Recent Articles

Fed’s position on QE crushes silver

Posted on April 8, 2012

Silver moved into the second quarter displaying a pattern investors are likely becoming all too familiar with, whereby the market shows signs of strength at the opening of the week, responds negatively to a midweek disappointment, and attempts to claw its way back with the approach of the weekend.

US job growth boosts copper bulls

Posted on April 7, 2012

Copper hit its highest level in 2012 this week, boosted by strong manufacturing data from China. Steady job growth in the US too is pushing up demand, but downside risks especially in Europe remain.

Potash prices steady as contracts continue

Posted on April 5, 2012

Recent potash contract placements by some of the world’s largest buyers have raised hopes of a resurgence in the fortunes of potash companies and their investors.

Silver responds to Fed, then weakens

Posted on March 31, 2012

Silver started this week moving in a positive direction, but is now back under pressure. The metal has yet to return to its February 29 high, and it appears that many investors are deciding not to wait around.

Silver tailings: Profitable waste?

Posted on March 27, 2012

Tailings are materials produced from mining such as milled rock and effluents. In many cases, massive quantities of these materials, regarded as waste, are left from previous operations. Given the potential health and environmental risks associated with tailings, they could be viewed as problems or project deterrents, but then again, they could be viewed as a source of cash.

Arizona’s copper mining challenges

Posted on March 23, 2012

There is no doubt that copper mining is a big business in Arizona, supporting over 62,000 jobs and contributing about $7.5 billion to the state’s GDP. But for Arizona to retain its prominent position in the industry, and indeed for the United States to remain a significant producer of the metal, the way that state legislature and national regulations move forward on land and mining rights will be critical.

Ucore Working on Rare Earth Ramp-Up in Alaska

Posted on March 19, 2012

Alaska Dispatch reported on Ucore's (TSXV:UCU) progress at the Bokan rare earth project in Alaska.

The scramble for Africa's copper: Never mind the Chinese, Ivanhoe's Friedland says he has the prize asset

Posted on March 11, 2012

Serial mega-mine developer Robert Friedland said in early February that Ivanplats will be developing the Kamoa mine in the DRC, Africa’s largest copper project that will have a lifespan that can be “measured in generations as opposed to decades.”

Rare earth abundance: China could come close to doubling exports

Posted on March 9, 2012

China, the world’s largest supplier of rare earth, may almost double exports this year, meeting quotas set by the government as lower prices continue to stimulate demand.

Challenges facing the Australian diamond industry

Posted on February 29, 2012

After five years of declines, primarily attributed to low production, poor prices, and a high Australian dollar, IBISWorld’s “Industries to fly and fall in 2012” report forecasts a “revenue rebound” for Australia’s diamond and gemstone mining industry that will involve five years of growth with industry revenues climbing to $947.3 million by 2016-17.

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