Rockcliff Metals drills historic gold mine in Manitoba

Canada should not take for granted its position as a mining industry giant.

Gold prices have dropped 18.5% so far this year.

Labour disputes also affected the country's gross domestic product and credit rating.

Barrick already at risk of a downgrade at today's gold price, but at $1,200 the world's largest gold producer faces junk status.

"It is a question of who has got the biggest guns - the shorts have made their play - let's see if there is any response from the longs."

So perhaps it was a central bank conspiracy after all. Just not the one you would've expected.

"Wouldn't this exactly be like how it would happen?"

Glencore CEO Ivan Glasenberg will become head of the combined entity.

Mining in Ghana today is mostly done illegally, by both undocumented immigrants and children.