Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr
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JANUARY 2014 • VOL 215 • NUMBER 1 FEATURES E&MJ;'s Annual Survey of Global Metal-mining Investment Harsh global economics have dragged investment levels from boom to bust in many sectors. However, 2014 may be the year the industry touches bottom and begins to regain economic traction. ..............................26 Autonomy Gradually Gains Momentum Although the concept of driverless haul trucks emerged in the 1970s, it took 30 years before the first systems took shape. E&MJ; looks at the challenges and achievements. ................................................................32 Cat Refines, Expands Rope Shovel Feature Lineup The latest options, often employing new technologies, range from hoist braking to HydraCrowd, and e-room air filtration to onsite power generation ....38 Designing Mines with Data in Mind The industry's need for 'more iron' is matched by its need for more information............................................................................................42 Special Report: Western Australia's Mining Industry The plentiful state adapts to challenging times ............................................49 Toronto Prepares for PDAC 2014 in March Prospectors and developers persevere despite current investment climate ........60 LEADING DEVELOPMENTS Vale's $14.75B Budget for 2014 is Third Year of Capex Decline ......................4 First Quantum Provides Updates on Zambia Projects, Cobre Panama..............5 Intergeo and Mercator Plan Cu-focused Base Metals Company........................6 Primero Mining Acquiring Brigus Gold ..............................................................6 AROUND THE WORLD U.S. & Canada: Klondex Buys Newmont's Midas Mine/Mill for $55M Cash Plus Stock ................................................................................................8 Latin America: Guyana Goldfields Commits to Developing Aurora Gold Project ....12 Australia/Oceania: Rio Tinto to Focus on Brownfield Iron Ore Expansion ......14 Africa: Sibayne Proposes Acquisition of Wits Gold ........................................16 Asia: Upgrade Expands Galaxy's Lithium Plant Capabilities ..........................18 Exploration Roundup: Ivanhoe Starts Underground Exploration at Kipushi ......20 Autonomous Mining....32 www.e-mj.com Rope Shovels....38 E&MJ;'s annual Project Survey details mining investments worldwide. Iron ore, copper, gold and nickel (in that order) are still the most important targets for mining companies. Capital projects in iron ore, such as Vale' , have accounted for more than one-third of total investments each year since 2011. (Photo credit: Agnêcia Vale) DEPARTMENTS Calendar ......................................................24 Classified Advertisements ............................78 CSR Watch....................................................62 Equipment Gallery ........................................74 From the Editor ..............................................2 Markets ........................................................80 Operating Strategies ....................................64 People ..........................................................10 Processing Solutions ....................................72 Suppliers Report ..........................................66 This Month in Coal........................................22 Operating Strategies....64 JANUARY 2014 • E&MJ; 1