Trading Bougainville Copper (ADRs) 867948

wohl ausser Frage.Will Bougainville die Unabhängigkeit,wofür sie schliesslich jahrelang gekämpft haben,so gibt es keine Alternative zum Mining.Um die wirtschaftliche Unabhängigkeit bis 2011 zu erlangen ohne die eine politische unmöglich ist MUSS die Pangunamine wieder gestartet werden.Das ist inzwischen allen Involvierten Personen klar,wie es aus dem Interview auch zweifelsfrei hervorgeht. Auch dass der Meekamui Sprecher bei den ESBC anfragt wie man es anstellt Aktionär zu werden lässt darauf schliessen dass die das BOC Potential für sich erkannt haben.

Dass die Wiedereröffnung nicht von heute auf morgen stattfinden wird ist wohl allen Investierten klar.Peter Taylor,in seinem Statement binnen 3 Jahren wieder mit Exploration u. Mining auf B'ville zu beginnen legt den Schwerpunkt wohl eher auf Exploration.(Atamo)

Der Aktienkurs von BOC steht (wieder) ganz am Anfang einer fulminanten Entwicklung.Als Langfristinvestor sollte man sich von kurzfristigen Tagesschwankungen nicht irre machen lassen u.bei Rücksetzern konsequent aufstocken.Im Gegensatz zu vielen hochgepushten Explorern,von denen nur 5% irgendwann den Produktionsstatus erreichen u. bei denen das Börsenlisting vor allem dazu dient durch Promotion Shares zu vertickern,haben wir bei BOC nachgewiesene Reserven von 30 Mia/USD,über 100 Mio Cash,ein erfahrenes Management (ohne Aktienoptionen),eine über 18 Jahre erwiesene Profitabilität,7 zusätzliche Lizenzen u. mit Rio Tinto eine sehr starke Muttergesellschaft.

Wenn das alles erstmal von der breiten Oeffentlichkeit wahrgenommen wird,dürfte sich auch der BOC Aktienkurs dem fairen Wert der Reserven (ca.7 AUD)immer weiter annähern. ;-)))))

www.postcourier.com.pg/20080107/mohome.htm

Govt warns illegal miners

The shooting dead of an illegal miner at Porgera gold mine last week — which was avoidable— has re-ignited the Government to sound off another strong warning.
Deputy Prime Minister Dr Puka Temu, who made the initial warnings last year informing the people of the Enga-based mine to refrain from mining illegally, said the incident could not have happened “if the victim had adhered to warnings by the government”.
“This practice is not only illegal under PNG laws but risky and dangerous. I appeal to those conducting such practice to cease forthwith as your criminal activities are endangering your lives and those of PJV (Porgera Joint Venture) employees who work within the pit and is compromising the safety and lawful operations of the Porgera mine,” said Dr Temu. Police, who were last month sent under Government instructions to curtail the risky activities, shot a man after he and other illegal miners opened fire on police when police attempted to stop them. “The police are deployed there by the Government to stop this illegal and dangerous practice of trespassing and conducting mining on the company's Special Mining Lease area,” Dr Temu, also the Minister for Mining, Lands and Physical Planning, said.
“The minister late last year warned through an advertisement in the media that the Government would penalise illegal miners if caught,” a statement from Dr Temu's office further stated.

Fra letzter Kurs

ORG 0,77
ADR 0,763

Kursdifferenz zwischen den beiden Gattungen ist seit Ende Sep von 20% auf 1% zurückgegangen ;-)))))))))))))

Press Release 2008-01-07

www.resourceinvestor.com:80/pebble.asp?relid=39272

ESBC: BCL Shareholders in Bougainville Need a Voice

I a statement, published in Andorra on Monday 7th, the president of the European Shareholders of Bougainville Copper (ESBC), Mr. Axel G. Sturm, addressed himself to all shareholders of BCL who are resident in Bougainville. “The local shareholders need to unite and they must found an organisation like the ESBC. This organisation could speak with one voice for all the Bougainvillean owners of securities in BCL. The shareholders have to mobilize and to assume their role in the ongoing discussions on mining on the island. Besides the landowners, the local BCL shareholders are the most concerned group in mining matters”, said Mr. Sturm ,”It is not acceptable that the joint owners of the giant copper, gold and silver mine in Panguna are not heard neither by the ABG, nor by the PNG government and nor by the BCL management as well. As shareholders of BCL they are not only co-owners of the mining rights in Panguna but also owners of the rights of seven other leases on Bougainville. It is not correct by the ABG to make secret deals with companies from abroad without consulting their own citizens who invested in Bougainville Copper Limited. The members of the ESBC agree completely with the critics of the Chiefs of South- and Central Bougainville published last week-end.” The European Shareholders of BCL stand for resuming of mining in Bougainville under environmental caring conditions and for fairness in the allocation of future benefits. “A government has the right to fix the rules for mining only,” said Mr. Sturm, “but it has not the right to give away the property of others!”

