The President's proposed fiscal 2013 federal budget calls for a 5% gross mining royalty on federal lands, and a hardrock abandoned mined land fee on all private and public lands.

Augustin Katumba Mwanke, the former governor of copper-rich Katanga province and go-to guy for resource deals, was seen by many as the power behind the throne.

Fortescue Metals was up 5% Monday on rumours that Canadian coal and copper/zinc miner Teck Resources is making a play for the third-largest iron ore producer in Australia.

An Indian conglomerate is planning to build Queensland's biggest coal mine near Rockhampton in the state's central region, including a new town, runway, railway and port facilities.

Although some Asian firms have found creative ways of doing business with Iran, European iron ore traders and shipping companies are shying away completely from transacting with the country as US-led sanctions start to have an impact.

The Philippines is taking a cue from South Africa, Australia and Zambia, all recent examples of government attempts to extract more revenues from their mining sectors and add more controls.

Anglo Platinum, the world's number one platinum producer, suffered more than 80 safety-related work stoppages including 12 fatalities, that resulted in lower output and a drop in profits of over 60% in 2011.

Canadian Zinc Corp., the company developing a new zinc mine in the Northwest Territories, announced a major share purchase by a Chinese investor today.

Canada Lithium Corp. (TSX: CLQ) (OTCQX: CLQMF) is pleased to announce that The Bank of Nova Scotia (“Scotiabank”) and Caterpillar Financial (“CAT”) have provided credit-approved commitments to Canada Lithium Corp. to provide a C$75-million, five-year debt facility to finance Canada Lithium’s Québec Lithium open pit mine and process plant near Val d’Or, Québec.