I do not know whether to be impressed or disgusted at this report from the PDAC blog:

On March 1, Toronto hosted the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI) charity dinner. The CGSGI focuses on alleviating poverty in the developing world by pooling funds from the resource sector. Mining executive already in town for the PDAC paid up to C$350,000 a table to see artists including Elton John, Sharkira, John Travolta and Robin Williams perform.

The aim of alleviating poverty is admirable.  The massive scale of money and people involved is impressive.  The fact that this is probably just a cover for Guistra to grab mining resources in dictatorial contries is off-putting. 

Was Clinton in attendance or was he campaigning for Hillary?  I hope not–leaves more leeway for Obama.  No wonder there is a ground-swell for change in his favor. 

What better way to start the new week with a quiet trip down history’s memory lane.  On the website of the Sante Fe New Mexican is a fascinating posting on the start of mining by the Spanish in New Mexico.   Appears the Spanish merely took over a lead mine, long mined by the Indians:

The principal lead deposit worked by the Indian miners lay three miles west of their village. It was a spectacular vein that came right to the surface, perfectly accessible.  The width of the vein was only about a yard, but the depth of the ore body extended far into the ground. Over the centuries, with nothing more than primitive implements, the Indians had created a deep trench that stretched some 60 yards in length.

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