Gold 873,25 +15.85 (+1,85%)
Silber 15,50 +0,37 (+2,45%)

ADR Kurs in Fra mit 0,74 € übrigens auf ORG AU Kurs 1,25 AUD ;-))))))

Kupferpreise steigen rapide an,Gold steigt ebenfalls stark an,jeder will sein Geld in Edelmetalle anlegen

BOC ist eine gute Alternative

die Tages-aktuelle Entwicklung der Rohstoffpreise spielt für den BCL-Kurs wohl eher eine untergeordnete Rolle,

im übrigen ist Kupfer kein Edelmetall,
und daraus einen Ausbruch auf 2 A$ abzuleiten, sehr gewagt,
der mag kommen, aber sicher nicht deshalb,

siehe Posting 729, es gibt etwas Stress auf Bougainville, so ganz einig sind  sich alle noch nicht,

wer sich gelegentlich in PNG News umsieht, wird es mitbekommen haben,

und noch einen Hinweis an den durchaus sehr geschätzten Nekro,
ein klarer und stabiler Trend zum Gleichschritt zwischen ADR´s oder ORG´s lässt sich nun wirklich nicht erkennen, heute so, morgen so,
lass´ die ADR´s doch ruhig immer ein paar (oder auch ein paar mehr) Cent hinterherhinken,
mit steigenden Kurse nähern sie sich dann prozentual eh´ an,
und damit war dann die Entscheidung in ADR´s zu investieren, auch richtig,

wünschen allen in BCL-Investierten ein erfolgreiches 2008

"siehe Posting 729, es gibt etwas Stress auf Bougainville, so ganz einig sind  sich alle noch nicht,"

Wenn sich alle einig wären stünde BOC auch nicht mehr bei 2 $ ;-)))))))))))))

Wer jedoch die Nachrichten en Detail verfolgt hat kann unschwer feststellen dass die Lage immer besser wird.Dass die Chiefs Kabui jetzt massiv angehen finde ich ausgesprochen gut.Auch haben die ESBC mit ihrer Press Release einen Schritt in die richtige Richtung getan.Dass D in der Unabhängigkeitsfrage strikte Neutralität bewahrt sollte die ESBC nicht kümmern.M.M.nach sollten die ESBC in einem Statement PNG auffordern die zugesagte übertragung der Shares in die Wege zu leiten.Eine B'ville interne Diskussion,ob die Shares ans ABG oder direkt auf alle B'viller direkt übertragen werden sollten,setzt wohl primär eine allgemeine Mining Akzeptanz voraus.Auch sollte jedem Bougainviller klarwerden, dass die hier aufgeführten Bedingungen zu erfüllen sind.;-))))www.usip.org/library/pa/bougainville/bougain_20010830.html

BID/ASK 1,26/1,34 AUD VOL 10K/23K

Der Käufer von 70K a 1,20 AUD,welcher die letzten Tage runtergedrueckt hat,muss auf die restlichen 40K wohl noch etwas warten ;-)))))))

www.postcourier.com.pg/20080109/wehome.htm

BPNG helping economy

The Bank of Papua New Guinea has liberalised the foreign exchange control regime as a catalyst to improving the country's investment climate.
While part of that change will see the reformation of the country's financial sector as well as the removal of impediments to establishing businesses, the move is set to trim some of the bank's powers.
Central bank Governor Wilson Kamit announced in his quarterly bulletin recently that all private capital account contracts between residents and non-residents as well as securities and guarantees in favour of non-residents had been liberalised.
“The liberalisation will be done through exemptions from the foreign exchange and gold regulations so that the controls can be re-introduced, if developments in the foreign exchange markets necessitate such an action,” Mr Kamit said.
The country's Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) is believed to have welcomed the bank's move to beef up investment in the country.
“The liberalisation meant that the authority of BPNG is no longer required for contractual and payment arrangements between residents and non- residents,” IPA announced to investors in its website this week. “As from 3 September 2007, BPNG liberalised the controls on capital account contracts. It means that authority of BPNG is no longer required by residents and non-residents to enter into capital account contracts for example a loan agreement and to perform contractual obligations.”
However, Mr Kamit pointed out that the bank would retain the licensing of foreign exchange dealers as well as gold exporters.
“The bank (central bank) will retain controls on opening of offshore foreign currency accounts, including kina accounts out of PNG; licensing of foreign exchange dealers, and removal of physical cash in excess of K20,000 or equivalent in foreign currency,” Mr Kamit said.

vielleicht interessant für Euch?

Harmony wants to grow in Papua New Guinea -- Graham Briggs, CEO

[miningmx.com] -- HARMONY GOLD intends growing its presence in the Papua New Guinea region where it has projects for which it is seeking a partner, CEO Graham Briggs said.

Harmony has the Hidden Valley project as well as the early stage Wafi/Golpu porphyry prospect in Papua New Guinea.

