No plan for Indonesian tax rise
Indonesia is not formally discussing a suggestion from the Industry Ministry to tax exports of coal and minerals Bloomberg reported, following interviews with government and industry officials. The clarification came following reports yesterday that the ministry was...
Rumours of Cookson electronics divestment
There has been speculation in the UK and international financial press that Cookson plc is planning to spin-off its electronics division, which is the world's largest producer of solders. The story first appeared in the Sunday Times newspaper at the weekend, although...
MSC near DR Congo, Indonesia deals
Malaysian Smelting Corporation expects to acquire upstream tin assets in DR Congo by the middle of this year, CEO Datuk Seri Mohd Ajib Anuar told The Star newspaper. "We hope we can hasten this due diligence process and decision-making, I won't say it will be long...
PT Timah profits and production down in 2011
Indonesia's state-controlled tin producer PT Timah reported a 5% fall in net profit last year, as a fall in sales volumes, higher production costs and higher tax payments offset the positive impact of higher world tin prices. Timah also attributed the decline in its...
MSC secures long-term future for Rahman Hydraulic mine
Malaysia Smelting Corporation has reached agreement with the Perak state government on a new mining lease for its wholly-owned subsidiary Rahman Hydraulic Tin Sdn Bhd, which will run until 2030, the Edge newspaper reports. RHT is the largest mine in Malaysia,...
Delays to Bolivian expansion projects
Plans to expand production at Bolivia's state-owned Huanuni tin mine and Vinto smelter are being further delayed, according to unconfirmed reports reaching ITRI. In tin the centre-piece of the government's medium-term plans is the construction of a new 3,000 tpd...
China imports soared in February
Chinese refined tin imports soared in February to 3,719 tonnes, twelve times higher than a year ago, as well as a 130% growth versus January, according to China Customs data. The large tonnage is believed to include delayed deliveries of substantial volumes of tin...
China mine production still constrained
While some of the larger tin mines in Guangxi province have re-opened recently, smelters in China remain very concerned about raw material supply constraints. Smaller mines in Guangxi are still awaiting permission to re-start, while drought and other environmental...
Australian exploration updates
Stellar Resources has commenced a new one year, 10,000 metres drilling programme at its now 100%-owned Heemskirk project in Tasmania. The project contains three orebodies (Queen Hill, Montana and Severn) and is adjacent to the Renison mine. Indicated and inferred...