Mining the Americas in 2019 — a forecast

India, China to require more coal for power, copper for infrastructure.

Patrice Merrin, 65, is a veteran to the industry.

Mongolia blocks accused from leaving country, often for years.

The firm is halting its Pinnacle metallurgical coal mine in West Virginia for at least six months, unless market conditions improve.

The former billionaire denied media reports saying his $150 million agreement to buy coal mine could be delayed or derailed because he has not satisfied contractual financing conditions.

Up to 3,000 jobs could be axed from BHP's flagship iron ore division, where 500 jobs have already been lost.

The high court backed the EPA's carbon emission cuts for large facilities, but said it has no rights over smaller polluters such as apartment buildings, schools or restaurants.

Total coal exports, however, fell 13.1% in the quarter, from 17.4 million tons in the first quarter of 2013 to 15.1 million tonnes in the same period this year.

Net profits from progressing economies-based miners reached $24 billion in 2013, compared to a net loss of $4 billion for developed market firms.