Greatest Mining Centre in World

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It has some 2.5 million residents, is the fifth most populated city and the

third largest financial centre in North America. As of July 1, 2006 the

surrounding Greater Toronto Area (GTA) boasted a population of over

5.9 million. In addition to the City of Toronto, the GTA includes the regional

municipalities of York, Halton, Peel and Durham.

The GTA is one of North Americas fastest-growing urban areas and

Canadas undisputed business and manufacturing capital. As an economic

area, the GTA consists of 25 municipalities and four regions in a total area of

around 7,100 km2. Vast parts of the GTA remain farmland and forests including

protected sections of the Oak Ridges Moraine, Rouge Park and the Niagara

Escarpment.

According to the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), Canadian markets have

become a magnet for investment from around the world. Through TSX

Groups equity and energy markets, investors and issuers have discovered fast,

low-cost and liquid trading from the single largest source in the world of equity

financing for mining issuers. A strong economy backs the TSX and a country

rich in natural resources. The TSX trading floor closed in 1997, making it the

largest stock exchange in North America to opt for a floorless, electronic

(or virtual trading) environment.

Kirk Rodgers is Co-ordinator of the North American Ore Evaluation Services

Group of Golder Associates, based in Toronto. This group provides mineral

resource evaluation and engineering services to the mineral industry. Asked

what makes for a good financial centre for the mining industry? he respondsthat it must be boring. By boring, I mean it should not produce headlines

about military coups, civil unrest, racial disharmony and financial flight. By this

measure alone, Toronto is thankfully not a very exciting place. But Toronto

actually is exciting in many other ways: it has a vibrant economy, a diverse

ethnic makeup with virtually every nation of the world represented and good

cultural life.

Corruption is not a problem in Toronto, Rodgers reports. Toronto is the

financial capital of a G8 country that ranks in the top 10% of corruption

watchdog Transparency Internationals International Corruption Perception

Index 2006. Canada has a stable currency, a solid and highly efficient banking

sector and excellent telecommunications. For those accustomed to cities like

London or Tokyo, Canada offers cost relief. Annual studies by KPMG

consistently rank Canada as leading other G7 countries as the most

cost-effective location for business.

For mining companies seeking financing, Toronto offers a financial sector

that is well-experienced in the uncertainties and rewards of mining. The country

has produced a wealth of highly-skilled geologists, geophysicists, hydrogeologists

and other professionals able to help a mining company fully understand a

mineral deposit and the technical requirements necessary to bring it into

production. Professional firms (such as Golder Associates) are familiar with the

need to be able to answer the kinds of questions a financial source might have

about the economic realities of a mining prospect.

The fraud cases that received global media coverage a decade ago have

prompted a revamp of the procedures previously used to report technical

information on mineral properties. This has resulted in a continuing process of

building improved ore-evaluation methodologies, with checks and balances to

reduce the chances that investors will be misled. These procedures were put inplace and are monitored by the Ontario Securities Commission, the TSX and

other entities, to give investors confidence by providing easy access to information

that will help them make informed decisions. Current rules on mining-sector

disclosure are in many ways better than those found in many other jurisdictions.

50 International Mining FEBRUARY 2007

Located on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto, the largest city inCanada and the provincial capital of Ontario, hosts some of the worlds leading

mining, technology and engineering companies. John Chadwick and

Sally Higgins look at some of the highlights

The greatest

mining centrein the world

MINING CENTRES


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http://www.agnico-eagle.com/


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To cite another KPMG study,

the 2006 Global Mining

Reporting Survey, Canada is

ahead of the global pack in

disclosing reserve and resource

information and cash production

costs, beating out other countries

including South Africa, the UK,

Australia and the USA. It all adds

up to an attractive picture for a

mining company seeking financing

for its next venture.

According to NL Technologies

Vice-President of Engineering,

Richard Oxby, Toronto is a great

place to conduct research and

development. Toronto has three

universities, is home to many

major technology manufacturersand has a huge pool of highly

skilled and talented engineers.

