Frik Els, Author at MINING.COM

China's astonishing rise in one simple chart

Red mettle: Has China cornered the copper market?

58% of the world’s refined copper is now stockpiled in China, an increase of 40% in just six months. Traders say the country may hold as much as three quarters of the “spare” stock that is actually available to the market.

Frik Els | May 1, 2012 | 10:37 pm

Allana’s optimistic Danakil Depression resource estimate lifts stock 9.8%

Allana Potash (TSX:AAA) surged 9.8% on Tuesday on higher than usual trading volumes, after upping the resource at its Danakhil project by 90%.

Frik Els | May 1, 2012 | 8:31 pm

Canadian crude falls to $50 below global price

Canadian Oil Sands divvies up 17% more as $23 syncrude discount evaporates

From a 7-year low against US benchmark crude only six weeks ago, syncrude on Monday moved into premium territory.

Frik Els | May 1, 2012 | 2:52 am

Dundee Precious Metals stock in mini meltdown after told to cut smelter feed

"We have spent over $40 million on the smelter in the two years we have owned it and are aware of the challenges that continue to exist there," Chief Executive Jonathan Goodman said in a statement.

Frik Els | April 30, 2012 | 9:06 pm

Gold down as India raises import tax to 10%

Imports likely down 30% as gold hits all-time rupee high

Indian gold imports are likely to plummet this year as a crashing currency and new taxes send domestic gold prices soaring.

Frik Els | April 30, 2012 | 6:36 pm

Iron ore is having a great December as Chinese stockpiles are slashed

Vale makes most bullish iron ore comments yet. $180 a tonne anyone?

“There is a new level of prices for iron ore globally,” Tito Martins, Vale CFO tells analysts in a conference call Friday.

Frik Els | April 28, 2012 | 12:27 am

Insiders light fire under Belo Sun, shares rocket 30%

Social responsibility in mining is basic risk management, not feel-good projects

Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives by mining companies operating in emerging markets in South America, Africa and Asia have become a crucial part of doing business as “above-ground risks are quickly gaining equal footing to traditional geological and engineering considerations for mining projects.”

Frik Els | April 27, 2012 | 10:55 pm