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First major contract award to take Venetia diamond mine underground

Murray & Roberts Cementation has secured a R2.6 billion (ca US$ 250 million) award at De Beers’ Venetia underground mine project. This award is the first of a series of potential awards to Murray & Roberts Cementation by De Beers to build its multi-billion rand underground mine beneath the operating open pit diamond mine. mine

The Venetia deposit consists of 12 kimberlite pipes. Currently De Beers is mining two of the largest in a single, open pit operation.

The planned investment to convert the open pit into an underground mine is expected to cost some US $2 billion. Open pit operations would continue to 2021 and the conversion to underground mining is expected to extend the life of the mine by 25 years to 2046.

Henry Laas, Group Chief Executive, Murray & Roberts comments “This award by De Beers secures Murray & Roberts Cementation’s first major award at Venetia. The planned total investment by De Beers at Venetia potentially represents the single largest opportunity to Murray & Roberts since the Eskom power build programme.”

mine

The scope of works comprises the building of an entire underground mine, which includes the sinking, equipping and commissioning of a decline shaft and two vertical shafts, horizontal tunnel development to provide access to and the establishment of loading levels, as well as associated ventilation, ground and water handling infrastructure.

Laas continues “This is a flagship project for Murray & Roberts and our local project team has been complimented with project management and operational capacity from our Cementation mining companies in Australia and Canada, demonstrating the breadth of capability and experience available in our Group. The more advanced Canadian shaft sinking methodology will be utilised for sinking the vertical shafts and Cementation Canada, who is recognised as leaders in applying this methodology, will be providing specialist training of the shaft sinking crews.”

mine

Venetia is currently an open pit mine and South Africa’s largest producer of diamonds, contributing 40% of the country’s annual production. The mine is in Limpopo Province in the northeast corner of South Africa.

“The Canadian shaft-sinking model is designed for all activities in the shaft-sinking production cycle to be undertaken in-line. Although good sinking rates are possible with this methodology, the primary drive in the transition to this methodology is improved safety, as no concurrent shaft sinking activities are required,” concludes Laas

Midway Gold closes Pan Gold project financing

Colorado-based Midway Gold announced Monday that it has closed a US$55 million project finance facility with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

The loan facility will be used to fund continued development of Midway’s Pan Gold Mine now under construction in western White Pine County, Nevada. Pan’s first gold pour is expected in the fourth quarter of this year.

Midway Gold closes Pan Gold project financing

Gold will be mined from two separate pits at an average annual production of 81,000 gold ounces at an average cash cost of $584 per ounce and a fully loaded cost of $824/oz.

The operation is expected to have a mine life of nine years with proven and probable reserves of 864,000 gold ounces and 1.13 million measured and indicated ounces.

The loan facility is comprised of two tranches including a project finance facility of US$45 million, plus a cost overrun facility of US$10 million. The facility is secured by all of assets of the Pan project. It also includes an 11% life of mine production hedging program.

Midway Gold closes Pan Gold project financing

Project capex for the open pit, heap leach operation is estimated at $99 million.

The operation will use Ledcor Group as a contract miner.

Midway’s operation is permitted for twice the current size of the Pan mine. Its sister gold project Gold Rock is located eight kilometers away from Pan. Production at Gold Rock is targeted to begin in 2017.

The company is also involved in the Spring Valley Joint Venture with Barrick Gold, which has a 70% interest in the JV. Barrick will fund everything to production.

Hundreds Reopen Road in Beit Dajan

The main road to the village of Beit Dajan, south-east of Nablus, has been blocked for the past ten years. At its edge stands a metal gate, bound by a heavy chain that keeps it locked and immoveable. As if to emphasize the fate of this road, a large razor wire barricade stands halfway between the gate and the village. Beyond the shut gate stretches a well-kept road – Route 557 – that begins at the notorious Huwarrah checkpoint at the entrance to Nablus, and ends at entrance gate to the Jewish-only settlement of Elon Moreh. Route 557 is what in Israeli army-speak is called a “sterile road”, meaning Palestinians are not allowed on it. Road in Beit Dajan

Marking the beginning of a campaign to open the village’s main artery to Nablus, hundreds gathered outside the mosque following the Friday midday prayer. The protesters, about three hundred in number, made their way to the razor wire barricade laid halfway through the road, and removed it. From there they marched towards the metal gate waving flags, carrying banners and chanting slogans against the settlements, the theft of their land and water, and demanding the opening of the road.