"The intent is that we want to grow in that region. We like that region geologically," Briggs said on the Moneyweb Power Hour week-nightly radio show.

Harmony does not have the money to bring Wafi/Golpu into a feasibility study let alone production. Briggs has estimated the feasibility study would cost $100m and a mine about $1bn.

Briggs has flagged the partnership process for some time and an announcement is expected this quarter.

"The partnership process is going ahead. At the moment we've aimed at retaining 50% of PNG. Now the 50% is also a bit of an enticement, because then we will discuss with the potential partners on control or operations of various assets, or the entire lot," Briggs said on radio.

          §  

www.thenational.com.pg/011008/Nation%2012.htm

K6m road incomplete

By AUGUSTINE KINNA
The general public in Bougainville is now calling on the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the Works Minister to explain why the contractor, North Bougainville Consortium, is very slow in completing the upgrading and sealing of the Hutjena to Lonahan Road.
The funding for the road upgrading and sealing was secured by the former North Bougainville member James Togel from the National Government.
The local road construction company won the contract for K6 million with the duration to complete the work in 12 weeks.
The general public is very concerned as work along the road is not progressing as expected.
Nathan Jones, who claimed to be speaking on behalf of the people, said the ABG must review its contract and find another company that was reliable and competent in getting the job done on time.
He said work progress on the road had been very slow because the contractors did not have the capacity and resources to do the job.
“We are now frustrated on how the contractor is carrying out work on the road because it is taking too long for the company to complete the job,” Mr Jones said.
He added that there needed to be a clear explanation from the Works Minister and the contractor on the progress of the road work.
Mr Jones also challenged the ABG Works Minister Patrick Nisira to be mindful of companies’ track records before awarding such contracts.
“There should be no excuses why the government was not aware of the awarding of the contract because the government is responsible to over see what is happening in all its administrative divisions,” Mr Jones said.
Mr Nisira said he was not aware of the contract and did not participate in any decision making pertaining to the contract.
He said due to the awarding of the contract by the Tenders Board, the Public Accounts Committee would investigate the Works and the Finance Division to find out if any malpractices were involved.

Momentan gibt es Bestrebungen ein Amtsenthebungsverfahren gegen K. einzuleiten.Einige Chiefs stören seine Mauscheleien mit Invincible etc.welche ohne Konsultationen der B'viller stattgefunden haben.So sollen sowohl K. als auch einige hochrangige Meekamuis unrechtmässige Beteiligungen erhalten haben.Als neuer PM ist Leo H.im Gespräch,welcher an dem in 89 ausgehandelten aber am Veto PNGs gescheiterten neuen BCA beteiligt war.
Leo war der erste,der im PNG Parlament auf die Uebertragung der BOC Shares ans ABG gedrängt hat.

Die Ausschaltung von K. u die Ernennung von Leo als B'ville PM würde natürlich einen Riesenschritt für BOC bedeuten ;-)))))))))))

Good news. Per 28.9.07 hat der Fonds "GR Dynamik OP" von der Oppenheim KAG seine Position in BOC immerhin um 298.189 Aktien auf 671.056 aufgestockt. Damit macht die Position innerhalb des Fonds 1,48% aus.
Quelle: Bloomberg

Hab mir French vom Vanguard Precious Metal Fund (laut SEC-File 2 Millionen Aktien) mal die Analyse von Swen Lorenz geschickt. French managed nebenbei auch den M&G Global Basics Fund - damit ist er Herr über ein Anlagevermögen von rund 9 Mrd. US-Dollar.

Leider bisher kein Feedback, aber er könnte seine Position wesentlich ausbauen, ohne den Promillebereich zu überschreiten.

nice Weekend
gulliver

www.arte.tv/de/woche/...Num=817491,day=3,week=3,year=2008.html

PROGRAMM INFO  
Montag, 14. Januar 2008 um 05.00 Uhr
VPS : 05.00
Wiederholungen :
Keine Wiederholungen  
   

Tropenfieber
(Deutschland, 2003, 43mn)
ZDF
Regie: Freddie Röckenhaus, Petra Höfer

 
Die Entdeckung Tahitis rettete im Jahr 1768 dem Franzosen Louis-Antoine de Bougainville und seiner Mannschaft, die sich auf einer Weltumseglung befanden, das Leben. Für die entkräfteten Männer war die Insel das wiederentdeckte Paradies. Auf ihrer Weiterreise entdeckten sie unter anderem eine kleine Insel, die heute den Namen Bougainville trägt. Hier herrschte bis vor kurzem ein zehn Jahre währender Bürgerkrieg. Die gegenwärtige Regierung versucht jetzt, die Insel in einen paradiesischen Zustand zurückzuversetzen, um den Tourismus zu fördern.


