RDCL is focused on the mining sector in New Zealand and Asia with a growing work portfolio in both markets.  We are interested to hear from suitably qualified applicants who preferably are currently able to work in New Zealand, have AusIMM Chartered Professional status, and who have specific experience in copper, gold and coal, underground and open pit mines, seismic conditions tropical environments or New Zealand.  We offer competitive remuneration and excellent lifestyle opportunities with technical and challenging work opportunities.  Travel is definite and must be accepted by any applicant.

Should you wish to apply, please register interest with a CV at info@rdcl.co.nz.

RDCL is focused on the mining sector in New Zealand and Asia with a growing work portfolio in both markets.  We are interested to hear from suitably qualified applicants who preferably are currently able to work in New Zealand, have AusIMM Chartered Professional status, and who have specific experience in copper, gold and coal, underground and open pit mines, seismic conditions tropical environments or New Zealand.  We offer competitive remuneration and excellent lifestyle opportunities with technical and challenging work opportunities.  Travel is definite and must be accepted by any applicant.

Should you wish to apply, please register interest with a CV at info@rdcl.co.nz.

William joins the other senior appointments at RDCL made during the year.  The intent is to build a platform for growth, and “steady the ship” through a turbulent period of rapid growth over a number of markets.

We are very lucky to have William and the whole team looks forward to engagement with him.

(http://www.pike.co.nz/files/investor_centre/Rights_Issue2010-Prospectus.pdf, Appendix 1).

We have reviewed the report against the inferences with which it was referred including it’s findings as it relates to risk and geological structure at the mine as it was then known, and for transparency draw any public attention to the Executive Summary of the document as extracted below:

Pike River Coal LimitedNew Zealand Registered Company Number 114243 – Australian Registered Body Number 119 304 148Simplified Disclosure Prospectus, May 2010.

Appendix 1: Independent Review New Geological Datawith respect to 2006 Resource StatementPike River Coal Mine

Executive Summary

Pike River Coal Limited (PRCL) commissioned Resource Development Consultants Limited (RDCL) to complete an independent review of the geological data acquired since the original 2006 resource statement was released in 2007 as part of the PRCL IPO.

The Scope of the review is to assess whether the additional geological data acquired since 2006 has resulted in any material change to the resource statement for the project. We understand that the review may be incorporated in a prospectus for a 2010 capital raising.

Various reports completed since the inception of this project indicate the potential for geological risk. PRCL has implemented procedures to acquire geological data to mitigate these potential risks. RDCL completed a data acquisition site visit in February 2010. Geological data was initially reviewed on site and additional data was provided electronically as required. Both the PRCL Feasibility Study Report and the Behre Dolbear Associates (BDA) independent technical review were provided to RDCL at the time of the site visit.

The potential impact of any new geological data on the reserve statement is outside the scope of this work review.

In our opinion there is no material change to the PRCL resource over that reflected in the 2006 resource estimate. The 2006 resource estimate is based upon the in-situ estimate of the tonnes and coal quality characteristics of the Brunner Coal Measures, and is considered an appropriate global estimate. The geological data that has been acquired since this model was prepared has broadly confirmed the characteristics of thickness and coal quality for the Brunner seam.

The high resolution geological data such as the underground mapping and inseam drilling that is now routinely being acquired on site indicates that the Brunner seam does have significant faulting in the current development area, with both partial seam and full seam offsets encountered within the mine. This is not reflected in the global resource estimate due to the density of data available for modelling and the resolution at which the model is developed.

It is not uncommon for these types of issues to be encountered in a mining environment. Access to the resource at the exploration stage and financial constraints involved in exploring a deposit mean that resource estimates are routinely developed upon a limited data set which is intended to represent the entire deposit. Mine development and grade control activities are then established to gather sufficient geological data to validate or refine the detailed mine plans and reduce the geological uncertainty to a level that can be managed within the standard operational environment.

In reviewing this project, we believe that geological risk due to localised faulting impacting upon mine development will be an on-going challenge for the project.

Good geological practice within the mining environment will mitigate the geological risk to an acceptable level. An on-going commitment to inseam drilling, mapping and grade control systems will deliver geological data of value in planning extraction in any upcoming 18 month period. This will require significant investment and on-going integration between mine development and technical services on site.

The short term focus needs to be maintained on targeted data acquisition in those areas scheduled for initial extraction;  gathering and integrating enough geological data to ensure potential development risks are minimised. Grade control will be an essential long term requirement to enhance mine planning and manage risk for the PRCL project.

RDCL has not re-estimated the PRCL resource, but has reviewed the resource and the geological data that has been acquired since the resource estimate was compiled. PRCL has advised that all permits and consents are in good standing.

This report is intended for the express use by PRCL in connection with the financing activity for the Pike River Coal Mine and should not be used or relied upon for any other purpose. Neither the whole nor any part of this report nor any reference thereto may be included in or with or attached to any document or used for any other purpose, without written consent as to the form and context in which it appears

Straterra is focused on the future of this country and very clearly, it’s about NZ Inc.  There is no room for old “them and us”, “with ‘em or against ‘em” paradigm.  There is only “us” and our collective future as a country.

We need to build incomes, stop the brain drain, build capability and skills and increase value in our export products.  We think Straterra understands that, has the focus, thinking and capacity to help realise that goal.

We particularly like the “mining centre” that has been created at 93 The Terrace, in the Straterra offices.  This is intended an gathering point, and we can see it is already in action.

We look forward to contributing to Straterra as it grows and develops.  RDCL as a leading supplier of mining, mine geology and mine geotechnical services in New Zealand and overseas is very pleased to have joined the team.

Ryan McPeek is most recently from Australia in the Bowen Basin, graduating from the US in 2008.

Our geology team is growing in power and capability as we have focused on it.

The current team includes:

• Peter Church, Principal, coal, Cu, Au, iron sand;
• Tom Grace, Senior Geologist, coal, Cu, ironsand;
• Lucy Helwett, Senior Geologist; coal, Environmental Geology;
• Sam Ritchie, Geologist, coal;
• Rachel Baggs, Senior Geologist, coal and
• Ryan McPeek, Geologist, coal.

….and Richard Tichborne, Engineering Geologist, coal and ironsand who we are moving more back into geotechnical as his first love, but who remains a capable “reserve” to the geology crew.

We think this is the most capable geological group in the New Zealand service industry.  We are this week interviewing a very experienced geologist with capital project development experience and hope to announce that appointment soon.

Richard (Branson) says:

1. Assemble a management team with vision, passion and sense of ownership. Look for leaders who listen – to employees and customers.
2. A business is….a group of people bound together by a common purpose and vision. Manager must look for the best in people – catch someone doing something right everyday.
3. Lighten up.  Find the fun in your business.  Ensure your customers and staff feel a sense of warmth and affection.
4. Have courage.  Have the bravery to give it a go and the resolve and conviction to overcome hurdles and the confidence for people to follow.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/small-business/4045103/Richard-Bransons-leadership-tips