February 7, 2012
Xstrata Agrees to Mammoth Merger
One of the co-owners of the Donkin Mine has just reached an agreement on a merger that will create the fourth largest natural resources company in the world. Xtrata agreed to a merger with Glencore today, in a deal worth $90 billion dollars US. The new entity will have operations in 33 countries, and will be the leading global producer in thermal coal, ferrochrome and integrated zinc. It’ll also be the third largest producer of copper, and the fourth largest of nickel. If it’s given the green light by regulators, the merger is expected to be complete in the third quarter of this fiscal year. It’s not yet known what, if any, effect the merger will have on Xstrata’s operations in Donkin.
Suspect In Custody After Armed Robbery In NW
Cape Breton Regional Police responded to a 911 call from an apartment building in New Waterford yesterday morning, after one of the tenants was the victim of an armed robbery. The suspect was armed with a knife and stole the victim’s medication before fleeing the scene. A 30 year-old man from the Scotchtown area was later located, and is currently sitting in lock-up. He’s facing charges of robbery, unlawfully being in a dwelling house, uttering threats, and possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes. The suspect is scheduled to make a court appearance later today.
School Board Shies Away From Insulin Injections
Employees of the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board are unable to perform insulin injections on students, according to the board’s Superintendent. Ambrose White says the board consulted with its legal staff after concerns were raised by a mother of diabetic student at Glace Bay Elementary. Alanna Hart says she may not be able to get away from her nursing job to inject her daughter at lunch hour, but White says the board has been advised against performing injections for liability reasons.
Eviction Enforced Under Controversial NS Legislation
A couple from Bay St. Lawrence Road has vacated their home after an appeal of their eviction was denied last month. A judge with the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal upheld an earlier ruling under the province's Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act under which the couple was evicted on the grounds that their home was likely being used for selling drugs. The couple's defense lawyer argued that the low standard of proof required under the act is unfair. The upholding of the eviction is likely to be cited as precedent in cases involving similar laws in other provinces.
Tender Awarded For GB Harbour Dredge
Officials from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans aren't saying who was given the contract to dredge Glace Bay Harbour, but they've confirmed that the tender was recently awarded. Work on a partial dredge is expected to begin soon, with a full dredge to be completed by the end of the year. The dredging comes after concerns were raised The Glace Bay Harbour Authority regarding the relatively shallow waters in the harbour, which presents difficulties for vessels trying to access adjacent fish plants.
