Russia's two main rail lines into Asia and, in particular China, are increasingly overburdened which is causing a headache for metals firms looking to increase exports.

Japan's imports of rare earths from China rose 40 percent in March from the previous month, Ministry of Finance data showed, with some observers saying demand is so far unaffected by last month's devastating quake though the outlook remains murky.

With six drillholes confirming high-grade gold over 250 metres of strike in a recently discovered area at the Black Fox mine in the Timmins district, Canada, Brigus Gold (TSX: BRD) dedicated all drilling resources on site to the new prospect that it's calling the 147 zone. On news of the quickly growing gold zone Brigus' shareprice gained over three percent and was trading at C$1.48 at presstime.

Troy Resources NL (ASX & TSX: TRY) disclosed today that follow up drilling on the Kamila South East zone produced more significant results from the high grade Inca Vein. An earlier assay produced 14.7 metres grading 7.79 grams/tonne gold and 1,292 g/t silver (26.24 g/t Au equivalent), and subsequent drilling produced more positive results.

Soaring global demand for copper makes the metal a better bet than gold and explains a surprise bid by Barrick Gold Corp, the world's No. 1 bullion producer, for copper miner Equinox Minerals.

Shares in Equinox Minerals (EQN.AX) jumped 7 percent in Australia on Wednesday after the copper miner accepted a $7.7 billion takeover offer from the world's largest gold miner, Barrick Gold (ABX.TO).

The latest bonanza grade gold-PGM drill results from the Serra Pelada project in Brazil are making it easy for Colossus Minerals (TSX: CSI) to live up to its name. Since 2007 Colossus Minerals and 25-percent joint-venture partner COOMIGASP have been pushing the southwestern extent of high-grade gold, platinum and palladium mineralization beyond a historic open-pit mine.

hina's Minmetals Resources announced Tuesday, "Following the announcement yesterday by Equinox that it will recommend that its shareholders accept an offer it has received from Barrick Gold Corporation of C$8.15 per share, MMR has decided not to pursue its planned bid for Equinox."

Gold remains the bellwether as the dollar continues its downward path. In reality nothing has changed in gold's fundamentals. So what's different about gold at $1500 per ounce...? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. There's no more or less of it in the world.

Belgian group Umicore (UMI.BR: Quote) forecast improved earnings this year due to strong demand for its automotive catalysts and improved supply for its precious metal recycling business. The metals and speciality materials maker said on Tuesday it expected 2011 operating profit (recurring earnings before interest and tax) to rise to 400-425 million euros ($559-$594 million) from 342 million last year.

Is it a blow off top? That is the question on the Street Monday in the wake of July Comex silver's surge to pennies below the psychologically significant $50.00 an ounce level, before it reversed and plummeted to the lower third of its daily trading range.

Japan's output of rolled copper product fell 3.7 percent in March from a year earlier, its biggest fall in 17 months, after the March 11 earthquake devastated the northeast of the country and disrupted supply chains of automakers, which are big consumers of copper parts.