This year could be the best for manganese producers, particularly for Asian countries, as the "Manganese: Global industry markets and outlook, 2012," released today suggests.

Originally the Bogoso/Prestea oxide plant in Ghana operated from 1990 to 2008, until it was sidelined due to a lack of an adequate oxide ore supply required to keep the plant afloat. After three years of being put on care and maintenance, Golden Star Resources (TSX:GSC) (AMEX:GSS) announced the re-commissioning of the oxide plant at Bogoso/Prestea, a move that’s expected to generate up to 70,000 ounces of gold in 2012.

Molycorp on Wednesday built on its strong gains since the start of the year after announcing a $390 million cash injection from Chile's Molymet.

BHP Billiton Ltd., the world’s largest mining company and the fourth-largest nickel producer, announced today that is decreasing mining operations at its West Australian locations by 30 percent.

BHP Billiton Limited (ASX:BHP) said Wednesday that it is selling its 37% non-operated interest in South African mineral sands venture Richards Bay Minerals to partner Rio Tinto PLC (LON:RIO). With this move, BHP is officially leaving the titanium minerals industry.

Junior miner London Mining’s stocks (LON:LOND) went up almost five per cent today as the company announced two major milestones: the first shipment of iron ore from its Marampa project in Sierra Leone and the commencement of production of coking coal in Colombia.

NASA is developing a robotic concept vehicle for bulk loading and remote exploration.

Petrobank Energy and Resources Ltd. (TSX: PBG) announced on Wednesday that it reached an agreement with Grizzly Oil Sands Ulc. to sell May River property.

Aquarius Platinum CEO, Stuart Murray, announced frustration with the platinum industry due to strikes, regulatory hurdles and PGM oversupply.