Road in Beit Dajan

As the protesters neared the gate, soldier immediately came out of the one military jeep that was waiting there, and began immediately throwing tears-gas grenades, demanding that the protesters retreat 200 meters away from the road. One soldier fired several tear-gas projectiles on the ground, dangerously close to protesters who were posing no risk to him. Showers of tear-gas continued for approximately 40 minutes, but due to favorable winds, were not able to break the demonstration. Protesters continued to chant slogans, and occasionally return a smoking tear-gas grenade to its rightful owners.

Funjet Vacations

Funjet vacations has been planning vacation trips since opening in 1974 (Funjet.com). With a corporate headquarters based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and site offices all around the world, Funjet has quickly become the travel agent to call when you want to experience the trip of a lifetime.

All-Inclusive Vacation Packages

Looking for a headache-free vacation? Consider one of Funjet’s all-inclusive destinations. Cost of this vacation includes all your beverages and meals, daily activities, entertainment, tips and gratuities as well as room service at the resort or hotel. These offerings, together with airfare, airport fees and hotel fees make an all-inclusive vacation trouble free. Choose from any number of destinations, including Antigua, Jamaica, Aruba and Punta Cana.

Funjet Vacations

Family Vacations That Are Fun for All

Looking for a vacation destination but worried about your budget? Funjet can help with one of their Family Friendly trips. Tell them your financial restrictions and let them find the package that will best provide the fun and excitement you want for this special time with your family. They have hotels that are kid-friendly, providing supervised activities as well as babysitting services, menus that will please the most picky eater and even hotels that have adult-only sections so you can relax while the kids are playing, all in keeping with your budget. Destinations like the Bahamas, Cancun and Aruba as well as San Diego, Tampa and St. Petersburg are ready for you to experience.

Funjet Vacations

Plan the Perfect Romantic Getaway

Consider consulting with Funjet Vacations when planning a honeymoon or romantic retreat. Let them help you create the perfect mood to strike sparks with adult-only hotels, candlelight dinners and spa treatments. Help with planning a destination wedding is also at the tip of your fingers with their wide range of services. Inspirational places such as the beaches of Cozumel or the Champs-Elysees and Tuileries Gardens in Paris will make your special someone’s heart beat faster.

Best Snow Skiing Resorts for Beginners

Many of the best ski resorts for beginners are located in the western United States. Resorts in the Rocky Mountain region feature long, gentle slopes that are perfect for beginners. In addition, these ski resorts offer a number of lessons, regardless of your age or proficiency level. You can choose to take group lessons with other beginners or partake in a one-on-one private lesson with a ski instructor. ski equipment

Buttermilk Mountain

Buttermilk Mountain, part of the Snowmass/Aspen complex, is located 200 miles west of Denver. This beginner-friendly resort features long, wide trails. 35 percent of the runs are designated for beginners and there are no advanced runs at this resort.

Buttermilk Ski Resort: http://www.aspensnowmass.com/buttermilk/default.cfm

Deer Valley

Deer Valley Resort is located 36 miles from Salt Lake City. This resort features a separate area specifically for beginners called “Wide West.”

Deer Valley Resort: http://www.deervalley.com/about.html

Breckenridge

Although known for its intermediate and advanced trails, Breckenridge is also an excellent destination for beginning skiers. Most beginner trails are located on Peak 8, although there are a few beginner trails located on Peak 9 as well. With nearly half of its trails designated as easy or intermediate, Breckenridge is a great place to try advancing from beginner to intermediate skier status.

Breckenridge: http://breckenridge.snow.com/home/

ski equipment

Crested Butte

Crested Butte, located 230 miles southwest of Denver, is known as a place that has managed to retain a low-key mountain ski-town vibe. At Crested Butte, 23 percent of the runs are designated for beginners.

Crested Butte: http://www.skicb.com/cbmr/index.aspx?season=winter

Steamboat

Steamboat is located 155 miles northwest of Denver. Steamboat, known as a family-friendly resort, has 165 trails; 14 percent of the trails are marked for beginners.

Steamboat: http://www.steamboat.com/

ski equipment

Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain is located 75 miles west of Denver. The western slope of Copper is beginner-friendly with a number of long, wide trails. Of the 126 marked trails at Copper, 21 percent are for beginner skiers.

Copper Mountain: http://www.coppercolorado.com/index.htm

Northstar-at-Tahoe

Northstar-at-Tahoe is located 36 miles from Reno in Truckee, California. Although only 13 percent of the runs at Northstar-at-Tahoe are designated as beginner runs, many of the trails marked as intermediate are suitable for beginners as well.

