As Brazil rushes to meet global iron ore demand, domestic iron ore companies find their production projects facing delays, particularly in project permitting, S&P observed in a recent report.

The recent turmoil in Europe and generally poor platinum price performance over the last few months has left South African platinum producers struggling and, marginal assets under threat.

The world still needs gold and other natural resources, but we may need a new investment model to sustain them, says Byron King who also shares his perspective on mining in South Africa. Gold Report interview.

Shares in the miner fell 1.8% in morning trading on the NYSE after it announced plans to stop production at four of its coal mines in Kentucky, with 150 jobs to be lost.

Although there are few critics of using gold as part of a diversified investment portfolio, those looking for it to protect capital over the short term may find themselves disappointed.

A number of gold juniors look to make their projects more palatable - and generate far quicker payback for investors - by decreasing their scope and/or focusing on higher grades.

Philippe Mellier, new CEO at the De Beers, says the group is assessing ways to extend the life of the mine near Musina in South Africa's Limpopo province.

A meeting of top South African mining stakeholders is to take place in Midrand involving mining companies, trade unions and government with the intention of finding a consensual way forward for the country's key mining industry.

The world's top copper producer, Chile's Codelco, said on Wednesday its output fell 10 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier to 373,000 tonnes, but said it was on target to produce 1.708 million tonnes this year.

Mine closure usually spells the end of communities situated in the back of beyond but, a small town in South Africa is fighting that fate with education.

Rick Rule's presentation at the New York Hard Assets Conference earlier this week sees some light for the informed junior resource investor despite current patterns which have mostly been Bad or Ugly!

Despite reporting an 18% drop in its quarterly earnings, South Africa's Gold Fields beat market estimates as output and the bullion price in South African rand both fell.