TOP STORIES: Hochschild: Inmaculada, Crespo On Track After Studies Completed LONDON -(Dow Jones)- Hochschild Mining PLC (HOC.LN) Wednesday said its Peruvian precious metal projects Inmaculada and Crespo are on track to start production in the final quarter of 2013 after the completion of independent feasibility studies, although the company announced it has postponed plans for a similar study on another major project, Azuca. STORIES OF INTEREST: Hecla: Agency Closes Lucky Friday Mine For Maintenance; Sees 2013 Restart Hecla Mining Co.'s (HL) Silver Shaft at the Lucky Friday mine in Idaho was ordered closed by the Mine Safety and Health Administration for the removal of built-up material in the shaft. Dizon Mines Signs Deal For Recovery Of Gold, Copper In Tailings Dam MANILA (Dow Jones)--Dizon Copper-Silver Mines Inc. (DIZ.PH) said Wednesday that it has signed a deal with Australia's Capital Gold Pty. Ltd. for the recovery of gold and copper in the tailings dam of the listed Philippine mining firm located in Zambales, a province north of Manila. Chile Codelco Unions Join Mine Fray With Anglo American Over Sur SANTIAGO -(Dow Jones)- The Federation of Copper Workers, which represents Chilean state copper giant Codelco's workers, has joined the fray over a contested stake in Anglo American PLC's (AAUKY, AAL.LN) Sur complex. Africa Mining M&A Pace Quickens, To Continue In 2012 -Analysts JOHANNESBURG (Dow Jones)--Mining mergers and acquisitions in Africa are on the rise, with the announcement Wednesday from South African miner Exxaro Resources Ltd. (EXX.JO) a sign the trend wIll continue in 2012, industry observers say. MARKETS: PRECIOUS METALS: Comex Gold At 4-Week High As Market Steadies NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Gold futures advanced to a four-week high on Wednesday, as investors bet the market's recent upswing would hold as Europe's debt woes fuel demand for alternative assets. -By Matt Day, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-4986; matt.day@dowjones.com
