MINING.COM

Climate scientists want ‘serious’ State Dept. review of oil sands emissions

Ten widely cited climate scientists say the State Department’s review of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline should include a “serious” evaluation of how enabling Canadian oil sands development will affect the planet’s climate.

The Hill | July 17, 2012 | 6:11 pm

Dear gold, thanks for the diversification

Research just out from the World Gold Council, titled ‘Gold as a Strategic Asset for UK Investors’, adds to the evidence that gold investing adds diversification to a portfolio like nothing else.

Will Bancroft - The Real Asset Co | July 17, 2012 | 4:47 pm

Iron ore falls through $130 as Chinese steel price hits 2012 low

A build-up in steel inventories and a steep drop-off in demand as China's building boom begins to look more and more unsustainable send iron ore down 3.4% in just the last week and more than 25% below the $174 a tonne struck this time last year.

Frik Els | July 17, 2012 | 4:11 pm

Rio iron ore output hits record amid ‘marked drop in sentiment’

Chief executive Tom Albanese says: "We are keeping a close eye on the pace of the US recovery, the continuing Euro-zone crisis and the impact of efforts to stimulate the Chinese economy on the markets that we serve."

MINING.com Editor | July 17, 2012 | 3:19 pm

Rio Tinto provides diamond production report

Rough diamond production for the second quarter of 2012 increased 6% from the corresponding period of 2011 due to higher grade ore, but decreased 28 per cent compared with the first quarter of 2012 due to lower grades and a planned processing plant shutdown.

MINING.COM Staff Writer | July 17, 2012 | 9:39 am

Chinese media confirms rumours of rare earth stockpiling by state

Chinese media sources have confirmed rumours of government stockpiling of rare earths which have been in circulation since earlier this month with China’s leading English-language daily reporting that the central government has budgeted around US$949 million for the undertaking.

Marc Howe | July 17, 2012 | 5:35 am