Northstar-at-Tahoe: http://www.northstarattahoe.com/

Do Not Hesitate Before Booking A Limo

If you have been reading about people renting a limo these days and you are wondering why then you need to read this article and check the advantages of hiring a Limo. Riding in a Limo has recently become a trend and a number of people are now hiring a Limo just to get a ride of a lifetime. This in no way suggests that the Limo ride is expensive. If anything the best Limo rental services provide you Limo rides at very affordable rates. You will be able to get your destination in time and without spending too much money. All you need to do is check out limohire-sportcarhire.co.uk.

If your son or your daughter needs to get to football practice every day there is no need for you or your wife to drive them there. All you need to do is higher a limo for them on a daily basis and they will be taken for the practice and brought back as well. The best part about hiring a Limo is the drivers are dependable. When you have a Limo from the best Limo rental service you will get drivers that have had their backgrounds checked and their credentials verified. There will be no driver that has not been checked that will be on the payroll for a Limo rental service. A number of people are usually scared about how the driver turns out to be especially if it is a late night drive. This is the last thing you need to worry about when you are hiring from a reputed Limo rental service.

Another thing that you need to make sure when you hire a Limo rental service is the dependability in the past. In this case dependability would mean arriving on time to pick you up and taking you back. There are a number of services that usually falter on the timelines and they end up picking your place or dropping you back late. This is the last thing you want when you have paid for services and you can do nothing about it.

Many people usually regret booking services just because it is the first name that popped up on the internet. Always look around and ask people who have used similar services in the past and see how the services have turned out to be. Once you are sure that the rental services are dependable you can then book them for your family members even if you are not tagging along on the ride. Not only will you be able to ensure the safety of your family members, you will also be able to ensure that they get to their destination on time without too much hassle.

If you have never booked a limo in the past it is time to do so right now. This is a trend that is fast picking up and more and more people are now opting to travel by Limo other than a public transport.

SLOVENIA

Families, businessmen and all those who enjoy active vacations will have a lot to discover in Slovenia. People who are hiking can enjoy the tranquility of the mountains and the climbers, those who practice skiing, canoeing, rowing, fishing, hunting, golf, horse riding and many others can enjoy their favorite sport in a variety of landscapes.

SLOVENIA

Much of the Slovenian cuisine comes from three main cultures – the Pannonian, the Alpine and the Mediterranean. The oldest Slovenian dishes contain flour and cereal grain. The best known is the štruklji bread prepared with the occasion of the holidays, which today is twisted or is shaped like a crown and the Slovenians prepare it in 70 different ways, filled with sweet compositions, meat or vegetables and žganci. A genuine Slovenian specialty is potica, a desert prepared on different holidays, also made with a great variety of fillings.

SLOVENIA

Slovenia is a very young country, but with a very long history and just as interesting. It has a small territory in the form of a chicken. It is bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, more exactly located at the confluence of Western and Eastern Europe. This positioning offers Slovenia the opportunity to summarize a plurality of cultures, customs and traditions. Consequently, the traditions of this country are many and varied and mostly open for exploration. By New Year, the Slovenians make wishes by saying: Srečno Novo Leto!

SLOVENIA

In Slovenia are organized street parties where both tourists and locals gather to have fun. These are usually organized in the big cities. The traditional menus for New Year in Slovenia are rich in pork and contain varied deserts such as Prekmurska Gibanica or Potica.

If you’re in the area, you might want to consider visiting Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia that has one of the oldest and richest traditions in wine productions in the world.

Invention of computer, a boon or a bane?

Hi guys, as this is the first post of this blog and from the heading you might have guessed about what I am going to talk about in this blog. So instead of having a boring introduction to this blog, let’s have an interesting perspective on why should you read this blog more often or what is that we are going to offer that you should not dare to deny.

As I believe in doing things which are necessary to do and one should not procrastinate in doing them, so there is a reason why I am starting this blog post. There are already many blogs concerning this area of problem but even then very few of us read these kinds of blogs. So it is my effort towards society as whole in order to create awareness among people on how important these blogs are or what impact they can have on your life.

So let us first discuss about the problems and then we will come to solutions which is the ultimate aim of this blog. We will cover these problems in the form of questions and answers to make it little interesting.

Q1. Why was computer invented by humans?

You must be thinking what a silly question this is. But still I want you to answer this. So the first basic answer (which is the ultimate one also) will be to reduce human effort in doing routine work so that we can be more productive and efficient in our daily lives. images Computer is simply a machine doing whatever is instructed to do and generally we use it to do work which is repetitious in nature.

In order to use computers more efficiently new developments in software fields were made and various types of innovations in network technologies happened so that we can use our computers to do as much work for us.

Q2. But are we free after the invention of computer or our lives are even worse than before?

