Around the North

Rubicon Minerals is forging ahead with an expanded and accelerated exploration program at its flagship Phoenix Gold project in the Red Lake gold district in northwestern Ontario.

Lake Shore Gold is posting high grade intercepts at its Thunder Creek project in Timmins. The Toronto miner said a 22,000-metre diamond drill program adjacent to its operating mine has produced one result of 8.86 grams per tonne gold over 24.

Premier Gold Mines reports it continues to find high grade mineralization at its Hardrock project in Geraldton. In a Mar. 31 release, one drill hole result showed 4.56 grams per tonne (g/t) gold across 24.5 metres. Another showed 3.04 g/t across 31.

CVRD has bought export thermal coal assets from Colombia's Cementos Argos for $305,8-million, the Brazilian miner.

Houston Lake Mining Inc. (TSX.V: HLM)announced a non-brokered private placement of 431,425 common. share units for net proceeds of $150,999.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, after meeting today in Brussels with her ministerial counterparts, announced the signing of three new agreements that will help facilitate international labour mobility

Japan's number one nickel producer, Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., will cut refined nickel output by 23 per cent, and ferronickel output by 20 per cent, from April to September, compared to last year.

Ontario's mining industry economic benefits far outweigh its relative size according to a study released by author tax specialist Greg New at Queen´s Park during the Ontario Mining Association Meet the Miner Day.

After enjoying a robust construction season last year, most Ontario contractors are expecting to do the same or less work in 2009.

The ceremonial mace of the Ontario legislature will be encrusted with two diamonds fresh from the province's first diamond mine.