Latest news with #Ordovician
The Market Online
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
New Age Metals options the Antimony Ridge Property in Newfoundland
New Age Metals (TSXV:NAM) signed an agreement for exclusive rights to acquire up to a 100 per cent interest in the Antimony Ridge Property in Newfoundland Historical exploration on the property focused on gold, not antimony and none of the showings have ever been drilled China is responsible for approximately 70 per cent of global antimony production and refining, the export ban has triggered a global supply shock for this critical metal New Age Metals stock (TSXV:NAM) last traded at $0.26 New Age Metals (TSXV:NAM) made investors aware of an option agreement the company signed with local prospector Ross Collier, granting the company the exclusive right to acquire up to a 100 per cent interest in the Antimony Ridge Property. The agreement marks a significant expansion of New Age Metals' footprint in the St. Alban's region of south-central Newfoundland. The Antimony Ridge Property, comprising 20 mineral claims over 5 square km under license 035215M, is located approximately 120 km south-southwest of Gander and just six kilometers north of the community of Milltown. Strategically, it lies immediately adjacent to New Age Metals' wholly owned Citadel Property, enhancing the company's regional exploration potential. (The Antimony Ridge Property. Source: New Age Metals Inc.) 'Historical exploration focused on gold, not antimony and none of the showings have ever been drilled,' New Age Metals' chair and CEO, Harry Barr explained in a news release. It was only a month ago the company was granted grassroots-level exploration on its recently staked gold-antimony (Au-Sb) properties. Property highlights The Antimony Ridge Property is distinguished by its high-grade antimony and gold mineralization, including: 10 per cent semi-massive stibnite in historical quartz vein samples at the Antimony Ridge Showing, coinciding with a strong antimony soil geochemical anomaly and a 1,100-meter-long float train of angular stibnite-quartz boulders Up to 37.8 per cent Sb in recent outcrop samples collected by Ross Collier Up to 63.5 per cent Sb in float samples from the southern portion of the property Gold values up to 16.5 g/t Au in historical samples from the Golden Grit Showing Over 100 gold grains in some till samples, indicating strong gold dispersion across the property Geologically, the property lies within the Dunnage Tectonic Zone and is underlain by Ordovician schistose sedimentary rocks of the St. Joseph's Cove Formation, featuring quartz veins, veinlets, and stockworks. A notable acquisition in the face of global market shifts The timing of this acquisition is particularly significant. On June 17, 2025, Reuters reported that China had imposed severe restrictions on antimony exports, including a complete ban on shipments to the United States. This move has sent antimony prices soaring to over US$60,000 per metric tonne, more than quadrupling in the past year. With China responsible for approximately 70 per cent of global antimony production and refining, the export ban has triggered a global supply shock for this critical metal. Simultaneously, gold prices have surged to as high as US$3,500 per ounce, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, inflation concerns, and robust central bank buying. In Q1 2025 alone, central banks added 244 tonnes to their reserves, with retail and institutional investors also increasing their gold holdings. Gold ETF inflows surged by over 1,100 per cent quarter-over-quarter, reflecting renewed investor appetite for safe-haven assets. Economic implications The company noted that the convergence of these market dynamics is a clear sign of the importance of antimony and gold-antimony properties like Antimony Ridge. As nations and industries scramble to secure critical mineral supplies, New Age Metals' acquisition positions the company at the forefront of a rapidly evolving resource landscape. As global demand for critical minerals intensifies, properties like Antimony Ridge could play a pivotal role in securing North American supply chains and supporting the transition to a more resilient and diversified resource economy. New Age Metals Inc. is a junior mineral exploration and development company focused on the discovery, exploration and development of green metal projects in North America. New Age Metals stock (TSXV:NAM) last traded at $0.26. It has risen 246.67 per cent since the year began and is up 62.50 per cent since this time last year. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about this stock on the New Age Metals Inc. Bullboard, and check out the rest of Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
Wales Online
19-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Owners of 200-year-old slate quarry bid to extend its life or warn jobs will be lost
Owners of 200-year-old slate quarry bid to extend its life or warn jobs will be lost Ffestiniog Quarry is in the heart of Blaenau Ffestiniog and its owner estimates there remain 100 years worth of slate resources there Ffestiniog Quarry (also known as Oakeley Quarry or Gloddfa Ganol Mine Plans have been submitted to extend the life of a 200-year-old quarry in North Wales. Ffestiniog Quarry, also known as Oakeley Quarry or Gloddfa Ganol Mine, is nestled in the heart of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The quarry has been producing slates since 1818, formed by Ordovician slate beds laid down over 470 million years ago. Under its current planning permission, work at the 160-hectare site is due to finish at the end of this year. Now owner Breedon Trading Ltd is hoping to extend this by another four decades. The proposed scheme is based on the ability to produce 30,000 slates per week. