Gold

Barrick Gold (NYSE:ABX)(TSX:ABX) announced today the sale of its entire 20% stake in Highland Gold Mining Limited (LON:HGM), the AIM-quoted Russian gold producer, at a price of 120 pence per share to undisclosed institutional investors.

Ecuador needs at least 300 mining engineers and geologists in the near future to be able to deliver on its recent mining contracts, but only about 40 such professionals graduate annually from six universities that offer those programs, according to the agency that regulates Ecuador’s mining industry.

Lower ore grades at its flagship Red Lake Mine in Ontario did not prevent Goldcorp (TSX:G) from achieving a $479 million profit in the first quarter.

What gold bulls were waiting for did not materialize, but it could have been worse. Much worse.

A consortium of Indian firms is among 25 companies shortlisted to invest in new copper and gold deposits in Afghanistan.

The sage of Omaha's investment strategies have been well documented but he's no fan of gold...

Gold is currently in a protracted period of consolidation and expecting a break-out but it is unclear in which direction! Down to $1,525 or up to $2,000 + - or maybe first one then the other. Interesting times!

Patagonia Gold (LON:PGD) (TSX:PAT), an Argentina-focused gold and silver producer, said today it achieved rapid progress in 2011 and is on track towards its goal of producing 200,000 ounces of gold per year by 2015.

Canadian junior mineral exploration and development company Westridge Resources (TSX-V:WST) is living up to its ‘Midas’ touch’ reputation among market watchers, after the company announced today it has extended high grades in the El Padre Vein, at its Charay Project in Mexico.