Weak finish for the Canadian Mining Eye Index in Q4 — EY

Only weeks after a swirl of media reports trumpeted that potash soon may become a $65 billion industry for Michigan, the owner of the only potash mine in the state stopped production of the mineral and laid off a dozen workers.

Statement after annual planning meeting warns of "downward pressure" on the world's second largest economy and the need to take "bold steps" to reform industry.

Terrorism, regime instability and resource nationalism, are the main risks mining investors will face in 2014.

Baltic Dry Shipping Index has surged 220% this year as the iron ore and coal trade continues to defy Chinese bears.

But British Columbia is expected to become the fastest growing economy by 2015.

Canadian mining companies are becoming increasingly unwilling to add employees to their payrolls and are reporting the weakest hiring intentions since Q3 2009.

Juniors usually raise cash to keep their operations going by issuing new shares.

The world's largest potash miner by capacity, is cutting 18% of its workforce, or about 1,045 people,.

Budget for 2014 is 9.2% lower than last year’s and well below the $18 billion total from 2011.