This will authorize additional area for surface exploration, reducing operational and regulatory uncertainty for the project and extending the proposed project life.

More small companies are cutting precious metal deals with sector giants to bankroll new projects without surrendering equity.

Despite a mainly negative sentiment towards gold from investors as evidenced in the continued liquidation in gold-backed exchange-traded funds amid signs of an improving U.S. economy, the crisis in Ukraine has prompted in recent safe-haven buying which helped boost the price of gold to three-week highs above $1,300 an ounce.

The majors continue to focus on rigorous cost control measures and disciplined M&A activities and juniors still seek the right opportunities.

The autonomous trucks cut costs by reducing the need to house, feed and employ four drivers.

Stock is up 6% on Tuesday after regional drilling returns 226.8gpt gold over 3.1m including 442gpt over 1.6 metres.

Lucara has discovered rare diamonds in the past, including a 9.46-carat blue diamond that fetched $4.5 million in 2012.

While the mining industry seems to be on its way up, cash-strapped juniors continue to struggle.

The Gedabek mine expects to exceed its target to produce 595 tonnes of copper for 2014.