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here If planning permission isn't granted by Cyngor Gwynedd, it's stated that the quarry would cease operations at the end of the year, leading to job losses., , reports North Wales Live. An aerial view of the quarry area Planning agent SLR said: "The applicant is submitting a planning application for the continuation of slate extraction operations, together with the deposit of mineral wastes and overburden, along with the production of secondary aggregates, within the quarry workings beyond the current cessation date of 31st December, 2025. Article continues below "Ffestiniog Quarry works the mudstone and siltstone slate deposits of the Nant Ffrancon Subgroup of the Ordovician succession. "All superficial surface deposits (soils and overburden) have been removed; extraction operations involve the removal of slate from the working faces predominantly using blasting, and occasionally mechanical techniques. "The development also involves the periodic clearing of slate waste from the quarry working area to expose the faces underneath. "Notwithstanding this, as with other slate quarries (such as Penrhyn Quarry) slates suitable for producing roofing tiles are located lower in the sequence (i.e. deeper in the quarry workings). "This means that the upper parts of the sequence (typically the first four benches) are classed as quarry waste and need to be cleared to expose the better-quality slate. "The proposals would not seek to laterally extend either the slate workings or associated tips beyond the current approved footprint and operations would not exceed the current permitted level of intensity. "Moreover, all tipping operations would be undertaken within the current operational areas either on the north-western side of the quarry or within the quarry void. "Having reviewed the quarry development scheme, proposals are being put forward which show the phased progression of the quarry workings, and the disposal of quarry waste. "This has shown that there are in excess of 100 years of slate resources within the quarry. However, the current application seeks to extend the duration for a period of 40 years." The document added: "Should planning permission not be granted then the quarry would cease operations at the end of the year resulting in the loss of employment. "With a lack of other quarry operations in the local area, this would potentially see those employed at the quarry seeking employment elsewhere, potentially moving out of the local area." Officials at Gwynedd Council are set to review the planning application. Article continues below
Wales Online
18-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Bid to extend life of 200 year old quarry in Welsh slate heartland
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Plans are in to extend the life of a 200-year-old quarry in North Wales. Ffestiniog Quarry (also known as Oakeley Quarry or Gloddfa Ganol Mine) is located in the heart of Blaenau Ffestiniog. It has been producing slates from 1818 and was formed by the Ordovician slate beds laid down more than 470 million years ago. Under its current planning permission, work is set to end at the 160-hectare (ha) site at the end of this year. But owner Breedon Trading Ltd wants to extend this by another 40 years. The working scheme is based on being able to produce 30,000 slates per week. If planning permission is not secured from Cyngor Gwynedd, then the quarry would cease operations at the end of the year, resulting in a loss of employment. Planning agent SLR said: 'The applicant is submitting a planning application for the continuation of slate extraction operations, together with the deposit of mineral wastes and overburden, along with the production of secondary aggregates, within the quarry workings beyond the current cessation date of 31st December 2025. Ffestiniog Quarry works the mudstone and siltstone slate deposits of the Nant Ffrancon Subgroup of the Ordovician succession. 'All superficial surface deposits (soils and overburden) have been removed; extraction operations involve the removal of slate from the working faces predominantly using blasting, and occasionally mechanical techniques. 'The development also involves the periodic clearing of slate waste from the quarry working area to expose the faces underneath. 'Notwithstanding this, as with other slate quarries (such as Penrhyn Quarry) slates suitable for producing roofing tiles are located lower in the sequence (i.e. deeper in the quarry workings). 'This means that the upper parts of the sequence (typically the first four benches) are classed as quarry waste and need to be cleared to expose the better-quality slate. 'The proposals would not seek to laterally extend either the slate workings or associated tips beyond the current approved footprint and operations would not exceed the current permitted level of intensity. Moreover, all tipping operations would be undertaken within the current operational areas either on the north-western side of the quarry or within the quarry void. 'Having reviewed the quarry development scheme, proposals are being put forward which show the phased progression of the quarry workings, and the disposal of quarry waste. This has shown that there are in excess of 100 years of slate resources within the quarry. However, the current application seeks to extend the duration for a period of 40 years.' They added: 'Should planning permission not be granted then the quarry would cease operations at the end of the year resulting in the loss of employment. With a lack of other quarry operations in the local area, this would potentially see those employed at the quarry seeking employment elsewhere, potentially moving out of the local area.' Planners at Cyngor Gwynedd will now consider the application. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
North Wales Live
18-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Bid to extend life of 200 year old quarry in Welsh slate heartland
