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molten gold being poured jpeg Glossary of terms
Our Web site is loaded with technical terminology and industry jargon. If you run across a word or phrase you don't understand, you can probably find its definition here.

Q & A
Why does Placer Dome mine gold?
What else does Placer Dome mine?
How do you know where to look for gold?
What is the percentage breakdown of Placer Dome's mining production?
What is Placer Dome doing about protecting the environment?
What kinds of jobs does Placer Dome have?

Why does Placer Dome mine gold?

Gold is a metal which is traded on world markets, with individual buyers and sellers generally unable to exert significant influence over pricing or quantities sold. Gold is used primarily in the fabrication of jewelry. Other uses include electronics and coin fabrication, dentistry and decorative applications. There is also significant demand for gold as an investment.

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What else does Placer Dome mine?

Silver
Silver is a metal which is traded on world markets, with individual buyers and sellers generally unable to exert significant influence over pricing or quantities sold. Silver is used in photography, jewelry, electrical equipment, mirrors, tableware, brazing alloys, coins and commemorative medals. Most silver production is undertaken in tandem with, or as a byproduct of, lead/zinc, copper and gold mining operations. Placer Dome markets its silver to international buyers on a spot market basis and through forward sales contracts and other hedging instruments.

Copper
Copper is used in telecommunications, automobiles, construction and consumer durables. Activity in these areas influences the price of copper. Copper concentrates produced by the Osborne Mine are marketed to smelters in Japan and the Philippines. Electrowon copper cathode, produced at the Zaldívar Mine, is marketed to Japan and Europe.

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How do you know where to look for gold?

Exploration is the heart of gold mining. Placer Dome's exploration strategy combines the acquisition of promising "middle to advanced stage" properties with generative and grassroots exploration. This ensures a steady supply of projects with potential to maintain long-term growth in gold production.

Placer Dome North America -- based in Vancouver, BC -- leads Placer Dome's exploration programme by evaluating opportunities and directing activities around the world. The newest exploration office opened in Côte d'Ivoire, in West Africa. In South America, exploration offices are located in Brazil, Chile, Peru and Venezuela. In Australia, there are exploration offices in Brisbane, and in Belmont, near Perth. In the Pacific and Asia region, exploration offices are in Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines. In North America, U.S. exploration offices are in Elko and Reno, Nevada, and in Anchorage, Alaska. In Canada, exploration offices are located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Red Lake, Timmins and Toronto, Ontario, and Val d'Or, Quebec. Operating mines also explore on their own mine properties or venture areas for new discoveries.

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What is the percentage breakdown of Placer Dome's mining production?

Consolidated gold production in 1996 was derived from mines in Canada (47%), Australia and Papua New Guinea (30%), United States (17%) and Latin America (6%). Production outside North America and Australia was 27% in 1996, 31% in 1995, 35% in 1994, 35% in 1993, 39% in 1992 and 35% in 1991.

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What is Placer Dome doing about protecting the environment?

The mining industry is subject to stringent environmental regulations. All of Placer Dome's activities, from exploration through reclamation, are subject to legislation. Government regulation of the industry requires extensive monitoring activities and contingency planning for accidental discharges into the environment.

Placer Dome's environmental policy is reviewed annually and revised as required to provide the basis for maintaining the Corporation's position as an environmental leader. The latest revision was approved by the Board of Directors on February 18, 1994. In support of this policy Placer Dome has established a comprehensive environmental management system, standards and guidelines which apply to all regions and activities including operations, development and exploration. Improvements are made to all systems on a regular basis in keeping with the major principles underlying the environmental policy.

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What kinds of jobs does Placer Dome have?

As of December 31, 1996, Placer Dome employed approximately 8,300 people worldwide. Placer Dome also retained a number of temporary employees or contractors to provide a variety of services in seasonal work or on specific projects. Employment levels have increased by 18% since 1994.

Communications training was conducted throughout the organization in 1995 with team effectiveness as the philosophical cornerstone of the program. Continuous improvement in employee development and employee relations are a key element of Placer Dome's corporate strategy.

During 1996, Placer Dome continued to improve its worldwide capabilities through its efforts in international policy development and its focus on career and succession planning systems. Placer Dome is committed to creating strength and depth in the organization through investing in the talent of our people.


To research the mining industry for other details, check out Info-Mine and Goldsheet.

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