The company finds Toronto an

ideal location for its head office.

Toronto is close to several mining

centres located in the Sudbury

region, the US and South America.

As the hub of many mining, construction and engineering companies, there

is a need in Toronto for a facility to bring together this huge pool of talented

workers and potential employers. CJ Stafford & Associates provides executive

search and recruitment for these industries and have been in business since

1981. With over 25 years of experience the company offers clients unparalleled

insight into the nuances associated with hiring for these sectors and a good

understanding of how to attract the best talent. International recruitment

capabilities have been enhanced since joining an alliance of search consultants,

strategically located in Australia, South Africa, England, South America and the USA.

Micon International is an independent, employee-owned consulting

company providing geological, mining engineering, metallurgical and

environmental consulting services to the mining and minerals sector, worldwide.

Micons head office is in Toronto. Since the mid-1990s, the firm has also

operated from Norwich in the UK and an office was established in Vancouver

in 2004.

Strong financial and commodity markets have allowed both junior and

senior companies good opportunities for raising funds and Micon has prepared

numerous independent technical reports in compliance with the requirements

of NI 43-101. These have related to independent due diligence on mineral

properties, mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, preliminary assess-

ments and project feasibility studies. Prior to the inception of the instrument,

Micon acted as the technical consultant to the TSE/OSC Mining Standards Task

Force (MSTF) and prepared the technical study on Standards for the Acquisition

and Reporting of Technical Information by the Mining Industry, appended to

the MSTF report. Micon also provides independent engineer services to banks

funding mineral property development and is presently engaged on several

such assignments. Over the past two to three years, much of Micons work in

Toronto has resulted from the citys prominence as a centre of international

mining finance and the importance of Canadian stock exchanges for mining

company listings.Among Micons current assignments are the preparation of the feasibility

study for the Nico gold-cobalt-bismuth project in Canadas Northwest

Territories, ongoing mineral reserve audits at the operations of Norilsk in Russia,

monitoring the development of the Voskhod chromite deposit in Kazakhstan,

resource estimation for the

Maracs vanadium-titanium-iron

property in Brazil, due diligence

assessment of tungsten proper-

ties in China, monitoring the

development of the Las Brisas

gold property in Venezuela,

monitoring the development of

the aldag nickel property in

Turkey, mineral resource esti-

mates for base metal properties

in Canada and an independent

technical report on undeveloped

uranium properties in the US.

Centre for technologyOptech is a world leader in the

development, manufacture and

support of laser-based instruments.Well-known in the international

mining community, Optech

offers client-driven solutions in

mine cavity monitoring systems

for underground mines, 3D

imaging scanners for open pit

mining and a variety of level and positioning instruments for process control

applications. Optech recently relocated to Vaughan, Ontario, just minutes from

downtown Toronto.

In addition to its mining related products, Optech produces laser-based

airborne terrestrial mapping, hydrographic surveying, space-based atmospheric

monitors and spaceborne landing/docking systems.

Optech recently announced the release of an Extended Range (ER) option

for its ILRIS-3D laser-based scanner. With a 40% increase over its already

industry-leading range, the ER scanner is capable of generating accurate point

cloud data at ranges exceeding 1,500 m. ILRIS-3D offers quick conversion of

XYZ data to user selectable data formats, allowing file compatibility with mine

planning or analysis software.

An additional available option is motion compensation, which makes

possible the coordination of selected Position and Orientation Systems (POS) to

ILRIS-3D. As a result, ILRIS-3D can produce precise, geo-referenced data

when scanning from moving platforms such as mobile vehicles and boats.

Optechs Cavity Monitoring System (CMS) provides fast, reliable and efficient

scanning of underground cavities. By collecting thousands of measurements

per minute, the data can be used to determine stope volumes, stope dilution,

backfill volumes and create detailed drawings and data formats for use in any

software workflow. With the recent introduction of the wireless feature,

scanner operation can be controlled from a safe zone outside the cavity to

enhance operator safety.

