Caterpillar to close Belgium plant, lay off 2000 workers

Weeks after Quebec’s ruling Liberal party re-launched the province's asbestos industry with a $58-million loan to the Jeffrey mine, opposition leaders are calling the federal government to end what they call a "morally and scientifically indefensible" product.

Excellon Resources (TSX:EX) Chief Financial Officer, Steve Poad, quit on Friday after the company reported a big drop in profits in the second quarter the day before.

Record cash flows in Q2 boosted the company's cash pile to $1.1 billion before it doled out $500 million to Hudbay this week. It also has an untapped $400 million credit facility.

Shares of Gabriel Resources climbed 17.7% in heavy volumes on Thursday, bringing its gains since last Friday to 32% as ongoing turmoil in Romanian politics are being interpreted as positive for the Canadian company's plans to build a massive gold mine in Transylvania.

Canadian precious metal miner, Yamana Gold (TSX:YRI), saw its profits slip 80% in the second quarter compared to a year ago.

US Silver board of directors voted instead to merge with Canadian RX Gold & Silver and form a new firm.

USA’s largest primary silver producer, Coeur d’Alene Mines (NYSE:CDE)(TSX:CDM), reported a second-quarter profit on Tuesday that beat analysts' estimates thanks to cost cutting and improved gold production results at its Kensington gold mine in Alaska.

After 13 years as a listed entity Tuesday was the last hooray for IVN – a favourite of resource stock investors who enjoyed a 5% gain on the day.

Mexico may not be breaking records at London’s Olympic Games, but back home it is scoring big. On Monday, the Mexican Chamber of Mining announced the country hit a new record in gold production in 2011.