GLOBAL NEWS •
USA :
NGM STRONGLY POSITIONED FOR GROWTH
Global news
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Since 2019 when Barrick and Newmont pooled their assets in the state to create the world ’ s largest gold mining complex , Nevada Gold Mines ( NGM ) has come a long way . NGM is now making a strong start to 2024 on the back of performance improvements and new growth prospects .
Emphasising this point in early February , Mark Bristow , president and chief executive of operator and majority shareholder Barrick Gold , said operational highlights of the past year included a record production by the post-merger Cortez and the continuing turnaround at Turquoise Ridge , which is beginning to live up to its Tier One status again . The most significant development , however , was the completion of the Goldrush permitting process at the end of 2023 . This enabled Cortez to accelerate the development of a key project which will already make a significant production contribution this year .
Bristow said far from being a mature gold district , Northern Nevada was still highly prospective for new world-class discoveries . The Barrick-owned Fourmile , for example , is expected to more than triple its current mineral resource of 0.48 million ounces 2 at 10.04g / t indicated in addition to 2.7 million ounces 2 at 10.1g / t inferred , as well as uplifting the grade as orebody modelling and evaluation continue with a view to commence a pre-feasibility study at the end of 2024 . In the meantime , brownfields exploration has delivered an exciting pipeline of near-mine growth opportunities across Carlin , Cortez and Turquoise Ridge .
“ The complex now boasts a production growth profile that goes well beyond 10 years as the geologists step up the replacement of the ounces depleted by mining ,” Bristow said .
In line with the Barrick group ’ s transition to renewable energy , NGM completed the commissioning of the first 100MW phase of its solar power project in the last quarter of 2023 , with the second 100MW scheduled to come on stream in the second half of this year .
NGM also continues to invest in developing a new generation of skilled entrants to the mining industry . Last year , 270 people enrolled in its training mine , of whom 95 % graduated . Of these , 84 % are now employed by NGM .
NGM has similarly invested USD4.5-million in the establishment of three childrens ’ learning centres in its communities aligned with
its mining schedules to alleviate the shortage of childcare services in the areas around its mines . The provision of strong childcare benefits is expected to attract younger employees , and particularly women , to an aging and male-dominated industry . Its latest social infrastructure development project is a USD10-million recreation centre , based on the principle that a healthier community will deliver a healthier workforce .
Source Supplied by Barrick
UAE :
BRING ON THE RAINMAKER : CLOUD SEEDING , A BEACON OF HOPE
By Jonathan Hirasawa Ashton
In the arid landscapes of the Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) countries , water scarcity presents a solid challenge , threatening not only economic stability but also the very fabric of daily life . Writing this on a particularly rainy day , I thought it might be interesting to read more into the cloud seeding phenomenon .
My current role with KROHNE has given me greater insight into the water industry and I have witnessed firsthand the escalating demands on our precious water resources , compounded by the relentless forces of climate change and population growth . Our customers and beyond this valued group are coming together to try and find proper , long-term solutions for a growing population in an increasingly hot climate . Amidst this dire backdrop , cloud seeding emerges not merely as an innovative solution but as a beacon of hope , offering a sustainable path forward in our quest for water security .
The concept of cloud seeding , while not new , has recently gained significant traction within the GCC , spearheaded by ambitious
Supplied by Jonathan Hirasawa Ashton www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • April 2024 • 7