Chalkstone was born out of counter-insurgency tactics used by troops in Afghanistan, but its unique methodology is now being used by miners, which can map-out power structures and counter the potentially crippling risk of strikes and political opposition.
The company that unearthed the world's second-largest diamond but has so far failed to sell it, is mulling a partnership to sell the giant stone if a buyers is not found within the next six to eight weeks.
South Africa's mineral resources department has withdrawn its plan to impose a moratorium suspending the issuance of new mining and prospecting rights, which had drawn a court challenge by an industry group.
SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest physically-backed gold fund, saw its holdings drop more than 7 percent in July, as investors dumped bullion for other assets like equities and led it to its biggest monthly decline since April 2013.