Als Louis-Antoine de Bougainville 1766 vom französischen Nantes mit einem Expeditionsschiff aufbrach, hatte er den festen Vorsatz, als einer der ersten Menschen die Welt zu umsegeln. Seine Entdeckung Tahitis am 5. April 1768 war die Rettung vor dem sicheren Tod und für Bougainville ein Wendepunkt in seinem Denken. Tahiti war für ihn und seine ausgehungerten Männer das Paradies auf Erden. Das Schlaraffenland und die sexuelle Freizügigkeit im immerwährenden Sommer der Südsee verdrehten ihnen den Kopf. Erst als der Häuptling der Tahitianer den Gästen verständlich machte, dass seine Gastfreundschaft nicht auf Dauer gelte, kehrte Bougainville zu europäischem Pflichtbewusstsein zurück. Die Weiterreise durch unbekannte Atolle, Riffe und Untiefen brachte Bougainville und seine Mannschaft erneut in höchste Gefahren. Stündlich mussten sie auf den unberechenbaren Korallenriffs mit dem Leckschlagen ihres Schiffes rechnen. Am Great Barrier Reef drehte Bougainville entnervt nach Norden ab und verpasste so die Chance als Entdecker Australiens in die Geschichte einzugehen.
Im Jahr 2003 verdient der Franzose Teva Sylvain, geboren in Papeete, Tahitis geschäftiger Hauptstadt, sein Geld mit Fotos von halbnackten Insulanerinnen vor Postkarten-Kulisse. Seit die französischen Truppen aus Polynesien weitgehend abgezogen sind, gehen die Geschäfte mit den harmlosen Fotos nicht mehr so gut, aber das Leben im Paradies ist Sylvain geblieben. Auf der Insel Bougainville, die nach ihrem Entdecker benannt ist und zu Papua-Neuguinea gehört, herrschte dagegen mehr als zehn Jahre Bürgerkrieg. Der Streit um die gigantische Gold- und Kupfermine Panguna hat die Zentralregierung, einheimische Landbesitzer, Tagelöhner und ausländische Minen-Betreiber in eine blutige Auseinandersetzung getrieben, bei der mindestens 10.000 Menschen getötet wurden - zehn Prozent der Inselbevölkerung. Viele Tausende mussten fliehen. So auch Surei Stevenson. Die Kamera begleitet sie bei ihrer Rückkehr in die einstige deutsche Kolonie Bougainville, die nach 15 Jahren des wirtschaftlichen Stillstands fast überall in einen paradiesischen Zustand zurück versetzt scheint.

www.thenational.com.pg/011408/Nation%2014.htm

Tax collector to provide returns owed by BCL

By JOSHUA ARLO
The Commissioner General of Internal Revenue and chief tax collector has been ordered to provide certain documentation to Bougainville Copper Ltd (BCL) showing the outstanding tax returns owed by the latter.
This was the subsequent outcome of a decision made by the vacation National Court judge Justice Derek Hartshorn last Thursday in a case to an appeal before him by BCL.
Justice Hartshorn addressed two motions that were before him – one by BCL and the other by the commissioner when making his decision.
The case stems from when BCL was assessed to pay tax under the Income Tax Act.
BCL objected to the assessment to the commissioner but the commissioner allowed the objection in part.
BCL appealed to the National Court against the commissioner’s decision and sought orders for the Commissioner to provide to it certain documentation.
The commissioner opposed that motion and also applied to have certain grounds in BCL’s notice of appeal struck out.
The court said that for determination of BCL’s motion, that it was necessary to consider the following:
l Nature of an appeal to the National Court from a decision of the commissioner on an objection to an assessment; and
l Process for putting material before this court on such an appeal.
The appeal by Bougainville Copper Ltd commenced under section 247 (b) Income Tax Act.
Section 247 refers to a written notice pursuant to section 246 Income Tax Act of the Commissioner of his decision to disallow or partially allow an objection by a taxpayer.
It has been in force in its current form since Jan 1, 2000.
According to the National Court Rules Order 18 Division 2, which deals with taxation appeals, Order 18 rules 15 and 16 allow for appeals from disallowance of objection and documents and documents to accompany a notice of objection.
However, the commissioner contends that the effect of the amendment to section 247 of Income Tax Act was that the National Court Rules Order 18 Division 2 are irrelevant and inapplicable to the current appeal as they were not amended at the time when section 247 was amended, that no longer was the chief tax collector requested by a taxpayer to treat his objections as an appeal and that was now clear that the taxpayer must institute any proceedings by filing a Notice of Appeal.
The court said in its findings that consideration of the tax collector at the conclusion of submission of BCL’s motion that counsel should agree on documents.
The court was not satisfied that this ground of appeal by BCL was not a frivolous or vexatious or an abuse of process of the court for it to be struck out.
Justice Hartshorn however refused to grant orders sought by the commissioner in its motion date March 1, 2007, and awarded costs to BCL.

eine VK Order a 1,20 ins ASK ;-))))))))))))))))))))

