Around the North

Xstrata ’s shareholders have been approved the all-share merger of Xstrata plc and Glencore International plc . The merger will proceed, subject to outstanding regulatory approvals and UK Court approval.

The Ontario College of Trades has released its fee structure for membership. Annually, those in the apprentice, tradesperson and journeyperson classes will pay $60.

The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2013 Bell Business Excellence Awards, which recognize the contributions of local businesses and entrepreneurs to the business community.

The City of Sault Ste. Marie recognized high achievers in the tourism industry during the 10th annual Tourism Awards. Carol Caputo received the Tourism Award for Excellence for significantly impacting the development of tourism in Sault Ste. Marie .

Despite a cancer diagnosis, Michael Gravelle said he will continue with his duties as provincial natural resources minister and as MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North . In a Nov.

Ring of Fire player Cliffs Natural Resources is postponing mine expansion and production at its core iron ore operations in Quebec and the U.S. iron mines. Cliffs announced Nov.

The Superior East Community Futures Development Corp. is receiving $960,000 from FedNor . The money will be used to provide three years worth of assistance for small and medium-sized businesses providing access to capital and business counselling.

North American Palladium (NAP) entered into an agreement with RBC Capital Markets to sell more than $4 million worth of flow-through shares. The Toronto miner announced Nov.

Levert Personnel Resources has expanded into the oil and gas sector in Atlantic Canada, following the acquisition of a pair of Newfoundland-based personnel management companies.

Sudbury-based Bestech has been recognized by Workforce Planning for Sudbury and Manitoulin for its work with area students.