Glencore Approaches Xstrata.

The article offers news briefs related to the developments in the mining industry. It mentions a possible merger between Xstrata Copper Chile SA and Glencore International PLC who are both headquartered in Switzerland and discusses the plan of Alcoa Inc. to close its worldwide smelting capacity and improve its production-cost position. It notes that Pan American Silver Corp. will acquire Minefinders by way of a plan of arrangement.