MINING.COM Staff Writer

Rio Tinto is testing new techniques for underground drifting, mineral exploration and improved recovery of ore in its latest push to develop competitive advantage through its Mine of the FutureTMprogram.

A provincially-appointed expert panel is critical of environmental monitoring in the Canadian oilsands, according to a story today on CBC News: "Monitoring organizations suffer from inadequate funding, weak scientific direction and a general lack of resources to take on the enormous challenge of monitoring," the report states.

Dow Jones reports Argentina's Mendoza Province has lifted its suspension of the multibillion dollar Rio Colorado potash mine project being developed by Brazilian mining company Vale SA. Mendoza's Environmental Secretariat has allowed Vale to move forward with the mine after the company agreed to submit reports on its local hiring and procurement practices to the local authorities, the provincial government said in a statement.