Now you tell me one thing, as most of us deal with computers in our day to day life. Have you ever thought how efficient you are while using your computer? Now you can argue that of-course I am efficient as compared to the stone age workers but that is not a fair comparison. As we progress we need to level up our efficiency, so I will tell you one technique in order to judge your efficiency while using your computer.

Just ask yourself these questions:

CHECK IF YOU DO REPEATED KIND OF STUFF WHILE OPERATING YOUR COMPUTER?

Computer are invented for the purpose of reducing the repetition in our life, but is it fulfilling that purpose. Are you even when using computer engaged in doing repetitive kind of stuff for e.g:

Are you still deleting hundreds of contacts from your phone one by one manually?
Are you still scrolling down the excel sheet rows using down arrow button?
Are you still using your mouse to deal with every function except when you type alphabets?
Are you still entering data from one application to other in appropriate fields manually?
Are you still using the old versions of softwares which keeps on crashing (E.g Internet Explorer) ?
Are you still keeping all your secrets or passwords in the small notepad in your wallet ?
Are you still taking notes on your notepad and later searching it like anything when required?
Are you still doing the kind of stuff the computer can do for you given you have correct knowledge of how to operate it?

So most of us will answering yes to the above questions. If we are doing that much of stuff manually then what’s the point of operating a computer. No doubt that your computer is a extremely powerful machine and it is capable of doing wonders. But the only caveat is you have to instruct it to do so. You need to make your computer your slave not the vice-versa.

Now the question arises, what can we do in order to increase our productive and to make more efficient use of our computer devices?

See there are many ways in which you can save your time performing same tasks on computer with the little knowledge about your computer and the technologies used to operate it.

For example you can start using shortcuts while using your operating system, you can install certain applications which are very helpful or if you are somewhat tech loving person you can also write some code in order to develop custom features.

When Your Commodity is Common Good – Nonprofit Social Media

Many nonprofits are engaging people on social networks, initiating conversations, and prompting action to make the world a better place. As another channel in the marketing mix, social media represents a direct conversational touchstone for a group’s supporters. But what is the best way for a nonprofit organization to approach the world of social media?

Throughout the evolution of social media, businesses have continuously refined their marketing strategies in order to spread brand awareness, and ultimately sell a product. But one of the most popular products marketed through social media cannot be eaten, driven, or worn…and isn’t even tangible. The product? Common good. The list of problems in our world today is long enough to wrap around earth a few times at least. There are countless dedicated nonprofit organizations utilizing social media to raise awareness and money, as well as encouraging people to take action for their cause.

Each nonprofit organization is a brand. Their cause is the product they sell, and the people that take action to support the cause are their consumers. Like many businesses that have successfully capitalized on social media to promote action from their consumers to buy a product, many nonprofits are engaging people on social networks, initiating conversations, and prompting action to make the world a better place.

Most nonprofits may not have the marketing funds available to pay for a quarter page ad in this Sunday’s paper, let alone a TV spot or a billboard. Before social media, nonprofits had limited reach and subsequently, limited awareness of their causes. Social media has helped serve as the wrecking ball to these barriers, but there is still a question of which method may be best, as time remains a tight resource.

Facebook has long been the reigning champ of social media. Oxfam International , a coalition of 15 international organizations dedicated to taking action against worldwide hunger, poverty, and injustice, offers various Facebook pages to connect with their audience. The organization has a main Facebook page (80,000+ likes), an Oxfam America page (51,000+ likes), an Oxfam Australia page (10,000+ likes), along with pages for Italy, Ireland, and New Zealand. Having various pages based on locations allows Oxfam to relay relevant, valuable information and opportunities to their fans, based on their location and language.

Oxfam effectively engages their “consumers” on Facebook in a number of ways. Before Valentine’s Day, they posted a link to an e-card to send to a loved one for a small donation. The link read, “Show your honey you care with bees that help rural farmers.” They posted on International Woman’s Day, to allow fans to share stories of women in their community dedicated to making a difference. Before the Super Bowl, they shared a commercial that would not be airing during the big game, featuring two star NFL wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. The spot was about the two athletes volunteering in East Africa to help solve the hunger and poverty issues. This variety of content, along with games and contests are just a few examples of how Oxfam uses timely, relevant material to connect with fans in a two-way stream of communication. At the same time, they enable their fans to share the Oxfam brand with their friends, who may be unfamiliar.