Was da wohl der Grund ist ;-)

BOC - Bougainville Copper Limited  
Trade Date Time  Quantity  Price  
14  Jan  2008     10:44:24 AM  310           1.230          
14  Jan  2008     10:44:24 AM  100           1.225          
14  Jan  2008     10:39:45 AM  300           1.210          
14  Jan  2008     10:00:01 AM  7,300           1.210          
14  Jan  2008     10:00:01 AM  1,400           1.210          
14  Jan  2008     10:00:01 AM  600           1.210          
14  Jan  2008     10:00:01 AM  1,000           1.210          
14  Jan  2008     10:00:01 AM  2,000           1.210          
14  Jan  2008     10:00:01 AM  15,000           1.210          
14  Jan  2008     10:00:01 AM  10,000           1.210

de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhenium#Gewinnung_und_Darstellung

Rhenium ist ein chemisches Element mit dem Symbol Re und der Ordnungszahl 75. Im Periodensystem der Elemente steht es in der 7. Gruppe oder Mangangruppe. Es ist ein seltenes, silberweiß glänzendes, schweres Übergangsmetall. Legierungen mit Rheniumanteilen finden Verwendung in Flugzeugtriebwerken, beim Herstellen von bleifreiem Benzin und in Thermoelementen.

1928 konnten Noddack und Tacke erstmals ein Gramm Rhenium aus 660 Kilogramm Molybdänerz extrahieren.[5] Wegen der hohen Kosten begann die Herstellung nennenswerter Mengen erst ab 1950, als ein größerer Bedarf für neuentwickelte Wolfram-Rhenium- und Molybdän-Rhenium-Legierungen bestand.

www.portergeo.com.au/experience.asp

T M (Mike) PORTER
Over 38 years in the industry, including 27 as a geologist with one of the world's leading mineral exploration companies, CRA Exploration Pty Limited (merged with RTZ in 1996 to become Rio Tinto), culminating in the position of Chief Geologist for 10 years.Experience over much of that period in both direct field exploration and in project management.The establishment and maintenance over a six year period of a major world class exploration information & database system for CRA Exploration.

In seiner Database befinden sich 3 Werke zur Pangunamine,allerdings sind alle 3 ausverkauft,da zur Zeit eine Riesennachfrage besteht,nach allem was sich mit B'ville befasst!!! Die einzige Ordermöglichkeit besteht darin sich die Seiten als Kopie zufaxen zu lassen.

Baumer A, Fraser R B  1975 - Panguna porphyry copper deposit, Bougainville: in Knight C L, (Ed.), 1975 Economic Geology of Australia & Papua New Guinea The AusIMM, Melbourne   Mono 5 pp 855-866

Clark G H  1990 - Panguna Copper-Gold deposit: in Hughes F E (Ed.), 1990 Geology of the Mineral Deposits of Australia & Papua New Guinea The AusIMM, Melbourne   Mono 14, v2 pp 1807-1816

Eastoe C J, Eadington P J  1986 - High-temperature fluid inclusions and the role of the biotite granodiorite in mineralization at the Panguna Porphyry Copper deposit, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea: in    Econ. Geol.   v81 pp 478-483

Für Nicht Geologen gibt es darin 3 interessante Passagen ;-)))))))))

..at present molybdenit is not being separated from the copper concentrate but its rhenium content may make a separation economical in the future.

....veins of lead & zinc mineralisation....has now been mapped in the Panguna andesite.

...usually copper and gold grades are slightly underestimated.

Mike studiert jetzt Swen's u Steve's Analysen ;-))))))))))))))))

www.mineweb.net/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/...oid=23676&sn=Detail

Demand for rhenium at breaking point

Demand for rhenium is growing fast as environmentally friendly aeroplanes become more popular. Some traders believe the rhenium price will reach $10,000 per kg in the coming months as the global deficit worsens.

Author: Pratima Desai
Posted:  Thursday , 19 Jul 2007

LONDON (Reuters Life!)  -  

Very few people have even heard of rhenium, but the rare metal with an ultra-high melting point is becoming a vital part of the aerospace industry and one of the most expensive commodities in the world.

Rising demand for faster and more environmentally friendly aeroplanes has meant demand for rhenium, which helps engines reach higher temperatures and consume less fuel, is rapidly outstripping supply and producing a global deficit.

This deficit is very unlikely to be reversed and rhenium prices, which have surged 700 percent to around $8,000 per kg in just 18 months, will stay sky high.

"In aero engines, rhenium is only a tiny constituent, but it is an essential one," said Anthony Lipmann owner of trading company Lipmann Walton.

"If you can raise the temperature it means you burn fuel more efficiently, save money and reduce the emissions in the atmosphere."

The metal -- discovered more than 80 years ago -- has been a boon to those seeking to reduce carbon emissions from energy use and demand has jumped.

