Brazil studying auction of rights to six unexplored mining areas in 2019

The head of the world’s second largest mining company, Sam Walsh, said he will soon stop focusing on cost cuts to centre on growth again.

Project generators operate in different markets and stages of project development. Risk profiles vary considerably; leading to diversification within the universe.

Lucara has discovered rare diamonds in the past, including a 9.46-carat blue diamond that fetched $4.5 million in 2012.

While the mining industry seems to be on its way up, cash-strapped juniors continue to struggle.

Last year's top earner was a coal miner who ended the year $15 million in the black.

A govt clampdown saw Indian imports of gold bars almost halve, but the diamond trade is robust with rough imports up 24% and polished exports jumping 31%.

It consists 44 pieces of artwork valued at more than US$1 million, and is on display at the AAMU Museum of Contemporary Aboriginal Art in the Netherlands.

Dutch designer Daan Roosegaarde is developing a new, energy-friendly mechanism to suck smog out of the air and transform it into diamonds, to be tested in Beijing.

It will operate in English, Spanish and Portuguese.