Richard Fifer

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Mof

The Importance of a Proper Equipment Management Team

Mining equipment is used to lessen work at mining sites. Implementation of high tech and quality tools such as these guarantees that part of the mining process is carried out effectively and in a stable working environment. For example, mining equipment such as drills are necessary in order for any mining worker to carry out work at an underground mine.

Richard Fifer agrees that the correct uses of tools impede catastrophes and guarantee a successful production output. The use of mining equipment is what will push and help determine how much a company is set to extract at a certain period of time. Good mining tools are a must have for any company hoping for efficient results. A mining project must also take into consideration employing as part of its workforce qualified mining equipment operators to manage this equipment. They must handle machinery carefully and constantly have supervision in order to save the mining company unnecessary costs and time wasted.

Even with an excellent team of equipment management staff, breakages and equipment stalling is inevitable and should be planned and budgeted during the lifespan of the project. A department is recommended for any mining sites whose primary role would be to repair mining equipment. Personnel hired in this department must have demonstrated expertise to carry out their job precisely and correctly.

Richard Fifer

Posted on July 9, 2011 by Mof

Security of Employees at Petaquilla Gold

Our company recognizes that its employees have the right to a safe and healthy working environment. As a minimum standard we will comply with all of the relevant legislation the Republic of Panama, and we will ensure that all of our employees have the necessary skills and equipme

nt to safely complete their tasks. We will work to prevent or minimize work related-injuries to our employees and contractors as noted by Richard Fifer.

RICHARD FIFER

Posted on July 4, 2011 by Mof

Community Relationships

Petaquilla operates in a developing area and is considered a friendly and collaborative partner with the communities and populations in its environment. It therefore applies a model of openness and transparency in its relations, as well as on environmental and social issues.

We and Richard Fifer believe that we must combine our business objectives with the aspirations and hopes of the communities near our operations. For this reason we implement communication processes as indispensable tools in building relationships with the community. We seek to improve the lives of our neighbors, both in health and education, infrastructure and economic development, while always acting responsibly, working together, and seeking the active participation of the Government, NGOs and, above all, the community.

Gold Mining–Petaquilla

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Mof

Mining Equipment

The right mining equipment can have a heavy impact on the safety and health of miners and the level of difficulty in mining procedures. The sort of mining equipment needed depends on the mine itself. Mines can be surface mines (these are usually easier to operate) or subsurface mines reaching several thousands of kilometers below the Earth’s surface. Equipment can also depend based on whether the mines are of lode deposits of minerals or placer deposits. Tools such as trucks Petaquilla, shovels and cranes are necessary to move large deposits of ore and rocks away from the mine to the place where they are processed. Processing plants make continuous use of machinery such crushers, reactors, mills, blasters and roasters to combine mineral rick materials and to extract the desired minerals or metals from the ore.

Richard Fifer, Mining equipment needs to be carefully chosen when purchased. It is of crucial importance for the equipment supplier to have the ability to customize machinery to adequate to the client’s needs. Fortunately today, for legal reasons, companies must be ISO 9002 compliant. It is imperative to look for a mining equipment supplier that has the complete knowledge to provide guidance when it comes to recommending and educating workers of any new regulations, techniques and machinery that might be new to the industry. The best idea is to choose a mining equipment supplier that has a reliable and proven track record. It is vital for any mining company that it´s equipment, once available, is used by its workforce efficiently and correctly.

Richard Fifer

Posted on May 26, 2011 by admin

The Importance of Mining

Mining is first and foremost a source of mineral commodities that all humans find essential for maintaining and improving our standards of living. Mined materials are essential for the construction of roads and hospitals, to build automobiles, make computers and provide the many other goods and services that consumers enjoy.

In addition, mining is economically important to countries and their development. It provides employment, dividends, and taxes that pay for hospitals, schools, and public facilities. The mining industry creates a trained workforce and small businesses that can service communities and may initiate related businesses.

Mining also generates foreign exchange and accounts for a significant portion of gross domestic product. Mining promotes a number of associated activities, such as manufacturing of mining equipment, provision of engineering and environmental services, and the development of world-class universities in the fields of geology, mining engineering, and metallurgy.

Richard Fifer said taht the economic opportunities and wealth generated by mining for many producing countries are substantial. It is our duty to understand and support the mining industry and its development.

Richard Fifer

Posted on May 19, 2011 by admin

Benefits to local Communities from Petaquilla Gold

Petaquilla Gold recognizes the importance of extending benefits of its mining operations to local communities. According to President of the Company, Richard Fifer, “Petaquilla´s investments are selective with focus on the needs of the underprivileged”. Sustainability is the key word according to Mr. Fifer, and Petaquilla’s operations and its benefits go beyond the life of an extractive industry project, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.

To date, Petaquilla Gold has contributed thousands of dollars to community development projects. Such programs have included

- Establishing strong, competitive services where support for construction and maintenance of the operations.

- Education development programs where schools have been built and equipped to running costs.

- The creation of micro-enterprises, providing alternate and safety employment opportunities for those living around the mine.

- Community health programs which include the establishment of community clinics and the refurbishment of health centers in Cocle.

- Company funded public roads and bridges which have made communication and road travel easier, benefiting everyone but mostly children who are now able to travel to and from school.

Richard Fifer says..

