London stocks edged lower in early trade on Tuesday as investors digested the latest UK jobs data, weighed down by weakness in the mining sector and a disappointing update from Ocado.

At 0840 BST, the FTSE 100 was down 0.3% at 7,046.51.

Figures released earlier by the Office for National Statistics showed worker numbers bounced back in August to pre-pandemic levels, while job vacancies hit a record high as the recovery from the Covid-19 crisis continues.

The number of workers on payrolls increased by 241,000 from August to 29.1m, while the number of job vacancies in the June to August period rose 35% to a new record high of 1.03m, with the biggest jump in hiring seen in hotels and restaurants.

Meanwhile, the unemployment rate fell to 4.6% in July from 4.7% the month before, in line with analysts expectations.

In the three months to July, average earnings fell to 8.3% from 8.8% but were ahead of expectations of 8.2%.

ONS deputy national statistician Jonathan Athow said: "Early estimates from payroll data suggest that in August the total number of employees is around the same level as before the pandemic, though our surveys show well over a million are still on furlough.

"However, this recovery isnt even: in hard-hit areas such as London and sectors such as hospitality and arts and leisure, the numbers of workers remain well down on pre-pandemic levels.

"The overall employment rate continues to recover, particularly among groups such as young workers who were hard hit at the outset of the pandemic, while unemployment has fallen.

"Vacancies reached a new record high. Not surprisingly, this is driven above all by hospitality, the sector with the highest proportion of employers reporting their job openings are hard to fill."

In equity markets, Ocado slumped after the online supermarket said sales at Ocado Retail dropped by considerably more than expected over its third quarter, but only due to a conflagration at its customer fulfilment centre at Erith.

Miners were under the cosh as copper prices fell, with BHP, Glencore, Anglo American, Rio Tinto and Antofagasta all lower. Mining giant BHP was also hit by a downgrade to equalweight at Barclays.

British Airways and Iberia parent IAG flew lower after a downgrade to neutral from outperform at BNP Paribas.

On the upside, JD Sports Fashion surged to the top of the FTSE 100 after it reported record first-half results, boosted by pent-up demand after UK stores reopened from lockdown and acquisitions in the US.

Pre-tax profit before exceptional items jumped to 439.5m in the six months to the end of July from 61.9m a year earlier as revenue rose to 3.89bn from 2.54bn. JD said it expected annual headline pre-tax profit for the full year to be at least 750m.

Trainline rallied as it predicted a return to profit in the first half of the year as ticket sales recovered from the damage inflicted early in the pandemic. Group net ticket sales were 666m in the three months to the end of August to stand at 71% of the total two years earlier. In the first half net ticket sales of 1bn were 54% of the level two years earlier.

Market Movers

FTSE 100 (UKX) 7,046.51 -0.31%FTSE 250 (MCX) 23,809.11 0.14%techMARK (TASX) 4,685.12 0.13%

FTSE 100 - Risers

JD Sports Fashion (JD.) 1,141.50p 8.82%Ashtead Group (AHT) 5,918.00p 1.44%Royal Mail (RMG) 493.60p 1.27%M&G (MNG) 207.10p 1.17%SSE (SSE) 1,650.00p 1.13%InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) 4,663.00p 1.13%Bunzl (BNZL) 2,592.00p 0.97%Kingfisher (KGF) 358.80p 0.93%B&M European Value Retail S.A. (DI) (BME) 583.80p 0.86%Barratt Developments (BDEV) 701.80p 0.69%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Ocado Group (OCDO) 1,795.50p -4.77%International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 145.40p -1.96%BHP Group (BHP) 2,040.50p -1.92%Glencore (GLEN) 333.60p -1.85%Anglo American (AAL) 3,037.50p -1.79%HSBC Holdings (HSBA) 374.40p -1.56%Rio Tinto (RIO) 5,211.00p -1.44%Antofagasta (ANTO) 1,438.50p -1.37%Melrose Industries (MRO) 177.50p -1.20%Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 110.62p -1.18%

FTSE 250 - Risers

Trainline (TRN) 392.40p 3.81%Contour Global (GLO) 195.20p 2.31%Hammerson (HMSO) 34.03p 2.04%Future (FUTR) 3,746.00p 1.79%888 Holdings (888) 400.20p 1.68%WH Smith (SMWH) 1,590.00p 1.63%Frasers Group (FRAS) 673.50p 1.51%Countryside Properties (CSP) 531.50p 1.43%UK Commercial Property Reit Limited (UKCM) 77.30p 1.31%Cineworld Group (CINE) 64.08p 1.30%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Ferrexpo (FXPO) 361.20p -4.80%Restaurant Group (RTN) 120.00p -3.54%Cairn Energy (CNE) 184.80p -2.17%Petropavlovsk (POG) 19.83p -1.54%PureTech Health (PRTC) 345.50p -1.29%Fidelity China Special Situations (FCSS) 347.50p -1.28%TP Icap Group (TCAP) 160.00p -1.26%Hill & Smith Holdings (HILS) 1,862.00p -0.85%Shaftesbury (SHB) 618.50p -0.80%Hochschild Mining (HOC) 153.90p -0.77%

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London open: Stocks fall as investors digest jobs data; miners in the red - ShareCast

Brossard, Quebec - TheNewswire - September 15th, 2021 Windfall Geotek (TSXV:WIN) (OTC:WINKF) (FSE:L7C2) a leader in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with advanced knowledge-extraction techniques since 2005 in the mining sector is pleased to announce that its partner Dios Exploration (TSX-V:DOS) will drill Gold AI targets on Dios Explorations K2 project located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region, Quebec (Figures 1-3).

