Russia's two main rail lines into Asia and, in particular China, are increasingly overburdened which is causing a headache for metals firms looking to increase exports.

Japan's imports of rare earths from China rose 40 percent in March from the previous month, Ministry of Finance data showed, with some observers saying demand is so far unaffected by last month's devastating quake though the outlook remains murky.

With six drillholes confirming high-grade gold over 250 metres of strike in a recently discovered area at the Black Fox mine in the Timmins district, Canada, Brigus Gold (TSX: BRD) dedicated all drilling resources on site to the new prospect that it's calling the 147 zone. On news of the quickly growing gold zone Brigus' shareprice gained over three percent and was trading at C$1.48 at presstime.

Barrick's Q1 earnings rose 22% to $1.0 billion, up from $820 million a year ago. The company, which released its quarterly financial results on Wednesday, said the rise was due to better than expected production results and higher prices for copper and gold. Barrick's earnings per share were an even $1.00. The total cash cost per ounce of gold is $437 while net cash cost is $308. Barrick said cash costs were ahead of budget due to higher production at its Cortez, Goldstrike and Veladero operations.

Nemaska Exploration reported on Wednesday drill results for its Whabouchi lithium project. Highlights were 53.5 m at 1.81% Li2O, 39.6 m at 1.56% Li2O, 13.5 m at 1.81% Li2O and 17.0 m at 1.71% Li2O. Results were from 10 additional holes from a recently completed drill program. In total, the company has drilled more than 43 holes totalling 8,909 metres.

La Quinta Resources Corporation (TSX VENTURE:LAQ) ("La Quinta") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire the Carruthers Pass, B.C. massive sulfide project from Cariboo Rose Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:CRB) ("Cariboo Rose"). Under the terms of the LOI, the Company can acquire 90% of the project from Cariboo Rose over a six (6) year term by spending $2 million in work commitments on the project, and making payments of $470,000 cash and issuing 2 million shares of the Company's common stock to Cariboo Rose.

Troy Resources NL (ASX & TSX: TRY) disclosed today that follow up drilling on the Kamila South East zone produced more significant results from the high grade Inca Vein. An earlier assay produced 14.7 metres grading 7.79 grams/tonne gold and 1,292 g/t silver (26.24 g/t Au equivalent), and subsequent drilling produced more positive results.

Shares in Equinox Minerals (EQN.AX) jumped 7 percent in Australia on Wednesday after the copper miner accepted a $7.7 billion takeover offer from the world's largest gold miner, Barrick Gold (ABX.TO).

The latest bonanza grade gold-PGM drill results from the Serra Pelada project in Brazil are making it easy for Colossus Minerals (TSX: CSI) to live up to its name. Since 2007 Colossus Minerals and 25-percent joint-venture partner COOMIGASP have been pushing the southwestern extent of high-grade gold, platinum and palladium mineralization beyond a historic open-pit mine.