BHP Billiton Ltd. (NYSE:BHP) is betting on the iron ore market as one of the forces to drive the mining industry in the next decade, especially as developing nations such as China move from investment-led economic growth to consumption-led economic growth.

Sinopec Group, China’s second biggest oil and gas producer, announced it has launched its first shale gas project, expecting to produce 300 to 500 million cubic metres a year by the end of 2012, said the conglomerate on Tuesday.

Mexico, the world’s largest silver producer, is expected to become the next source of “mega” gold projects as experts predict its bullion production will increase considerably in the next five years.

Brazilian tycoon Eike Batista just got richer. CCX, a division of the billionaire’s EBX Group energy arm MPX, announced it has completed a study of coal reserves in the San Juan underground mines in Colombia, discovering a 672 million tons reserve, the fifth largest coal deposit in the world.

Liberty Mines Inc. today announced results from a deep drill program on its Hart Nickel Deposit that suggests increased mineralization at depth.

Even by the not very high standards of current US political discourse, the polemic is a little thin on logic.

Hal Quinn, President and CEO of the National Mining Association, testified before Congress today on new legislation that would address America's dependence on critical metals.

Osisko Mining was down another 12% today after providing an update on a mill fire at its Canadian Malarctic Mine in Quebec last week.

Baja Mining stock was up 10% today after the embattled junior miner announced its CEO has resigned.