lee Terry urged President Obama in a blog to "Oppose CNOOC-Nexen merger, approve Keystone": Recently, Chinese state oil company, CNOOC, announced its intention to purchase Canadian oil company, Nexen, for $15.1 billion in cash. I have deep concerns about this merger and what it means for American national security and energy security in the future. …With the purchase of Nexen, China will control a major North American oil company. China will firmly be positioned in our front and backyard. Should the biggest ever foreign investment in the North American country get the green light, CNOOC has promised it will make Calgary the headquarters of its North and Central American operations, will join Canada's main equities market, the Toronto Stock Exchange and will keep current Nexen employees. RELATED: No surprises expected as Nexen shareholders vote on CNOOC takeover >> >>  CNOOC-Nexen: China's swoop shows sweet timing as Canadian crude discount halves>> >>

Comment on 50-million year old tree fossil uncovered in Canadian diamond mine by Stan Posted: 27 Sep 2012 07:38 AM PDT A 50 million year old fossil has been uncovered in the Ekati diamond mine in Canada's Northwest Territories. The fossilized piece of redwood was preserved by solidified magma from a prehistoric eruption, and indicates that Canada's frigid north was once host to a far warmer climate which permitted rich forest growth. According to Live Science the fossil was uncovered 315 meters below the Earth's surface in a kimberlite pipe – a volcanic pipe formed when magma pushes through fractures in the Earth's crust and which is a frequent source of diamond deposits. Scientists say the site of the mine, which is located just south of the Arctic Circle, would have once been covered with a forest of prehistoric redwoods, some of which were engulfed by an eruption of magma from deep below the earth's surface over 50 million years ago. The specimen is believed to be the oldest of its type ever uncovered in the region, exceeding northern Canada's Axel Heiberg fossil forest by millions of years in age.

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