News Highlights

Windfall Geotek signed a strategic deal in June 2021 to sell Dios Exploration targets to be drilled within the year. Increasing target validation is a core part of the new strategy to help further improve our technology and prove credibility in the market

Dios also received positive soil samples inside the area of the AI target showing a potential positive sign of gold mineralization

The largest Windfall Geotek AI target covers an area of 0.87 km2 on the DIOS K2 Property

The AI analysis consisted of area of 148, 969 km2 in the James Bay Region that includes four geological sub provinces the Minto, La Grande, Opinaca-Opatica subprovince, and Ashuanipi complex (from north to south), consisting of volcano-plutonic and sedimentary assemblages

Geology indicates a contact between basalts & felsic tuffs, highlighted also by DIOSs VLF anomalies within the AI target

Positive soil samples inside the area of the AI target confirming as a valid gold target

Dinesh Kandanchatha, Chairman of Windfall Geotek commented: We are excited to progress to the next phase of our relationship with the DIOS Team. We at Windfall, leverage an outcome based model for our business, and those outcomes are validated by drill programs. Both management teams share a commitment to efficient use of capital and are excited about the potential of Windfalls technology and DIOS geological expertise to find and develop new resources.

Marie- Josee Girard, Presidente & Geologist of Dios Exploration Inc commented : We are very excited with this several km long gold-copper target area, pointed at with several combined methods, from Dios research and field work and Windfall Geotek AI targeting

Figure 1 - Windfall Geotek AI Targets with Satellite Imagery base layer

Figure 2 - Windfall Geotek AI Targets with regional geology base layer

Figure 3 - Windfall Geotek AI Targets with Geophysics base layer

The scientific and technical data contained in this press release was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Grigor Heba, Ph.D., P.Geo.,Principal Geologist and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.About Windfall Geotek Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) since 2005

Windfall is an Artificial Intelligence company that has been in business for over 15 years developing its proprietary CARDS analysis (AI) and data mining techniques. Windfall Geotek can count on a multidisciplinary team that includes professionals in geophysics, geology, Artificial Intelligence, and mathematics. It combines available public and private datasets including geophysical, drill hole and surface data. The algorithms designed and employed by Windfall are calculated to highlight areas of interest that have the potential to be geologically similar to other gold deposits and mineralization. The Company's objective is to develop a new royalty stream by significantly enhancing and participating in the exploration success rate of mining and to continue the Land Mine detection application as a high priority. Windfall has played a part in numerous past discoveries utilizing its methodology as described at: https://windfallgeotek.com/.

For further information, please contact:for

President and CTO of Windfall Geotek

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: http://www.windfallgeotek.comPhone: 1-855-946-5145

Additional information about the Company is available under Windfall Geoteks profile on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor does its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and using information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and they are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at http://WWW.SEDAR.COM).

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Dios Exploration to Drill Windfall Geotek Provided AI Targets on the K2 Project Located in James Bay, Quebec - Junior Mining Network

Zinc mines are recovering from the impacts of COVID-19, according to GlobalData, with production expected to recover by 5.2% in 2021 to reach 12.8 million t.

The data and analytics company notes that production declined by approximately 5.9% to 12.1 million t in 2020, mainly due to COVID-19 related lockdowns and restrictions. However, looking ahead, the company suggests that zinc production over the forecast period (2021 2025) is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1% to reach 13.9 million t in 2025.

Vinneth Bajaj, Mining Analyst at GlobalData, comments:

Bolivias zinc was particularly affected by the pandemic in 2020, but production is now expected to recover. Mines in the region such as the Colquiri, Cerro Rico, and San Cristobal sites are now reopening. Similarly, the re-opening of Perus Chungar Mining Unit, and El Porvenir and Cerro Lindo mines is expected to increase production in the country by 9.4%, to reach 1.5 million t in 2021.

However, production is not recovering in all regions, as declines are expected in Canada (-5.8%) and Brazil (-19.2%) mainly due to scheduled zinc mine closures and planned maintenance shutdowns.

The US, India, Australia, and Mexico will be the key contributors to zinc production growth in 2021 2025. Combined production in these countries is expected to increase from a forecasted 3.6 million t in 2021 to 4.2 million t in 2025.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/17092021/global-zinc-production-set-to-recover-in-2021/

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Global zinc production set to recover in 2021 - Global Mining Review

When recent graduates start job-searching they often realize that college didn't properly prepare them for the job market. Lacking skills required to land a job in their industry, some turn to massive open online courses (MOOCs) to fill in the gaps.

