USGS releases first study to assess global earthquake risk to mineral supplies
Earthquakes have the potential to substantially affect mining operations, leading to supply chain disruptions that adversely affect the global economy.
Gold dropped below $1,300 per ounce Tuesday, hitting its lowest since early August, as investors dumped precious metals and fled to cash amid worries over the U.S. government shutdown.
Spot gold slid 3% to $1,286 per ounce. For the second session in a row, gold futures for December delivery were recently down 2.3%, or $30, at $1,297 per ounce, after Congress failed to reach agreement and pass a spending measure by a midnight deadline, allowing most federal services to shut down today.
Analysts are warning that a prolonged shutdown will hinder U.S. economic growth.