Optech recently announced that its Sentry series of laser-based level monitors

were awarded ATEX certification in addition to the existing CSA, FM and CE

approvals for hazardous locations. This will help extend the utility of this level

monitor into the European process control market.

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA), located in the GTA, aims to

provide innovative electronic solutions for complex customer requirements.

According to MDA, space and the mining industry have a lot more in common

than many realize. Both are harsh and technically demanding workplaces thatrequire innovative solutions to ensure they remain safe and productive. MDA is

perhaps most famous for developing the Canadarm, which flies on all NASA

shuttles, and also Canadarm2, which is a fundamental tool on the International

Space Station. MDA is recognized worldwide as the leader in space robotics and

MINING CENTRES


MDAs 3D photo imaging system, Instant Mine Modeller (iMM), maps underground and open pit

workings for geological modelling, surveying and mine management information. The 3D model is

accurate, is created within minutes of acquisition and contains full dimensional, texture and colour

information of work faces.


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http://www.rockbreaker.com/


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continues to provide advanced

information

solutions and novel

technology

solutions for the

global mining

community.

MDA has used

experience from a

previous mars rover

project to create a

3D photo imaging

system called Instant

Mine Modeller (iMM), which maps

underground and open pit workings for

geological modelling, surveying and mine

management information. The 3D

model is accurate, is created within

minutes of acquisition andcontains full dimensional, texture

and colour information of work

faces. The real time digitized as

built model can be used for

dilution control, ore grading, rock

fault analysis and volume

calculations. As the models are tied to survey co-ordinates, they can be

immediately integrated into existing mine management software tools and

compared with mine plans, allowing changes in work scope to happen before

the next work shift.

Experience in demonstrating iMM has revealed that 3D models have the

potential to deliver significantly more accurate geological information of workings,

to streamline process, and improve productivity and safety. Developments are

continuing to integrate other sensor data into the 3D digitized model.

Open pit mining has become reliant on GPS for accurate mobile equipment

positioning and drill orientation. Using this technology in the underground

environment is far more challenging. MDA is currently developing a positioning

technology, coined U/GPS, that does not require supporting infrastructure to

locate mobile equipment in real time. U/GPS uses a variety of

on-board sensors and software algorithms to globally and accurately

locate mobile equipment in an underground environment. The

result is that underground mines can begin to track resources, and

make real time decisions that will impact safety and productivity.

The key to making informed processing or project decisions is the

acquisition of reliable, reproducible flotation data from a representative

ore sample. Canadian Process Technologies (CPT) Mini Pilot Plant

(MPP) has demonstrated advantages over conventional piloting

methods including smaller sample size requirements, reduced

operating time to steady state and the ability to perform variability

analysis.

The level of risk involved in financial investment decisions can be

reduced substantially when it can be confidently demonstrated how

ore will react in the milling and concentration process. Reducing

the risk and removing uncertainty are important outcomes of an

effective piloting programme. However, that process

becomes even more beneficial when it is timely,

widespread and at a reasonable cost.Investment dollars are sought after by many competing projects. Once an

ore deposit is identified it becomes important to prove its economic viability

quickly, firstly to attract those investment funds and secondly to reduce the

time to take the end product to market. Conventional pilot plants require a

finite period of time, i.e. build the pilot plant, sink the shaft and acquire the ore

sample.

The MPP is a completely operational self-contained modular unit which uses

only core samples, already acquired, for a complete detailed engineering analysis.

It is not unusual for the ore deposit to be spread out over a large expanse of

land area. Clearly the majority of ore deposits are not homogenous so it

becomes important to either assess the ore for differing variabilities, or to make

calculated assumptions based a single large shaft.

