Metal alloys can fail unexpectedly in a wide range of applications---from jet engines to satellites to cell phones---and new research from the University of Michigan helps to explain why.

A study reported in Vol 51, Issue 7 (July, 2008) of Science in China Series B: Chemistry has shown that wheel-shaped structures with octa- and enneacoordinate planar cobalt, iron and nickel centered in perfect octagonal and enneagonal boron rings, are stable on corresponding potential hyper-surfaces. This suggests that the central element bonding capacities have not been exhausted.

For 5,000 years the only way to shape metal has been by the "heat and beat" technique. Even with modern nanotechnology, metalworking involves carving metals with electron beams or etching them with acid.

A new geochemical study illuminates 7,000 years of mining and metal use in central China and links these trends to fluctuations in airborne pollution during the Bronze Age and other military and industrial periods in Chinese history. The study, which could help scientists better assess the accumulative environmental effects of human activity in the region since prehistory times, is scheduled for the July 1 issue of the ACS' Environmental Science & Technology, a semi-monthly journal.

Newmac Resources (TSX.V:NER) Crazy Fox project 100 km north of Kamloops in British Columbia’s Chilcotin region is turning in some good grades across long intersections. With two drills operating continuously, there will be many more to come throughout the 2008 exploration season.

After a long wait of over 5 years, Vannessa Ventures (TSX.V:VVV) has received final confirmation from the Costa Rican Mining Ministry (MINAE) authorizing the exploitation of the Crucitas project by Vannessa. This clears the way for construction to begin immediately.

Little Squaw Gold Mining (OTCBB:LITS) is advancing its shareholders’ interests on four fronts, all of which are shaping up to be lucrative investments for the company.

Soltera Mining Corp. (OTCBB:SLTA) has been busy acquiring properties during the first quarter of 2008. Unstable markets have been unable to dampen the resolve with which management goes about building shareholder value.

By Darryl Kelley

Drilling is now underway at Tarsis Capital’s (TSX.V:TCC) Wolf project (previously named Tim), a 6,000 hectare lead, zinc and silver project located 72 kilometres west of Watson Lake in the Yukon Territory, and 12 kilometres northeast of the Silvertip Deposit (previously named Midway).

By Eric Pratt

Goldcliff Resources (TSX.V:GCN) assayed a trenching sample from its 100% owned Panorama Ridge project that returned a value of over 15 ounces per tonne of gold. The bonanza grade sample was assayed twice to confirm the result, which has validated the company’s theory that there would be high grade zones encountered throughout broadly disseminated lower grade host rock.

By Eric Pratt

Its not often one discovers an OTC-listed mining company that has a board of directors and management team with the caliber and pedigree of Little Squaw Gold Mining Company (OTCBB:LITS).

Helio Resource Corp.’s (TSX.V:HRC) project generator model is starting to yield results, both in terms of attracting other juniors as joint venture partners, and on its own flagship SMP property in Tanzania.