ASX-listed minerals explorer Gryphon Minerals would start a prefeasibility study on its Banfora gold project, in Burkina Faso, in 2011, the company's chief development officer told Mining Weekly Online. Speaking on the sidelines of the Africa Downunder conference, Matthew Bowles said that Gryphon was currently undertaking desktop studies on the project.

Finnish company Ruukki plans to start a feasibility study for a proposed 250-MW power plant to provide its Mogale Alloys venture in South Africa with reliable electricity supply, by the fourth quarter of this year. Ruukki, which bought the Mogale Alloys business in 2009, on Wednesday announced that it had entered into two framework agreements with Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC) for the construction of the proposed power plant, as well as for the construction of two direct current (DC) chrome furnaces.

Mozambican coal company Ncondezi Coal expects an initial environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) study at its flagship Ncondezi project, in the Tete province, to be completed by the fourth quarter of this year. Local consultants, Impacto, were undertaking the ESIA study in collaboration with international consultancy firm Environmental Resources Management Southern Africa.

South Africa will release the results of its Mining Charter review, which started last year, in the next ten days, Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu said on Wednesday. The review was completed in November, has been referred to all the relevant stakeholders for comment. The purpose of the charter was to set the framework, targets and timetables for the implementation of government's transformation policies through its power to 
regulate and grant prospecting 
and mining rights.

ASX-listed Minemakers on Wednesday reported that a scoping study on its marine phosphate mining operation, offshore of Namibia, would be completed by the end of this month. Minemakers GM for marine and African projects, Mike Woodborne, told the Africa Downunder conference in Perth that the completion of the study came at a time of strong global phosphate demand.

South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) would present the business plan for a State-owned mining company to Cabinet next week, Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu said on Wednesday. The business plan would include operational aspects as well as its future prospects, she told Mining Weekly Online on the sidelines of the Africa Downunder conference in Perth.

The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) index of commodity prices hit its highest level on record in August, having climbed 53 percent in the previous 12 months, the central bank said on Wednesday. The index rose 2,7% in August in special drawing right (SDR) terms, on top of a 2,4% increase the month before. The index reading of 121,4 topped the previous peak of 119,5 touched in September 2008 before the global financial crisis sent commodity prices reeling.

Perth-based Resolute Mining is anticipating significant cash generation over the next four years, as its flagship Syama gold mine, in Mali, accesses its main ore zone in the openpit in 12-months time. Resolute CEO Peter Sullivan said at the Africa Downunder conference that the enhanced Syama production would favourably change the cash costs of the company, substantially lift cash flows and be matched by major liability reductions by December next year.

Minister of Mineral Resources Susan Shabangu has found no irregularities in the granting of licences to Imperial Crown Trading and Keysha Investments.

Gold One's share price is being held back by production problems as well as the finalisation of a $65m debt facility, says CEO Neal Froneman.

Zimbabwe may soon surpass top diamond producers like Russia, Botswana and SA.

Expanding strikes at Rio Tinto and Exxaro have been delayed to enable the companies to raise pay offers.

Mine engineering firms are starting to scramble for skills in anticipation of a flow of new projects after a very difficult spell.

Eskom has expressed concern over the quality of coal from domestic suppliers, which might affect its operations and push up prices.

Diversified mining group African Rainbow Minerals is pursuing growth opportunities in the rest of Africa and says it has two Zambian copper mines in its sights.

Strikes at Exxaro and Richards Bay Minerals, owned by BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, may expand to the companies' operations nationwide.

The platinum group metal sector is a hive of activity, mostly with smaller players or new entrants jockeying for position amid strong near-term fundamentals for the metals.

Imperial Crown Trading used fraudulent methods, including forging Kumba's application, to get hold of the Sishen rights, according to court documents