During the exploration phase core samples are generally extracted over the

expanse of the deposit. Therefore instead of assuming ore variability, a MPP is

able to process those same core samples taken from many different locations

within the deposit and to provide engineering data that incorporates ore

variability qualitatively.

Assessing the concentration process to obtain the engineering data necessary

to develop a final process flowsheet can be costly using a conventional full

scale pilot plant. The cost to build a full scale pilot plant is not insignificant and

can range from one to several million dollars. The personnel required to

operate and maintain the facility will add more costs. Also significant are the

costs to acquire a sufficient volume of sample: 10,000 kg or more for acomplete detailed ore analysis. Obtaining and transporting that much sample

ore is very costly.

Contrast that to a self-contained MPP that is able to provide the same high

level of engineering data and analysis for less than $0.5 million and using

already acquired core samples. Brazilian producer CVRD chose to use the MPP

approach to acquire critical operational information from core samples on its

Salobo and Sossego properties. Backing up CPTs claims for the MPP, CVRD has

reported that test work using the MPP to replicate a conventional pilot plant

was performed more quickly, and less expensively, and resulted in better

information and better decisions earlier in the evaluation of the deposits..

ConMico of Concord, specializes in custom-made high pressure pump systems

for mining applications. Its products include durable, lightweight grouting and

cement-injection plants for use in soil consolidation, grout jetting to 10,000 psi,

pile formation, tunnel forming and repairs, forming water curtains, back filling

and grouting of cracks in tunnels and mine shafts. For pump systems,

ConMico manufactures high pressure colloidal mixers, double drum mixers,

agitators, as well as accessories including packers, valves and high pressure

fittings. Shotcrete and concrete pumps are


MINING CENTRES

Canadian Process Technologies Mini Processing

Plant is a completely operational self-contained

modular unit which uses only core samples, already acquired,

for a complete detailed engineering analysis.

Optech's tripod-mounted Cavity

Monitoring System collects thousand of

measurements per minute to determine

the dimensions of underground cavities.

A new addition to this technology is a

wireless feature enabling remote

operation.


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also available. ConMico engineers

and manufactures high pressure

water jet systems up to 50,000 psi

and up to 1,200 hp for jet boring,

underground hydraulic power units,

coating removal, de-scaling and

cutting. The companys latest

development is a hydro-rock fracturing

machine for high production mining

requirements. The companys latest

project was with Codelco Chile for a

hydro-rock fracturing machine for a

high production mining requirement.

NL Technologies (NLT) came into

existence in 1983 from a product

licensing agreement between Levitt-

Safety and a research project funded

by a consortium of several major

mining companies, many of whichare also headquarteredin Toronto. NLT

offers a complete line of miners cap

lamps, charging systems and more

recently a line of underground net-

work and communication solutions, branded as the Northern Light Digital

Mine. The most innovative solution so far is the Northern Light Messenger cap

lamp, which is an integration of two-way messaging, paging and emergency

alert functionality plus the cap lamp.

According to NLTs Vice-President of Sales & Marketing, James Hackwood,

location has turned out to be

very important indeed. Over

the past year we have sent our

expert team of engineers to

several mines to conduct

testing and site surveys for

underground digital networks.

Each mine is unique, this

makes on-site testing

important. Being able to go

into a mine and design the

best network possible is

important and being head-

quartered in a central and

international location like

Toronto, allows us the freedom

to do just that.

Foremost is a manufacturing

company with a diverse line ofheavy equipment, tooling

and accessories for a variety of

applications including

mining and mineral

exploration, transportation, water wells, construction, environmental and

geo-technical, seismic work, and oilfield drilling.

For the mining/mineral exploration sector, Foremost specializes in the

Exploration Series of drilling rigs, reverse circulation drill pipe, semi-automatic,

rig-mounted pipe handlers and drilling consumables such as rotary deck

ConMico specializes in custom-made high pressure pump systems for mining applications. The

companys latest development is a hydro-rock fracturing machine for high production mining

requirements.