Prices started to climb in 2005 when the deficit started to grow as demand from aero engine makers accelerated.

Some traders think prices will hit $10,000 a kg in the coming months.

SUPERALLOYS

Rhenium came to attention as early as the 1980s when engine makers discovered that nickel-base alloys containing 3 to 6 percent rhenium were able to withstand more heat and so they designed aero engine to improve performance.

Major users include aero engine makers such as UK's Rolls Royce and U.S.-based General Electric and Pratt Whitney, a division of United Technologies.

Rapid expansion in the airline industry and higher spending on military aircraft in the United States could widen the deficit and fuel further price rises over coming years.

The civil aircraft sector expects orders for more than 20,000 aeroplanes over the next 20 years, while the U.S. Joint Strike Fighter project is expected to involve more than 3,000 aircraft.

Rhenium has the second highest melting point -- 3,186 degrees Celsius -- of any metal after tungsten, allowing alloys to endure temperatures of up to 1,500 Celsius.

The metal's use in aeroplane engines and land based power turbines has grown along with the need to cut carbon emissions and cut costs as jet fuel prices have surged by around 300 percent since early 2002 to around $730 a tonne.

"Nickel-base superalloys for the aerospace and industrial gas turbine are the largest market for rhenium metal, accounting for about 60 percent of world demand for the metal," said Steven Munnoch, managing director at recycler and refiner Avon Metals.

Demand for rhenium last year was estimated at between 60 and 69 tonnes against supplies of between 58 and 64 tonnes. Supplies included 15 tonnes of stockpile from one of the world's top producers, Kazakhstan.

SILVERY WHITE

"Supply of rhenium is very much limited and I would expect there to continue to be a supply deficit as it will be difficult to significantly increase production," said Niel Cahill, deputy head of sales and logistics at copper miner Kazakhmys.

The deficit last year on the surface looks quite low at around five tonnes, but it was probably larger as the Kazakhstan stockpile was sold to a merchant in the United States, who appears to have rationed sales, traders said.

If that stockpile no longer exists then the deficit this year will be at least 20 tonnes, possibly more.

Rhenium is not mined for itself, but is normally recovered as a byproduct of molybdenum sulphide concentrate after it has been separated from copper. Most is sold on long-term contracts.

The largest producer is Chile, which is also the world's largest copper producer. Other producers include the United States, China, Russia, Poland, Armenia and Uzbekistan.

The silvery white metal is also used in refinery catalysts to make lead free gasoline.

This application in the early 1980s helped push prices to above $3,300 a kg, but prices slipped as Russia sold off its stock of the metal.

"Rhenium's use as a catalyst is as important now as it was in the 1970s," Lipmann said.

New demand for rhenium is likely to come from technology that converts gas to liquid. Analysts say billions of cubic feet of gas in Africa, Russia, Asia and the Middle East are lost annually because there is no economic way to transport it.

