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REGIONAL NEWS - U.S. & CANADA creased steadily since 2010, are also a deterrent to investment. The study also looked at how environmental impact assessments and public consultations are conducted in Quebec and warns against the politicization of the process. Uncertainty in environmental regulations deters investment by negatively affecting the timeliness and predictability of the regulatory process, threatening project viability through new restrictions and prohibitions, and creating the perception that special interests—rather than sound science—are guiding policy decisions, the study stated. And, finally, regulatory duplication and inconsistency have increased steadily in Quebec over the past three years, making it more difficult, costly, and time consuming to comply with regulations and increasing the risk that the province will miss out on mining opportunities. In its concluding paragraphs, the study stated, "Mining has played an important role in the development of Quebec, and continues to provide significant opportunities for jobs and wealth creation, especially in remote and rural areas. Until recently, the policy environment in Quebec was regarded as the best in the world for attract- ing exploration and mining investment from Canada and abroad. Yet several years of policy uncertainty and politicization of the mining industry have created great uncertainty for mining companies, and raised the costs and risks for this industry. "Ongoing amendments to the Mining Act and changing taxation regimes have undermined the confidence of mining companies in the stability and predictability of Quebec for investment, and hampered the ability of mining companies to attract investors. The result has been a rapid decline in the attractiveness of Quebec to mining investment. Changes must be made if Quebec wishes to regain its status as a top global and Canadian mining jurisdiction." New Gold Completes Blackwater Feasibility Study, but Rainy River Comes First New Gold Inc. has announced the results of the feasibility study for its Blackwater gold project in central British Columbia. "Completion of the Blackwater feasibility study is an important milestone for our company," New Gold Executive Chairman Randall Oliphant said. "The project has many great attributes, including its secure jurisdiction, long life, robust production potential, all-in sustaining costs well below industry average, and continued exploration potential. "However, the combination of gold being down by more than $500/oz since we completed the preliminary economic assessment for Blackwater in September of 2012, and our Rainy River project in western Ontario having a more modest capital requirement results in our primary objective being the advancement of Rainy River." "Importantly, Rainy River shares all of Blackwater's strong project characteristics. An updated feasibility study for Rainy River remains on schedule for completion in early 2014," he said. New Gold will continue to move the Blackwater project through the permitting phase in 2014. The company views the potential of having a fully permitted project as an important and valuable asset. In the current market environment, where there has been significant commodity price volatility, New Gold wants to maximize its flexibility in respect of any future development decisions. The timing of Blackwater development will be driven by market conditions over the coming years. NEWS - PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Mechel OAO appointed Oleg Korzhov as CEO. Prior to his appointment, Korzhov was senior vice president for economics and management. Barrick Gold announced that Donald Carty and Robert Franklin resigned from the company's board of directors. Carty and Franklin were previously directors of Placer Dome and joined the Barrick Board in 2006 in conjunction with the completion of Barrick's Oleg Korzhov acquisition of Placer Dome. International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. appointed Thomas Irwin president and CEO. Irwin had been serving as vice president. Irwin will succeed Don Ewigleben, who became CEO in September 2012. New Millennium Iron Corp. appointed Robert Patzelt as president and CEO, and to the NML Board of Directors, Thomas Irwin and appointed Dean Journeaux executive vice chairman. Colossus Minerals announced that Douglas Reeson and Greg Hall have resigned from the board of directors. At this time, no replacement candiDean Journeaux dates have been identified. Banro Corp. appointed Dr. John Clarke as president and CEO from the interim president and CEO role he had been filling since March 2013. Dr. Clarke has served on the Dr. John Clarke Banro board since 2004. Rio Tinto has appointed Greg Lilleyman as the new group executive, technology and innovation following the retirement of Preston Chiaro at the end of March 2014, Lilleyman, a mining engineer by profession, has been with Rio Tinto for 23 years, mainly with the iron ore business in Australia and Canada. Kiska Metals Corp. appointed Dr. Michael Roberts, as vice Greg Lilleyman president, exploration. 10 E&MJ; • JANUARY 2014 Dragon Mining announced the retirement of Tapani Jarvinen as a director. He has assumed the chairmanship of Talvivaara Mining Co. Plc. He was appointed to the board in December 2003 as Outokumpu Group's representative following Dragon Mining's purchase of the precious metal assets of the Outokumpu Group. Ressources Appalaches hired Michael Burtney as senior mining Tapani Jarvinen engineer, David Chapman as mill superintendent and Leah Page as operations geologist. Francois van Tonder was appointed managing director of Eickhoff South Africa. Joy Global Inc. elected Edward (Ted) L. Doheny II as president and CEO. Francois van Tonder Former President and CEO Michael W. Sutherlin resigned in preparation for his expected retirement on February 1, 2014. Mine Site Technologies appointed Mark Brayan as CEO and managing director. American Exploration & Mining Association awarded Mark Brayan Boise-based mining lawyer, Joseph H. Baird, its Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes his distinguished work on behalf of the mining industry, strategic minerals issues and the environment. Steve Edwards was named the chairman, president and CEO of Black & Veatch. Richard Woodward was named vice president of marketing and sales for mining and utilities for Progression Inc. Laura Nunes was named the sales manager for mining and utilities in North America. Orica Limited announced that Nick Bowen will be the executive global Laura Nunes Richard Woodward head of mining services. www.e-mj.com