MOOCs are most popular with younger generations. Almost two-thirds of students taking MOOCs are under 35 years old. However, people of all ages join the classes.

So what is a MOOC? It's an online course anyone can take. MOOCs often enroll large numbers of students from all over the world.

Since MOOC classes are online, students can take coursesoffered by universities and countries in another part of the world. Individuals who would otherwise not be able to attend prestigious universities can learn from Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.

Enrollees use MOOCs to learn skills that will help them advance their careers, change their careers, or get more enjoyment out of life. For example, a computer programmer might use a MOOC to learn a new programming language. If you can demonstrate a skill, your employer may not care whether you learned it through a MOOC or a more traditional educational path.

The biggest advantage to taking a MOOC is that most are completely free. Many MOOCs are self-paced as well, making them flexible options for busy professionals. MOOC classes are best for self-motivated individuals who will progress without anyone keeping them accountable.

Most MOOCs provide an estimate of course length based on a suggested weekly time commitment. MOOCs typically take between one and 16 weeks to complete.

One downside of MOOC courses: In most cases, you receive no proof of completion. You don't get a certificate to show your employer or a degree to add to your wall. Some MOOC providers do offer completion certificates for a fee.

Free MOOCs attract students who either can't afford a college education or aren't interested in one. Other attendees are people who want to learn more about a hobby or topic of interest.

MOOCs are also popular with computer professionals -- even those with college degrees -- because they provide a convenient way to learn new languages and skills. These professionals can then add those skills to their resumes.

The popularity of MOOCs surged during the pandemic. Perhaps new students were unable to attend in-person schools and sought an alternative. Or maybe people who lost their jobs turned to MOOCs to learn new skills and increase their employability.

The most popular MOOC courses are often created by universities. Free courses from prestigious universities such as Harvard and Princeton attract many students.

Here are five of the most popular MOOC courses.

Over four million people have enrolled in Stanford University's machine learning course, offered via Coursera. Machine learning fuels web search, speech recognition, and self-driving cars. Students get introduced to machine learning techniques, datamining, and statistical pattern recognition.

More than three million people have enrolled in CS50's introduction to computer science, offered via edX. This 12-week Harvard University course teaches the art of programming and requires no prior programming experience. Students learn to solve problems efficiently with algorithms.

The University of Michigan offers programming for everybody (getting started with Python) through Coursera. The course teaches Python programming basics. This class targets students with moderate programming experience.

Analyzing and visualizing data with Exceltakes about six weeks to complete. Offered by Microsoft via edX, this self-paced data science course introduces tools for analyzing data in Excel. Students should understand how to use pivot tables and slicers before taking this course.

Princeton University offers algorithms, part one through Coursera. This free course covers algorithms and data structures, including scientific performance analysis of Java implementations. Students learn searching and sorting algorithms and elementary data structures.

If you want to advance your career without returning to college, a MOOC might help. Taking MOOCs demonstrates a commitment to self-improvement. You can provide your employer with a list of the MOOCs you have taken next time you're up for a promotion. Your additional education might give you an edge.

The skills you learn through MOOCs can help you improve your job performance. For example, a course on negotiation skills may come in handy if you work in sales, leading to higher commissions. In addition, taking MOOCs can increase your job prospects by giving you more skills for your resume.

You may even be able to change careers completely by taking MOOCs. This is especially true if you want to launch a career in technology, where skills are often more important than a degree.

Although MOOCs are by definition "open," some MOOC providers now charge for some of their courses. On Udemy, the list price typically ranges from $69.99 to $139.99 per course. The site often runs sales, reducing prices to about $14.99 to $25.99.

Many free online courses are still available through MOOC providers such as Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, and Udacity. For example, Coursera offers free courses from Yale University on the science of well-being and financial markets, as well as a course on successful negotiation strategies and skills from the University of Michigan.

Since most MOOC courses are free, the only question is whether they are worth your time. Is it worth it to you to spend 21 hours taking Peking University's Chinese for beginners course? If you're planning a trip to China, it might be. Likewise, a course on the strategy of content marketing could be useful if you work in marketing.

For MOOC classes that aren't free, you must consider the cost as well. Only you can decide how much a particular skill is worth to you. Consider how learning that skill will affect your work and bolster your resume. If a skill will help you land a better job, the class mayl be worth the cost.

A recent study asked employers how MOOC credentials compared to traditional postsecondary credentials. They also asked whether MOOC credentials on a freelancer's profile influence their decision to hire the freelancer.

The researchers found that employers prefer a bachelor of arts, associate of arts, or even a certificate from a community college to a MOOC credential. However, for candidates with no other educational experience, respondents preferred candidates with MOOC credentials over those with no MOOC credentials.

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MOOCs: What are they and why are they so popular? - ZDNet