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The article discusses the importance of data management in improving the efficiency of mining companies in the U.S. It states that data is considered as the most significant asset of the mining companies because it can be used in multiple purposes. It adds that a good data management includes prescribed standards and secured central repository.

The article offers updates related to the developments in mining industry in the U.S. and Canada. Thompson Creek Metals Co. Inc. has made a definitive exploration, development, and mining operating agreement with the U.S. Energy Corp. concerning the Lucky Jack molybdenum property in Gunnison County, Colorado. Nord Resources Corp. has been given the air quality permit which is required to proceed with the construction at the Johnson Camp heap leach mine by the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. PolyMet Mining Corp. has created a strategic partnership with Glencore AG.

The article reports that 10 mine operators have been notified by the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for potential violations of the mandatory health and safety standards. MSHA deputy assistant secretary Dr. Gregory R. Wagner said in a press release that they hope that the notification will encourage the 10 mine operators to improve their safety and health programs. MSHA said that each mine will be monitored for compliance through inspection within 90 days.

The article discusses the implications of the decision of the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to issue an imminent danger order against a mine operator for its independent contractor's violations of the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 and MSHA regulations. It explains why the court cannot review the citations issued by MSHA to contractors for violations committed by their production operators.

The article reports on a bill that would impose royalties on mining companies that produce minerals such as gold, copper and uranium approved by the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee on October 23, 2007. The legislation would impose an eight percent royalty on new hard-rock mines based on gross proceeds. The bill would also simplify the application process for exploration permits and extend the term of mine permits to up to 20 years, as opposed to the original measure's 10 years.

The article focuses on the effect of Chinese mining firms on the development of mining industry in the U.S. as well as worldwide. It mentions the incident when Hu Zintao, Chinese President, visited Zambia for commissioning of 200 million U.S. dollar smelter and there were explosions in the plant. It states that coal consumption of China is much more than the world, gold imports is highest globally and forty percent of Copper is sourced in China itself inspite of having big mineral resources.

The article reports on career developments involving executives from various mining companies worldwide in 2006. Mike Salamon will retire from his position as executive president of BHP Billiton after the annual general meeting of the company in 2006. Michael Kiernan was selected as a new non-executive director of Precious Metals Australia. Charles W. Reed was appointed as the new vice president of exploration of Reese Corp. Ross Beaty was appointed as the new chairman of Northern Peru Copper Corp. He will also serve as a director of the firm.

Discusses the reasons of some people for rejecting the establishment of mining companies. Description of the labor of the workers in the early mining industries; Comments from Jimmey Crossan, former plant manager of Florida Rock's Brooksville Quarry near Tampa Florida, on the response of the community to quarry; Information on the plan of the Gerard Keating Co. of Geneva to turn a former chemical property into an asphalt plant and underground mining in Will County, Illinois.