Posted on April 15, 2011 by admin

Fundamental to our plans of corporate social responsibility is a commitment to ensuring that our host communities have the means to remain viable during our operations and long after the mine has closed and in generations to come. Richard Fifer said that the first step towards reaching this goal is through the purchase of some of the operation’s requirements from local suppliers and to benefit locals in terms of employment opportunities and extensive training programs. We at Petaquilla are highly committed to continually improving the lives of communities hosting us or in nearby areas. Giving the essential tools for men and women to begin micro-businesses has recently turned from a dream into reality. The hard work on behalf of Petaquilla’s social responsibility workers proves how the company’s most significant stakeholders other than shareholders are the company’s employees and the communities in which it operates. It is rewarding to witness how Petaquilla has used its power to positively assist host communities and make a difference for future Panamanian generations.

Support to Mining Companies

Posted on March 30, 2011 by admin

Companies, especially in the mining sector, need help and the support of stakeholders to operate responsibly in problematic and poorly-governed countries. They need help preventing abuse and responding to them when they occur. Many companies such as Petaquilla Minerals agree and have signed on to voluntary measures that promote human rights. Corporate social responsibility is on top of the agenda and thanks to the guidance and support on behalf of the community and local church; it has been able to move forward and continues to show that consensus is possible on the first steps forward.

"Sustainable mining" is not an oxymoron. Mining companies like Petaquilla are acting in a more socially and environmentally responsible manner taking significant steps and carryout reforestation programs. Environmental mitigation and compensation activities are the main goals of the company’s aggressive reforestation project. 46 hectares have been worked on the site, 19 have been replanted and approximately 70 more are in plan to take place., according to Richard Fifer

Richard Fifer–Petaquilla

Posted on March 29, 2011 by admin

La Entrevista del Día: Arsenio Vargas, Comité Mina y Comunidad

P. ¿Usted que ha trabajado comprometido con su comunidad, cómo definiría el desarrollo de sus comunidades?

R. Soy miembro de un comité que apoya a los proyectos mineros, porque queremos dejar en claro que nosotros si vivimos en Coclesito las 24 horas, estamos seguros que en todo este tiempo hemos avanzado como comunidad, cuando hablamos de desarrollo es porque hemos mejorado en los últimos 5 años, ahora que vemos que hay avance, nosotros cuestionamos a aquellos que quieren impedir el desarrollo.

Por ejemplo, entre grandes obras de infraestructura, calles, puentes y caminos, se han hecho centros de salud, se hacen evacuaciones, la compañía minera tiene helicópteros y tiene la capacidad para sacar a la gente de urgencia a causa de las mordeduras de serpiente.

Yo dirigí un proyecto de Molejones a Calle Largo y sé de lo que estoy hablando, antes eran 8 horas para llegar a nuestro destino. La empresa ha construido una carretera que comunica muchos pueblos que antes era de difícil acceso, un camino de Molejones a Nazareno, comunica a Calle Largo, Nazareno, San Juan de Turbe y otras comunidades. Gobierno, empresa minera y comunidad, trabajaron duro por ese camino y hoy día está cortado. Nosotros no queremos trancar carreteras, como hacen el pequeño grupo que se opone, nosotros construimos carreteras para que los pueblos se desarrollen.

P. ¿Hemos recibido información precisa que estos grupos minúsculos trancan los ríos, es eso cierto?

R. Es cierto. Ellos pretenden ponernos a pelear entre nosotros mismos compañeros, gente de nuestras comunidades cuando todos sufrimos las mismas carencias, pero no ofrecen nunca ninguna solución a nuestros problemas, antes bien los agravan. Mire hasta donde hemos llegado que esos grupos minúsculos trancan los ríos a aquellas personas que vienen bajando en canoas o fueras de borda por el rio que es como una carretera para el pobre. ¿A quién perjudican? A nuestra propia gente. Nadie tranca por 8 días la Transístmica, pero estos grupos minúsculos que se oponen al desarrollo y al progreso, han trancado el río por más de 12 días sin que autoridad alguna se haya apersonado a resolver este problema una vez por todas.

P. ¿En ese caso, cuál sería su petición a las autoridades?

R. Soy de la opinión que la aplicación de la ley debe ser firme y las autoridades deben actuar pronto, porque ese grupito está provocando una confrontación con nuestra gente. Hay que evitar eso, nosotros somos gente pacífica, pero no vamos a permitir que jueguen con nuestro desarrollo, con el futuro de nuestros hijos.

Investing in gold mining shares

Posted on September 2, 2010 by admin

The Richard Fifer – Gold Mining stocks are a popular way of investing in gold – albeit indirectly.

The perceived advantage of investing in gold mining shares is that their value is usually more sensitive to the price of gold than even a gold bar. This is because gold mining shares are valued on the basis of their anticipated profits through the life of the mine, and these depend on the reserves, and on the relationship between gold mining production costs and the anticipated value of the gold extracted.

Suppose a gold mine has 1,000,000 ounces underground and the above ground value is $1,000 per ounce. If the production cost is $800 per ounce the mine will make $200,000,000 over its life. But if the gold price rises by 20% to $1,200 the mine will make $400,000,000 overall. This demonstrates a ‘gearing’ effect of 4 times – i.e. for a rise in bullion of 20% the share will rise by the 20% plus another 4 times 20%, i.e. 100% (all other things being equal, which they rarely are).