South Africa's Anglo Platinum, the world's largest primary platinum producer, has confirmed the lay-off of 725 employees from its central services and support functions, provoking the ire of the mining's industry's national union.

Newmont Mining's (NEM) second quarter earnings plunged 28% compared to the same period last year on reduced gold and copper output.

PanTerra Gold Limited (ASX:PGI) has announced it has poured its first gold/silver dore at its Las Lagunas project in the Dominican Republic using world-first technology.

The volume of rare earth minerals legally exported from China for the first half of 2012 plunged by 42.7% year-on-year to hit 4,908 tons according to statistics from China's customs authorities.

Australian exploration and mining firms are readying themselves for forays into Myanmar following the end of decades of military rule earlier this year and the country's opening up to foreign investment.

Quest Petroleum NL (ASX:QPN) has announced that it will undertake a placement to investors to raise $5 million for its ongoing drilling program at the Ranau oil and gas projects in South Sumatra.

An Australian mining businessman facing the prospect of five years in an Indonesian prison has warned others of the perils of doing business in the South-east Asian giant, saying he 'got caught like a spider in a web.'

Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) has made an all-cash offer for U.S. Silver Corporations (TSX-V:USA) in a bid to scupper its proposed merger with RX Gold & Silver (TSX-V:RXE).

Storied money manager Stephen Leeb says China is acquiring as much gold as it possibly can in a spate of 'controlled desperation.'

Police in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong announced on Tuesday that they have shut down nine rare earth mines operating illegally in Longchuan county over the past six months.

Western Austalia's Atlas Iron Limited (ASX:AGO) increased shipments by 25% in the second quarter and is well on its way to doubling production by the end of 2012.

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart would pass a proposed public interest test for ownership of media outlets according to the Australia government's Communications Minister Stephen Conroy.