www.taxfreegold.co.uk/rheniumpricesusdollars.html

Spot Rhenium Price in US Dollars $ Per Troy Ounce

BID/ASK 9.575/9.875

www.postcourier.com.pg/20080115/tuhome.htm

MRA has greater role to play

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) was established through the enactment of the Mineral Resources Authority Act 2005 by Parliament. The Act came into effect on January 1 pursuant to the Gazettal Notice No. G16 of 2006.
This resulted from a proposal to establish the authority sometime back in 1998 and subsequent consultations between relevant stakeholders such as the Department of Treasury, Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (NEC), Department of National Planning and Rural Development, Department of Personnel Management, Internal Revenue Commission and the Department of Justice and Attorney General.
The stakeholders discussed among other things, the composition of the board, the structure and reporting requirements, the legal aspects and the financing model for the authority. Also addressed was the need to separate the regulatory functions from the policy functions of the authority which in turn gave birth to the Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazard Management (DMPGM).
The outcomes of these consultations were submitted to the Central Agencies Co-ordinating Committee (CACC) for their deliberations before being passed on to the NEC for its endorsement. It was then tabled in Parliament for debate and subsequently passed as an Act of Parliament.
The proposal to establish MRA came about primarily due to inadequate government funding and staffing of the then Department of Mining (DoM), which seriously impacted on the ability of the department to effectively perform its duties.
The department’s annual budget in the last decade on average was K6 million which was inadequate.
As a result, the DoM did not have the institutional capacity to effectively manage the next phase of mining developments in the country.
As evidenced by the situations in Ok Tedi and Porgera, the department’s internal capability to undertake necessary technical assessments of mining operations was limited.
The department was experiencing critical shortages of qualified staff members, and relied on costly consultants from abroad to do basic assessments that should have been done by local experts – a waste of funds.
Technical and co-ordination staff involved in managing the mining industry in the department, sunk to one third of its designed strength, with only 15 out of 45 people that were required.
Given the freeze on recruitment by the Government at that time, there was no prospect of recruiting replacement staff members.
The set up of the MRA was therefore seen as strategic and crucial in better managing, developing and sustaining the mining sector.
The key issue that was considered when establishing the MRA was the availability of sufficient resources to ensure efficient and effective management of the mineral sector.
It was envisaged the MRA would have adequate funding and manpower to ensure smooth implementation of its functions.
Unlike the DoM, the MRA Act provides for principal funding to be derived from a production levy on assessable income from the operating mines at a maximum rate of 0.5%. Currently the levy is being imposed at 0.25 per cent. With total revenues from all mining operations valued at K7.2 billion in 2006, MRA received K18 million for operations in that year.
The industry, for the sake of a more efficient service from the state, is supportive of this arrangement so that the industry is well managed and government issues well addressed.
The MRA was officially launched on October 26 last year in Port Moresby.
A key highlight of the launching of the authority was the introduction of the five-year (2008-2013) corporate plan.
Vice Minister for Mining Ano Pala received and launched the 28-page plan which forms the roadmap for the authority for the next five years.
The MRA managing director Kepas Wali said that the plan was a living document subject to reviews and fine-tuning and that it would guide the progress of the authority to accomplish its vision and mission.
The MRA’s vision is to improve the lives of all Papua New Guineans through the responsible management of the nation’s mineral resources.
The authority’s mission is to effectively promote a healthy and sustainable mineral industry and provide a regulatory environment which maximises mining opportunities, to ensure optimum benefits for the people of PNG.
Mr Wali said the plan would adopt a development framework that would regulate and drive the industry.
This is to realise the national development objectives captured within the National Government’s Medium Term Development Strategy and in particular the export driven strategy.
The authority’s corporate plan is supported by the following seven strategic focus areas –
* To maintain an effective board that demonstrates exceptional performance and credible ethical standards together with its assigned duties and responsibilities;
* To maintain the highest calibre of staff as possible;
* Consistently provide a high standard of regulatory service in a timely manner;
* To ensure adequate resources for the long term operations of MRA into the future through the regular budgetary process;
* Ensure the ongoing availability of good quality, reliable and up to date geo-scientific information that is easily accessible;
* To contribute to the formulation of sound mineral policy; and
* Building partnerships across the public service.
In order for the authority to achieve these seven strategic focus areas, the MRA operational divisions have aligned their functions to ensure that their respective goals and objectives contribute towards the attainment of the strategic focus areas.
The functions of the authority are to:
* Advise the Minister on matters relating to mining and the management, exploitation and development of mineral resources.
* Promote the orderly exploration for and the development of the minerals in a sustainable manner.
* Oversee the administration and enforcement of the Mining Act 1992, The Mining (Safety) Act (Chapter 195A), the Mining Development Act (Chapter 197), the Ok Tedi Acts and the Ok Tedi Agreement, the Mining (Bougainville Copper Agreement) Act (Chapter 196) and the agreements that are scheduled to that Act and any other legislations relating to mining.
* Negotiate mining development contracts on behalf of the state.
* Act as agent for the state in anything relating to mining.
* Receive and collect fees, levy, rent security, deposit, compensation, royalty, cost, penalty or other money payable to the MRA.
* Received or collect any security lodged on the grant of a tenement and to hold such security to ensure compliance of the obligations under the tenements.
* To administer any public investment program relating to mining.
* Conduct systematic geo-scientific investigations into the distribution and characteristics of minerals in PNG.
* Provide small scale mining hydro-geological survey data services and occupational health and safety community awareness.
* Collect, analyse, store, archive, disseminate and publish geo-scientific information about PNG’s mineral and geological resources.
* Carry out such functions vested in the MRA under the MRA Act or such other legislations.
* Generally to do such supplemental, incidental or consequential acts or things necessary or convenient to carry out its functions.
Since the MRA became fully operational in June last year, there has been an upsurge of positive developments which have been happening in a more coordinated and timely manner.
To date, 73 exploration licences (ELs) have been cleared and issued since last June, compared to only eight in 2006 from the 132 applications received in that year.
The MRA in its initial six months (June-Dec 2007) of operations has exceeded the Government’s expectations by delivering on all aspects of regulating the mining industry.
This year the authority is focused on building up on the gains and achievements of the last six months to ensure that the industry is well served and also to promote PNG as a preferred destination for exploration prospects and mine development.

In dem fulminanten Start der Industriemetalle zum Jahresauftakt sehen Analysten ein Anzeichen dafür, dass die Abschwächung der US-Konjunktur bereits voll in den Preisen des Sektors enthalten ist. Im vierten Quartal schwächte sich der LMEX-Preisindex der Londoner Metallbörse, LME, um immerhin 20 Prozent ab. Auch der globale Wirtschaftsausblick der Weltbank beflügelte die Anleger. Danach soll das stürmische Wirtschaftswachstum Chinas, Indiens und Rest-Asiens von einer Rezession in den USA kaum beeinträchtigt werden.

