Burkina Faso produces 34 tonnes of artisanal gold per year, but only 300kg was formally exported in 2019 due to a lack of traceability and lower export taxes in neighbouring countries.

Out of the 27 key commodities, Fitch sees 19 of them averaging lower on a year-on-year basis.

The shift to risker and less liquid assets strengthens the case for an allocation to gold, given its unique combination as a highly liquid diversifier, that can reduce portfolio volatility, the World Gold Council says.

Angela Bigg, previously general manager, operations, will be the first female to lead the mine and its 1,100 employees.

"In two separate trials, we’ve used blockchain to exchange data and documents digitally, improving efficiency and transparency and reducing bureaucracy, risk and red tape," says BHP chief commercial officer.

Today, the gap between ambition and action is greater than ever, and the part that companies involved in the industry will be required to play, remains hazy at best, says WoodMac.

The company secured rights to earn up to 90% of 28 mining claims and 1 mineral lease totaling 4,968 Hectares covering the Sherridon mining district.

The licences are adjacent to the Bulyanhulu mine and have the potential to add significant mineral reserves to Barrick’s asset base in Tanzania, the company said

The merger of BHP’s oil and gas portfolio with Woodside will create a global top 10 independent energy company by production and the largest energy company listed on the ASX.