Randgold looks to the Americas in quest to diversify

MarketWatch quotes  Nomura economist Zhiwei Zhang as saying:  "Overall, economic conditions are getting weaker at a fast pace. The slowdown is happening faster than the government expected."

Goldcorp. Inc. (TSX:G) says development will continue as planned on the $3.9-billion El Morro copper and gold project unless Chile's supreme court upholds a decision that rescinds its environmental permit.

Great Panther is pleased to report revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $57.8 million, representing a 37% increase over 2010. The Company's gross profit or earnings from mining operations increased by 64% to $26.9 million for 2011, and net earnings increased 8% to $11.5 million. The Company also increased working capital to $53.8 million at December 31, 2011, from $18.8 million at the end of the prior year.

Mining companies in Peru invested US$7.2 billion in 2011, 77% more than in 2010, Mines and Energy Ministry (MEM) reports.

Canada’s Gabriel Resources Ltd. (TSX:GBU) became the centre of attention this morning as an important figure of Romania's 1989 revolution, MEP Laszlo Tokes, left his party on Monday over Rosia Montana, a debated gold mine project in north-western Romania.

Indonesia surprised the global mining community last week after a new rule – Government Regulation No. 24 of 2012 – was quietly announced on the mining ministry's website. A growing list of nations – and not just radical fringe territories such as Zimbabwe or Venezuela – are pushing for greater control and ownership of the resource sector on top of higher taxes and royalties.

Chile newspaper La Tercera is reporting that an appeals court has suspended environmental authorization for Goldcorp's El Morro project over objections by local communities. Construction of the mine was due to commence in September this year at a cost of $3.9 billion over five years.

Bloomberg's weekly survey of gold traders shows they are the most bullish since November 11 with 16 out of 23 predicting that the precious metal will gain this week after investors up their holdings of bullion backed funds to a record $131 billion.

After a volatile trading day which saw gold move within a $40 range, the precious metal ended the week firmly above the $1,700 an ounce level.