MINING.COM MINUTE: Biggest stories of the week

Billions wiped from mining sector as gold, silver prices fall and copper, iron ore prices plummet to 2009 levels amid Chinese stock market collapse.

As high volatility in the Chinese stock-market reinforced worries of a dropping demand from the nation, the world’s top metals consumer.

Getting — and keeping — a social license to operate, as well as resource nationalism, remain among the top five business risks for the industry.

Successful resource investors have to make their way past a lot of money pits before they find a stock that will make it to the top.

The move is part of a plan to sell the government's holdings in 10 state-owned companies over this year and next to boost foreign investment and revive growth.

China's central bank commitment to ensure policy remained prudent this year may mean no more monetary stimulus, which could see copper demand growth slow further.

The funds will come from the company’s own 2014 profits, as the state-owned miner gives its profits to Chile's government.

Cuts likely to be announced at the end of the month, when the miner is set to publish its first-half results.

The company, which owns a gold project in Mongolia, is optimistic about the country's stance towards foreign mining investment over the coming years.