02/07

26-28 June Hillhead Quarry Buxton England

www.hillhead.com

Hillhead 2007 7 Regent Street Nottingham NG1 5BS United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 115 945 3887 Fax: +44 (0) 115 958 2651 Email: [email protected]
http://www.hillhead.com/http://www.hillhead.com/


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bushings, cushion connectors and floating cushion

subs. These products generate significant cost

savings, reduce maintenance requirements, and

improve drilling productivity and equipment life.

Foremosts Exploration Series of mineral

exploration drills are available in either tracked

(MPD 1500) or wheeled (W750) configurations.

The W750 is mounted on a proven, Foremost

designed, articulated carrier with large

floatation tires to minimize ground pressure. The

MPD 1500 provides all the benefits of the wheeled

units with a tracked undercarriage for extreme

climbing ability on steep grades and side slopes.

These units are highly mobile and provide

flexibility, reliability, and low environmental impact

on all terrain. These units feature leveling decks for

work on sloped terrain and are capable of RC

drilling. For monitoring of cuttings and sample

collection, an optional cyclone is available. Forextra pipe, water and fuel, Foremost also manu-

factures a support vehicle.

Over 40 years of experience in the manufacture

of RC products have led to durable, reliable, and

advanced drill pipe designs. Foremost offers

various drill pipe configurations, with or without

connector tubes, to suit customers requirements.

Foremost Floating Cushion Subs prolong top

drive bearings and gear life while providing a

means of making up and breaking out threaded

connections on casing and drill pipe. The allowable

axial movement of cushion subs sliding spindle

decreases both the impact on the rotary drive

when the two mating threads and the load on the

flanks of the treads of the components being

connected.

Replacing a friction or non-rotating bushing on

the deck of a blast hole drill, the Foremost Rotary

Deck Bushing reduces drill vibrations and friction

to drill string components and permits higher

operating speed. The Foremost Rotary Deck

Bushing provides stabilization for collaring in the

bit and increases bit life. No modifications to the

drill are required

Foremost Cushion Connectors have proven

track records in a broad range of applications

worldwide. It will assist in protecting the rotary

drive and mast assemblies against both torsional

and axial vibrations/shock loading in moderate and

extreme drilling conditions. Increased drill availability

and decreased drill maintenance provide quick

return on the investment.

Great minesAgnico-Eagle Mines is an international growth

company focused on gold, with operations in

Canada and advanced-stage projects and

opportunities in Canada, Mexico, Finland, and the

USA. Agnico-Eagles flagship LaRonde mine in the

Abitibi region of northwest Quebec is Canadas

largest gold deposit and is a strong foundation for

international

expansion.

Gold reserves

are 5.3

Moz.

LaRonde

includes

under-

ground

mining

operations, a mill

complex, a

MINING CENTRES

NL Technologies Messenger, developed in Toronto, is a

two-way messaging device integrated into the Northern

Light Cap Lamp that operates on an underground

wireless local area network. The Messenger device

contains an internal processor capable of

sending, storing, and deleting

messages.

Agnico-Eagles LaRonde property includes under-

ground mining operations, a mill complex, a

treatment plant, a secondary crusher building and

related facilities.


Visit PAH & Runge at:

SME booths 623 & 625PDAC booths 310 & 312

www.pincock.com

43-101 Studies, Stock Exchange Listings

& IPOs

Audits & Third Party Reviews

Environmental & Mine Closure Services

Expert Witness, Legal & Insurance Support

Feasibility Studies

Independent Engineer / Due Diligence

Management & Operational Reviews

Market Support Services

Merger / Acquisition Support

Privatization & Advisory Support

Resource Modeling, Reserve Estimation

& Mine Planning

Valuation, Appraisal & Fairness Opinions

303-986-6950

Part of the Runge Group

pincockallen &holt

Over 38 years servingthe Minerals Industry
http://www.pincock.com/http://www.pincock.com/


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Greatest Mining Centre in World

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