Oniqua MRO Analytics (www.oniqua.com), the leading provider of analytics-based MRO solutions for asset-intensive organizations, today announced that Xstrata Copper has chosen Oniqua Analytics Solution (OAS) to optimize its MRO equipment maintenance and inventory management activities across its Tintaya mining operations in southern Peru.

China's net coal imports this year are expected to reach around 150 million tonnes less than last year's 164.83 million tonnes, state news agency Xinhua said on Friday, citing the country's coal association. The annual output is estimated to exceed 3.5 billion tonnes this year, compared with about 3.3 billion tonnes last year. Domestic demand will keep rising at a moderate pace amid steady economic growth, but uncertainty in the macro economy will decelerate demand growth, predicted Wang Zhanjun, an official with China National Coal Association. Meanwhile the state electricity authority said power cuts were likely this winter due to tight coal supplies and a fall in hydroelectric output. China relies on coal for the vast majority of its power-generating capacity.

The Institute for Energy Research issued a report on Friday listing the powerplants likely to be closed as a result of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations commonly known as the Utility MACT and the Cross State Air Pollution Rule.

The new Sudbury laboratory will join the ALS Minerals Falconbridge Road lab in expanding its service to the Sudbury and Eastern Canada exploration and mining community.

Gekko Systems is pleased to announce the signing of a collaborative agreement with Newcrest Mining Limited to undertake a three-year research and development program. The Gekko and Newcrest teams will target improvements in energy efficiency, reduced operating costs, increased recovery and faster project implementation time.

CDE have announced the appointment of a new country manager for Austria as the company seeks to expand its coverage throughout Europe. Stefan Hunger joins CDE bringing with him significant experience in the construction materials markets in Europe, North Africa and Latin America.

A Kamloops BC TV station reports workers at Teck Resources Highland Valley Copper mine have voted 99.5% in favour of striking if necessary to back wage and benefit demands. The 1,100 unionized workers voted Sunday, less than a week before their contract is due to expire. The Highland Valley Copper mine is the largest copper mine in Canada and one of the largest copper mining and concentrating operations in the world. Teck announced last week a $475 million upgrade of its 40-year-old Highland Valley mill to bring it in line with the mine's 2025 end of life, and a separate $210 million investment at a BC lead and zinc operation.

Reuters reports Russian potash miner Uralkali (URKAq.L) may launch a new 2.5 million tonne a year greenfield mine in 2018, which initial estimates show could cost $2.5 billion, the company's head of operations said on Thursday.

AngolaPress reports at least USD 9.0 million was invested in diamond prospecting the central Bié province by three private mining companies.

Optical Cable Corporation’s MSHA-certified tight-buffered breakout cable is designed to extend high speed communications deep underground, while withstanding thermal extremes, physical hazards, and even falling debris in mining operations.