
Belgian group Umicore (UMI.BR: Quote) forecast improved earnings this year due to strong demand for its automotive catalysts and improved supply for its precious metal recycling business.
The metals and speciality materials maker said on Tuesday it expected 2011 operating profit (recurring earnings before interest and tax) to rise to 400-425 million euros ($559-$594 million) from 342 million last year.
Belgium imported $1.41 billion worth of rough diamonds in May and exported $1.47 billion in goods, rising 99.3% and 71.7% respectively, according to figures released by the AWDC on Thursday.
Orezone Gold Corporation (ORE:TSX) is pleased to announce that it has completed the sale of its Sega Gold Project ("Sega") in Burkina Faso to Cluff Gold plc (Cluff) for total consideration of approximately US$26.5M.