Nickel

Vale, the world's second-biggest nickel producer, said on Thursday it would suspend sales and purchase agreements at its Goro project on the French Pacific island of New Caledonia after an accident at the mine's sulfuric acid plant.

The oil and natural gas rich nation's stake in the coal giant is now 8% with a target of over 10%, providing crucial back for Glencore CEO Ivan Glasenberg to push through the $90 billion merger with Xstrata.

BHP Billiton (NYSE:BHP) added to market rumors that its nickel business is not relevant for the miner anymore by announcing yesterday it had merged the stainless steel materials unit with another struggling division: aluminum.

More nickel coming onto the market from new or restarted mines is likely to depress the price of the metal used mainly in steelmaking, says Intierra:

Canadian miner Baja Mining Corp (TSX:BAJ) said on Monday it won’t be able to continue with its copper/cobalt/zinc project in Mexico beyond mid-June, unless it finds a way to fund cost overruns quickly.

Miningmx.com reports April has seen the lowest number of mining fatalities ever in South Africa, according to figures released by mines minister Susan Shabangu.

Vancouver's First Point Minerals served notice of arbitration on Cliffs on Saturday because the iron and coal giant refuses to hand over crucial information about the tiny explorer's Decar project, set to become the world's first commercial nickel-iron alloy mine, effectively naturally-occurring 'stainless steel'. BlackRock, an asset manager with more than $3 trillion in assets picked up a stake in First Point two months ago.

Trading has been suspended for Focus Metals (CVE:FMS) pending a material announcement.

Brazilian mining giant Vale (NYSE:VALE) announced the country's Superior Court of Justice ruled in favour of the federal tax authority in its appeal against an injunction granted in March suspending payment of taxes on overseas profits by the company.