TOP STORIES: 
 
Freeport-McMoRan: Grasberg Work Stoppage Ends; Sees Full Production In 2Q 

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. (FCX) expects its Grasberg mining and milling operations to reach full production in the second quarter as its Indonesia unit has restarted operations after a labor-related shutdown on Feb. 23.

 
CESCO Says Codelco, Anglo Dispute May Affect Sector 

LONDON--The battle between Chile's state-run miner Codelco and U.K.-listed Anglo American PLC (AAL.LN, AAUKY), for a disputed mine project, could have serious consequences for the entire mining industry, including higher taxation, a senior executive from Chilean copper body CESCO said Thursday.

 
 STORIES OF INTEREST: 
 
S Africa's Eskom Envisages Role In New Nuclear Development 

JOHANNESBURG (Dow Jones)--South Africa's state-owned electricity producer Eskom Holdings Ltd. said it envisions itself playing a key role in the further development of nuclear power in the country.

 
First Quantum, Unions Set To Petition Court Over Wage Demand 

LUSAKA, Zambia (Dow Jones)--First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (FM.T, FQVLF) and miners' unions in Zambia have decided Thursday to petition the country's industrial relations court after mediation talks over a 22% wage demand failed to resolve the issue, a union official said.

 
Peru Says It Won't Give In To Violent Protests By Miners 

LIMA (Dow Jones)--Peru's government said Thursday it won't give in to violent protests by unregulated miners while it looks to bring the activity under control.

 
Poland's KGHM Hasn't Proposed Takeover - Metminco Director 

South American copper and gold explorer Metminco Ltd (MMCLF, MNC.AU) said Thursday it hasn't been approached by Poland's KGHM Polska Miedz SA (KGH.WA) with regard to a potential takeover proposal.

 
Chile's Mining Industry Faces Rising Costs Over Labor-Antofagasta 

LONDON (Dow Jones)--Cost inflation in the Chilean mining industry is a key issue particularly in terms of sourcing skilled labor, a senior executive at Chilean miner Antofagasta PLC (ANTO.LN, ANFGY) said Thursday.

 
CESCO: Miners Must Adapt Methods To Meet New Challenges 

LONDON (Dow Jones)--The traditional approach of the mining industry won't be enough to address the challenges posed by a more complicated, demanding world, an executive at CESCO said Thursday.

 
 MARKETS: 
 
BASE METALS: Copper Futures Rally Alongside Stocks On Data 

NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Copper futures settled higher, mirroring gains in equities, as stronger manufacturing data signaled a brighter economic landscape for the U.S. while the dollar weakened.

-By Tatyana Shumsky, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-3095, tatyana.shumsky@dowjones.com