December 9, 2012

Rio axes staff but quiet on how many

Mining giant Rio Tinto has reduced the number of staff working at its regional headquarters in Melbourne, but refuses to say how many remain.

December 9, 2012

From farms to mines: China’s rise brings broad changes to Australia and other trade partners

Tony Clift’s family has plowed the rich black soil of Australia’s Liverpool Plains for six generations. The thought of selling never crossed his mind — until a Chinese company came…

December 7, 2012

When the big just keeps getting bigger – Duluth releases new metals resource

A significant increase in the enormous Twin Metals polymetallic resource in Minnesota, and identified higher grade zones, means the project economics just look like getting better and better

December 7, 2012

CHART: Iron ore is having a great December as Chinese stockpiles are slashed

Things are shaping up nicely for 2013.

December 7, 2012

Afghanistan grants key copper and gold permits

The government of Afghanistan announced Friday its preferred bidders for three of its four current mineral tenders, with a consortium backed by City of London banker Ian Hannam, former BHP…

December 7, 2012

High mining wages deprive the South Pole of workers

Venerable Antarctic work program forced to extend deadline due to lack of applicants

December 7, 2012

China lifts outlook for mining sector in 2013 with accelerated infrastructure spending

Chinese economy to recover via investment in infrastructure and property

December 6, 2012

Vale says Chinese ban on its giant ships should be lifted next year

400,000 dead-weight tonne vessels costing $100 million each have never offloaded in China.

December 6, 2012

Mining machinery sits idle as Australia prices itself out of projects

Leading equipment provider reports that third of units sit unleased as project opportunities dry up

December 6, 2012

Global mining sector shows mild improvement as key activity index hits six month peak

Aggregate market cap also reaches highest point since April