Doch der Blick der Analysten geht nicht nur nach Asien. Der fast zehnprozentige Anstieg der Metallpreise liege auch in steigender Gewichtung der Industriemetalle in zahlreichen Indexfonds begründet, meinen die Experten. So soll etwa ihr Anteil im Dow Jones-AIG Commodity Index 2008 um 1,5 Prozentpunkte auf 20 Prozent zunehmen. Zink, Nickel und Aluminium werden davon stärker profitieren als Kupfer, glaubt Robin Bhar von UBS in London.

Über die nächsten Wochen könnten Schätzungen zufolge neue Anlagemittel in Höhe von 3,5 Mrd. Dollar in die Rohstoffmärkte fließen. Auch die LME vermerkt ein wachsendes Anlegerinteresse an ihren Produkten. Dies zeige sich in dem siebenprozentigen Anstieg des Volumens der an ihr gehandelten Termin- und Optionskontrakte 2007. Die Umsätze stiegen damit bereits für das dritte Jahr in Folge; bei Aluminium war das spekulative Interesse am größten.

Eugen Weinberg von der Commerzbank fürchtet indes, dass es sich bei den Gewichtungsgewinnen des Sektors nur "um ein eher kurzfristiges Phänomen handeln könnte". "Wenn der Januareffekt erst einmal abgeklungen ist, könnten die Preise wieder sinken", meint auch UBS-Experte Bhar. Einhellig warnen die Experten, dass die Stabilisierung der Aufschläge für physische Ware (physical premiums) auf niedrigem Niveau eine neue Preisschwäche andeuten könnte. Zink und Nickel schienen, gemessen an ihren Aufschlägen, "fairer" bewertet als die übrigen Metalle.

Kevin Norrish von Barclays Capital hält dagegen: Die Zahl der "cancelled warrants" für Kupfer, das sind Benachrichtigungen über einen baldigen Abzug von Beständen, sei in den letzten Tagen in den LME-Lagerhäusern deutlich auf 7,8 Prozent der gehaltenen Bestände gestiegen. Dies sei der höchste Stand seit September 2006 und lasse auf eine baldige Verringerungen dieser Vorräte schließen. An der Metallbörse in Schanghai fallen die Bestände schon seit Monaten.

Die Analysten von Goldman Sachs rechnen für den Jahresverlauf 2008 sogar mit einem Anstieg des Kupferpreises auf über 9 000 Dollar je Tonne. Das würde einem Anstieg von über 25 Prozent gegenüber dem aktuellen Niveau entsprechen. Den höchsten Stand hatte das Industriemetall 2007 mit rund 8 300 Dollar erreicht.



----Bei der Meinung sollten wir mal die Analysten von Goldman Sachs auf die Bougies aufmerksam machen.....vielleicht findet sich ja ein Rentier, der Zeit dafür hat....  

... für die vielfältigen Informationen bezüglich der Rostoffpreise,

dürfte doch jedem klar sein, dass diese für BCL aktuell keine größere Bedeutung haben,

das - schon - alleine Panguna rentabel laufen kann, ist wohl nicht abhängig von aktuellen Rohstoffpreisschwankungen,

entscheidend wird doch sein, ob es auf Bougainville zu einer einheitlichen Meinung bezüglich des Minings kommt,

dann wird es auch, wie immer auch, eine Lösung geben,

aber,
das ist sicher keine homogene Gesellschaft, nach unseren Vorstellungen,
ich will das nicht kritisieren,

nur, ich denke, wir sollten das auch nicht ignorieren, nur weil wir ein paar Aktien dort haben,

sorry, aber das ist meine Meinung, andere sind aber gerne gesehen

www.thenational.com.pg/011708/Nation%2017.htm

Lone Fijian still in Tonu

ANOTHER Fijian, who is believed to be one of the four Fijians arrested by Buka police, is believed to be in Tonu with Noah Musingku and involved in training an illegal army of U-Vistract,” Bougainville assistant commander of police Peter Nesatt said.
“We are still trying to establish contact with Mr Musingku to negotiate the release of the remaining Fijian.”
He said the police were allowing the traditional leadership in the area to take the lead in the negotiations.
Mr Nesatt also appealed to the people in South Bougainville to help police and chiefs to resolve the matter peacefully.
However, the four Fijians are still in police custody in Buka, awaiting trial for allegedly overstaying their visas by two years and breaching other laws.
Mr Nesatt said no date had been fixed for them to appear before the National Court.
He said the case was taking too long.
“It should be fast-tracked so that the Fijians can return home,” he told The National yesterday.
He said the Buka cell was also overcrowded with detainees awaiting trial.
Mr Nessat said the Fijians were well and cooperating with the police and community.
“They have been conducting outreach programmes in many communities, seeking forgiveness from the people of Bougainville for what they had done in the region.
“They are allowed to move freely in Buka town and have not caused any disturbance,” he said.