The UK economy is said to have clawed its way out of its deepest recession since the 1930s, but are we out of the woods yet? Gary Price and Rachel Connolly talk to representatives from various technical communities about the difficult financial year that has passed and what may lie ahead.
Materials Congress 2010 – Materials for Extreme Environments and
Times is inviting papers until 31 March. To be held from 20-23
September in Kuala Lumpur, the technical programme will explore materials and processes that can meet industry and society demand.
A new publication on Good Practice Guidance on Health Impact Assessment (HIA) has been published by the International Council for Mining and Metals (ICMM)
The HIA is intended as a practical tool to assist companies in protecting the health and wellbeing of their workforce and local communities.
Published in December 2009, this special issue of Applied Earth Science is dedicated to advances in the understanding of chromitite deposits. The issue consists of papers specially commissioned by the guest editors, Sisir K. Mondal, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Iain McDonald, Cardiff University, UK, to review current research in this field.
Pilot trials are ongoing to remove iron and sulphate, using a bioprocess, from the acidic effluent that results from heap bioleaching metals from minerals. The work is being undertaken at the Talvivaara Mining Company’s nickel mine in Sotkamo, Finland. The technique is said to be more cost effective and environmentally friendly than current methods for iron removal.
The UK Specification for Ground
Investigation has recently been submitted to the Site Investigation Steering Group by the Association of
Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists in final draft form for
ratification by the various members of the SISG. Copies are available for review but must be requested by 15 January 2010.
Water-efficient technology has vast potential and the associated tax relief can help manufacturers boost their bottom line. Water specialist Claire Sweeney, at UK sustainable business programme Envirowise, reports
The UK Carbon Reduction Commitment kicks in from April 2010. Alessandra McConville, Environmental Programmes Leader at EEF, the manufacturer’s organisation, provides guidance on the process of compliance.
