MINING.COM’s ranking of the world’s 50 most valuable mining stocks marched to a new high of $1.47 trillion at the end of the second quarter.

Australia’s pro-fossil fuel government has rejected demands for tougher action on reef preservation, insisting it is already making improvements through a A$3 billion ($2.2 billion) investment program.

Diamond production rose by 134% compared to last year as consumer demand recovered, while platinum output rose 59% to 1.06 million ounces.