MINING.COM

New NASA images: Mars or the Pilbara?

"A metal-making process known to the ancient Romans could be pressed into service to bring Mars into the Iron Age - and start opening the solar system to human habitation."

Frik Els | August 8, 2012 | 10:35 pm

Iron ore slump turns into rout

The latest downturn in the price comes as iron ore stockpiles at Chinese ports climb by more than 420,000 tonnes in a week to almost 100 million tonnes.

Frik Els | August 8, 2012 | 7:39 pm

Rio Tinto banking on China rebound as profits drop 34%

Giant miner Rio Tinto is closing down its Blair Athol coal mine in Australia as the company considers whether to limit spending on new projects next year.

Cecilia Jamasmie | August 8, 2012 | 5:53 pm

Rio Tinto announces first half underlying earnings of $5.2 billion

The company points to its iron ore division's record performance as reason for first half underlying earnings of $5.2 billion.

Rio Tinto | August 8, 2012 | 3:29 pm

Xstrata to create world’s biggest zinc mine

Xstrata has approved a $360 million expansion for its McArthur River mine in Australia’s Northern Territory which will make the project the largest producer of zinc in the world.

Cecilia Jamasmie | August 7, 2012 | 12:52 pm

Outer Harbour outta here! When BHP gives up on iron ore growth then you know the mining boom is over

The mining giant is also scaling back or postponing other expensive expansion projects but the pullback in iron ore – by far the Melbourne-based company's most profitable division – is a surprising move and indicative of the cloudy outlook for the commodities business.

Frik Els | August 2, 2012 | 4:00 pm