Some mining companies decide to stay in mine-field Ecuador

Despite the tumultuous political climate in the country, some oil companies have decided to sit down with the Government and negociate. Petrobras (Brazil), Repsol (Spain) and Andes Petroleum (China) are the companies who have made good with the Government, despite the legal spider-web that President Correa has woven around the energy sector over the past 10 months.

These companies are braving this storm in spite of the investor-hostile environment the country displays at present. Let's hope their stay is a good precedent for others in similar positions.

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Alert! future homeowners: Energy leak technology available

Now that energy costs and savings seem to be at the top of everyone's mind, a new device has come out to help detect energy leaks, thus reflecting in energy savings.

This camera uses 40-year old military technology that has now been made available for a price tag of about $3k. Not precisely cheap, but manageable for professionals. For instance, when you're buying a new home, you may want to ask your home inspector to use it to detect any possible leaks in your new abode. This is a good consumer tool, to ensure that the 30-year old commitment you're entering is leak free, virtually!

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Alas! Oil prices drop to lowest point in three-month stretch

Today oil prices were as low as $111 per barrel, which translates into less expensive heating oil and lower gas prices. Given the approaching end of summer, heating expenses are in the mind of just about everyone, so this is good news for those who have oil-base heating. Cheaper gas also helps, particularly when you have an SUV or a long commute, ouch!

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Canada and Panama explore FTA

During his Latin American tour (Mexico, Panama and Ecuador) Canadian Minister of Trade, Michael Fortier, discussed the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement with Panamanian President Martín Torrijos. If it came to fuition, said agreement would considerably strengthen Canada-Panama relations to both their benefit.

Panama is host to several Canadian companies such as Scotiabank, Teck Cominco, Inmet Mining and SNC Lavalin, and educational entities like McGill University, St. Clair College and Durham College. These entities hire locals and thus vitalize their economy.

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Union strikes again!

"The number of union employees at Verizon has declined since the last strike, when it was at 87,000. Verizon Wireless, the company's big growth driver, has few union employees" When you read this kind of statement you can't but wonder why would they hire less and less union employees? Might it be because lately Unions take companies and consumers hostage of their so-called demands, also known as corporate bullying?

Never mind fair working conditions, unions get greedier and greedier, to benefit their leaders. Unions were created as positive entities necessary to protect employees from greedy employers, way back when. At some point, the tables turned and now we need to save employees and companies from greedy union leaders.

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Investment in AZ on potential porphyry copper project

The company announced its investment of US$652 million to support the feasibility study for porphyry copper. The company expects these Pre-feasibility studies to be completed by 2012, and production at the new mine would start by 2020. The indicated goal is to reach a copper production of 500,000 tonnes per annum.

This production increase is surely going to translate into more jobs for Arizona workers. It'll be interesting to watch the current work-force conditions vs. the job market in AZ in 2020.

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CANADIAN COMPANY TO TRADE ON PERUVIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Canadian mining company Aponquindo Minerals Inc. will begin trading in the Peruvian Stock Exchange under the symbol AQM. The company's Peruvian subsidiary holds options to two projects, a gold-silver prospect and a porphyry copper prospect in Peru.

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