A prolonged slump in the global economy has put pressure on the diamond industry, forcing sellers to grapple with sliding demand, rising inventories and declining prices.

Fortescue Metals (ASX:FMG) has posted a record-breaking 17.8 million tonnes of output for the June quarter, representing a rise of 42%, while its debt volume has also surged, swelling by a billion dollars to hit the USD9 billion mark.

Recent discoveries of rare earth minerals at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean could break China's existing stranglehold on supply of the key raw materials.

Australia's Ambre Energy is being sued by US partner Cloud Peak Energy (NYSE:CLD) for mismanagement of their shared Montana mine, as well as exceeding approved budgets and engaging in "self-dealing transactions"

The opal-mining township of Mintabie, situated on Aboriginal land at the northern edge of South Australia, could become deserted following the introduction of new laws requiring police checks of residents and prohibiting alcohol consumption in households.

BHP Billiton (ASE:BHP) has logged a remarkable performance over the past twelve months, with the release of its production report for the year ended 30 June 2012 indicating that the diversified mining giant achieved record results across a broad gamut of operations, and maintained its record-breaking run in iron ore output.

Chinese media sources have confirmed rumours of government stockpiling of rare earths which have been in circulation since earlier this month with China’s leading English-language daily reporting that the central government has budgeted around US$949 million for the undertaking.

Twenty eight miners who were trapped in Waihi's Trio gold mine following a fire accident have all been safely evacuated.

Protestors at Australia's Olympic Dam mine, which is perched on top of the world's largest known deposit of uranium, have managed to smash through the perimeter gate of the mine and enter the site itself.

A list of Australia's richest suburbs and towns compiled on the basis of census statistics indicates that mining towns now dominate amongst the country's most affluent areas.

Former electrician turned mining tycoon Nathan Tinkler has issued a further bid for the remainder of Australia's Whitehaven Coal Ltd., following a 17% plunge in the company's shares since Tinkler's first offer for the company on June 13.

Zijin Mining Group (HK:2899), China’s largest gold producer, announced on Friday that its bid for Australia’s Norton Gold Fields Limited (ASX:NGF) had successfully obtained approval from Australian regulators.