A decline in diamond prices is dulling the appeal of Canada's Arctic diamond industry, with the resulting drop in exploration hurting the region's long-term prospects.
Company has laid off 46 unionized workers, or 8 percent of the workforce, at its Colonsay, Saskatchewan potash mine as potash supply is outstripping demand.
The Johannesburg stock market, the capitalist heart of South Africa's 'City of Gold', is close to relegating the last bullion producer in its bluechip index, the latest sign of the precious metal losing its place in an economy it once dominated.
European stocks were also supported by gains overnight on Asian and U.S. equity markets, with some traders viewing more weak Chinese data as a sign that Beijing may undertake further measures to bolster the country's economy.
Glencore's (GLEN.L) Zambian unit Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) has notified the government that it plans to lay off more than 3,800 workers due to lower metal prices and high production costs, government sources said.
The London Metal Exchange is in talks with the gold industry with a view to launching precious metals derivatives, LME Chief Executive Garry Jones said on Thursday.
Revenue earned by leading banks from commodity trading, selling derivatives to investors and other activities in the sector fell to $2.6 billion from $3.5 billion in the same period of 2014.
South Africa's mining industry, unions and the government signed a broad plan on Monday to stem a wave of job losses triggered by falling commodity prices and soaring costs.
