Transactions must be fully backed by physical metal and settled on the same day to observe Islam's distinction between real economic activity and speculation.
Situation has worsened as a result of a shortage of new discoveries, cost cutting measures and miners digging out higher-grade material for a short-term gain, say experts.
A fitting reflection of the enormous contributions that the mining sector has made to the development of many northern parts of our vast country and unfortunately, are largely ignored by our mainstream media.