Japan's crude steel output was almost flat in July from the previous month, as the strong yen hurt steel exports while carmakers ramped up production following a post-quake slump. Crude steel output totaled 9.11 million tonnes

Zimbabwe's government has given foreign firms, including mines and banks, a 14-day ultimatum to submit "acceptable" plans on how they propose to transfer majority shares to locals or risk losing permits

MOSCOW, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Russian mining conglomerate Mechel said on Wednesday that first half coking coal concentrate output reached 4.5 million tonnes, up 28 percent from last year thanks to strong demand. Overall coal output declined by 5 percent

Gem Diamonds Ltd: * To hand over 4 boreholes to residents of the central kalahari game reserve to provide them with water

A coal mine mechanic has died from an accident at an underground mine in eastern Ohio. American Energy Corporation says the worker was fatally injured while working alone early Monday at the Century Mine in Beallsville.

LONDON, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Vedanta Resources PLC: * Sesa goa to acquire 51% stake in western cluster * Sesa goa to acquire a 51% stake in western cluster limited, liberia * For a cash consideration of US$ 90 million * Sesa goa will become a significant

Suriname President Desi Bouterse has named a commission that will try to negotiate a deal for one of the world's largest gold mining companies to begin a mine project in the undeveloped South American nation. The seven-member panel announced Saturday will be negotiating with U.S.-based Newmont Mining Corp.

The price of gold could almost double as central banks' reserves are depleted, according to the chairman of a gold industry association. "You could see $3,000 to 5,000 to clear the market as the central banks and bullion banks run out of gold to meet the growing demand," Bill Murphy, chairman of the Gold Anti-Trust Action Committee (GATA), which is hosting a conference in London this week, told CNBC Thursday.

South Korea's central bank said it bought 25 tonnes of gold between June and July to diversify its foreign reserves, its first purchase in more than a decade, boosting its total gold holding to 39.4 tonnes.

Russia's Polyus Gold says H1 2011 gold output at 611,000 ounces, up 21 percent yr/yr. Says H1 2011 revenues at $909 million versus $608 million in H1 2010.

Zimbabwe's state media has reported that the state mining corporation says it is paying government employee raises this month with revenues from controversy-mired diamond fields in eastern Zimbabwe.

Gold just keeps hitting new highs in this scary world. Here's how to use currencies to trade the rise. It's scary out there, what with Washington in gridlock and the euro zone only narrowly averting disaster — for now.