Twitter’s popularity has grown exponentially in the past few years. Nonprofit organizations are among the thousands of brands with a presence on Twitter, many using it effectively to expand their reach. Alex’s Lemonade Stand is a national foundation headquartered in Wynnewood, PA, dedicated to raising money and awareness for pediatric cancer. The organization (51,000+ followers) has effectively used hashtags on Twitter to join, or spark conversation about the issue of pediatric cancer, as well as their brand. #makeadifference, #childhoodcancer #beatcancer, #funfactfriday, #charitytuesday are all relevant trending topics that the foundation tweeted to engage followers in conversation, as well as reach other potential followers. They also connect timely events and trending topics with their brand. They used #Oscars and #AcademyAwards on the night of the event to recognize previous winner Robert De Niro, an advocate for their foundation. The organization also interacts with their corporate sponsors, engages their followers with trivia and prizes, and uses Twitter to initiate fundraising opportunities such as a nationwide “Lemonade War,” which challenged teachers and students across the country to sell lemonade, with proceeds going towards their efforts.

Celebrity supporters are heavy stones in the ripple effect of non-profit brand awareness on social media. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is a non-profit with plenty of big-name supporters. Many celebrities, including Miley Cyrus (5 million+ Twitter followers) and Ke$ha (just under 3 million Twitter followers), have RT or @ mentioned PETA on Twitter. In doing so, the PETA brand is instantly exposed to millions who might be completely unfamiliar with it, which could lead to more followers, or a deeper search for the organization’s information programs and donations.

There are many other social media sites that nonprofits are using in their marketing strategies. Foursquare offers a Partner Badge program with various organizations that helps increase exposure and relay locally relevant information to users in a certain area. Red Cross utilized the Partner Badge to promote blood donations worldwide. Foursquare also offers a Merchant Platform that allows nonprofits to team up with a corporate sponsor to raise money. Through the Merchant Platform, Gap donated 10 cents to Camp Interactive for every check-in at one of their stores.

Amnesty International has begun using Pinterest in an interesting way as another marketing tool to promote their brand. Users can pin items related to human rights in a variety of categories on Amnesty International’s page, with categories that include posters, inspiring quotes & people, a human rights reading list, facts, posters, music & film, and clothes.

When Star Group works with nonprofit and cause-related organizations, we understand that people have a natural desire to be philanthropic, and we work to stimulate that desire without crossing the line. By advocating through social media with the right mix of content and strategy, non-profits can reach new audiences for their “product,” and build on their brand’s promise. As another channel in the marketing mix, social media represents a direct conversational touchstone for a group’s supporters.

Do you support or work with a nonprofit that uses social media in a unique way? Are you able to find

Croatia

Croatia is a country known for its diverse relief and beautiful coastlines, more that 50% of the territory is situated at less than 200 meters above sea level, another large procent of land being part of the Dinaric Alps. The change of scenery, from plains to hills and towering mountains, makes travelling through Croatia a unique and memorable experience.

The Croats are famous among other nations for being very warm and talkative people, as well as a little bit loud and flamboyant, traits which apply to all Balkanic nations. The natives agree to being very friendly, but they view themselves as also being quite devoted and family – orientated.

Having very high regard for family life, it is quite common for Croats to take care of their elderly parents or grandparents instead of sending them to nursing homes, spending the weekend with the relatives being another usual activity. Although Croats are not very formal when it comes to social interactions, it is polite to address someone by their first name only after being encouraged to do so. Also, the locals are known for appreciating honesty, but only when given in a diplomatic manner. When invited to a Croat’s home, it is custom for one to bring flowers (with an even number of stems), but not chrysanthemums, which are usually bought at funerals.

An interesting story about Croats says that, even though over 95% of the population speaks Croatian, the dialects between distant areas of the country are so different that the people who live on opposite parts of Croatia have a hard time understanding each other.

The Croats are also known to be a very imaginative people who have numerous local legends and myths some, however, having a dark side to them. One of these stories is that of Malik Tintilinic, a mischievous child dressed in red who loves to dance and make jokes, but who is actually the spirit of a little boy who died before being baptized. Another strange story about Croats which used to circulate among Europeans was that they eat raw, uncooked potatoes, this tale being, fortunately, exposed as untrue.

One of the best places to visit in Croatia is Dubrovnik, a fortified city that lies on the coast of the Adriatic sea, with thick walls which run for about 2 km around the city. The beautiful landscapes are enriched by the buildings constructed in the Renaissance period, one of the most famous and astonishing edifices is the Rector’s Palace, built in the Gothic – Renaissance architectural style. Another beautiful location in Croatia is Diocletian’s Palace, built by the Roman Emperor near his birthplace between the 3rd and 4th century A.D., to serve as his residence for when he retired. Consisting of various buildings, the palace is constructed following several architectural styles like Imperial villa, Hellenistic town and Roman camp, its beauty and historical importance making it part of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage sites.

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