Plans are in to extend the life of a 200-year-old quarry in North Wales. Ffestiniog Quarry (also known as Oakeley Quarry or Gloddfa Ganol Mine) is located in the heart of Blaenau Ffestiniog. It has been producing slates from 1818 and was formed by the Ordovician slate beds laid down more than 470 million years ago. Under its current planning permission, work is set to end at the 160-hectare (ha) site at the end of this year. But owner Breedon Trading Ltd wants to extend this by another 40 years. The working scheme is based on being able to produce 30,000 slates per week. If planning permission is not secured from Cyngor Gwynedd, then the quarry would cease operations at the end of the year, resulting in a loss of employment. Planning agent SLR said: 'The applicant is submitting a planning application for the continuation of slate extraction operations, together with the deposit of mineral wastes and overburden, along with the production of secondary aggregates, within the quarry workings beyond the current cessation date of 31st December 2025. Ffestiniog Quarry works the mudstone and siltstone slate deposits of the Nant Ffrancon Subgroup of the Ordovician succession. 'All superficial surface deposits (soils and overburden) have been removed; extraction operations involve the removal of slate from the working faces predominantly using blasting, and occasionally mechanical techniques. 'The development also involves the periodic clearing of slate waste from the quarry working area to expose the faces underneath. 'Notwithstanding this, as with other slate quarries (such as Penrhyn Quarry) slates suitable for producing roofing tiles are located lower in the sequence (i.e. deeper in the quarry workings). 'This means that the upper parts of the sequence (typically the first four benches) are classed as quarry waste and need to be cleared to expose the better-quality slate. 'The proposals would not seek to laterally extend either the slate workings or associated tips beyond the current approved footprint and operations would not exceed the current permitted level of intensity. Moreover, all tipping operations would be undertaken within the current operational areas either on the north-western side of the quarry or within the quarry void. 'Having reviewed the quarry development scheme, proposals are being put forward which show the phased progression of the quarry workings, and the disposal of quarry waste. This has shown that there are in excess of 100 years of slate resources within the quarry. However, the current application seeks to extend the duration for a period of 40 years.' They added: 'Should planning permission not be granted then the quarry would cease operations at the end of the year resulting in the loss of employment. With a lack of other quarry operations in the local area, this would potentially see those employed at the quarry seeking employment elsewhere, potentially moving out of the local area.'
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
The secret history of teeth revealed: How they originated inside a 465-million-year-old fish's body
Our knowledge about the origins of teeth pertains to that of the entire body, a natural occurrence made up of tissues. But did you know that human teeth evolved from the "body armour" of an extinct fish that lived 465 million years ago? From vertebrates to teeth In a published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, researchers showed how sensory tissue discovered on the exoskeletons of ancient fish is linked to the same "genetic toolkit" that produces human teeth. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "This shows us that 'teeth' can also be sensory even when they're not in the mouth," said Yara Haridy, co-author of the study and palaeontologist and evolutionary biologist at the University of Chicago. Initially, researchers set out to identify the earliest vertebrate in the fossil record seeking specimens from the Cambrian and Ordovician periods. An obvious sign of a vertebrate species is the presence of internal tubules for dentine, a calcified tissue that is found under the enamel in the human teeth, but also in the external bumps or odontodes in ancient fish armour. While making the use of high-resolution CT scans to analyse the jawless "first fish" species Anatolepis heintzi, the researchers discovered pores filled with dentine. They also compared the fossil to a coterie of ancient fossils and modern marine life. The shocking discovery Upon closer investigations, researchers realised that the supposed dentine-lined pores were like the sensilla, the sensory organs on the shells of crabs, thus making A. Heintz, an ancient invertebrate arthropod and not a vertebrate fish. Vertebrates and invertebrates, both have sensory armours connected to nerves that help them sense their environment. To substantiate the discovery that the fish was an arthropod, the team scanned fossils and modern specimens from snails and barnacles to sharks and catfish. It was revealed that the suckermouth catfish raised in Hardy's own lab had small tooth-like scales on their skin, called denticles, that were connected to nerves. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This discovery also led to the realisation that ancient vertebrates had the same mineralized tissue that evolved into dentine and then our sensitive teeth. These tissues helped them sense their environment like cold waters or pressure from nearby objects, just like our teeth. Thus, this study also supports a key theory in evolutionary biology called the "outside-in" hypothesis where sensory structures evolved on exoskeletons at least 460 million years ago and were used by animals to make teeth. "Viewed through this evolutionary lens, the fact that teeth in the mouth are extremely sensitive is less of a mystery, and more a reflection of their evolutionary origins within the sensory armour of early vertebrates," wrote the researchers in the study.
