More than 400 workers at Melbourne-based BHP Billiton coking coalmines began strikes on Tuesday for the first time in a decade, disrupting production from the world’s largest exporter and adding to the woes of an industry already hard hit by summer floods. Analysts believe the industrial action, added to the 15% cut in annual production caused by monsoon rains and a cyclone, will support rampant prices for steel-making coal which hit an all-time high in April of $330 per tonne.

Aurizon Mines Ltd. (TSX: ARZ)(NYSE Amex: AZK) is pleased to report that an updated mineral resource estimate has been completed for the Hosco deposit at its 100% owned Joanna Property, located 20 kilometres east of Rouyn-Noranda, in north-western Quebec. The updated mineral resource estimate was prepared by SGS Canada Inc. - Geostat ("SGS Geostat") in collaboration with Aurizon's personnel. Image of the Joanna Gold Project by Aurizon Mines Ltd.

WPG Resources announced on Tuesday it has reached a major milestone for the development of its flagship Peculiar Knob (pictured) iron ore mine south east of Coober Pedy in South Australia, after receiving government approval. WPG also said that the company expects that the Mining and Rehabilitation Program for Peculiar Knob will be approved during July. Forecast production at 3.3 million tonnes annually destined for the Asian market is set to commence in late 2011, with sales in the June quarter 2012. Shares in the company jumped 3% amid a flat broader Australian market.

Energia Minerals Limited (ASX: EMX) notes that a referendum was held in Italy on the 12th and 13th of June 2011 to decide whether to remove laws passed last year to restart a domestic nuclear energy program in the country. The result of the referendum was that Italian citizens have voted to remove the laws and, accordingly, remove the framework to potentially develop nuclear energy production facilities in Italian territory.

Bralorne Gold Mines announced the first successful milling results for its Bralorne mine operation located near Gold Bridge, British Columbia. Milling operations began on a test basis in early April with the processing of low grade material from the stockpile. The mill was operated nearly continuously during May, with gravity and flotation concentrates being produced.

PNG Gold Corporation outlined its exploration, development and financing plans for the Imwauna project, Normanby Island, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. The property contains numerous vein systems that outcrop at surface. The main vein system discovered to date - the Imwauna vein system - hosts high grade, low sulphidation, near-surface epithermal gold-silver mineralization.

Uranium Energy announced that it has secured its first multi-year uranium sales contract. The sales contract provides for the delivery of 300,000 pounds of U3O8 over a period of three years starting in August 2011 from its Hobson processing facility, with the price to be based on published market price indicators at the time of delivery.

Perth-based iron ore junior FerrAus is set to accept Hong Kong limousine and investment company Wah Nam International's $170m takeover offer after the HK company gained a controlling stake in another miner in the region Brockman Resources. ASX-listed FerrAus said last month it will consider reversing its rejection of Wah Nam's bid because of the logic of developing FerrAus and Brockman neighbouring deposits together. Ferraus stock added over 5% on Tuesday, while Brockman had lost more than 12% at the close of the Australian bourse.

Gahcho Kué JV partners De Beers Canada Inc. (51%) and Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. (49%) (TSX: MPV) (NYSE AMEX: MDM) today announced that they have:

• Approved the Gahcho Kué feasibility study with agreed revisions and clarifications;
• Approved the execution of the necessary development work for the Gahcho Kué project; and
• Mandated the Gahcho Kué project operator to prepare a plan and budget for the development of the Gahcho Kué mine.
• The plan and budget, once approved by the JV partners, will serve as the basis for a final investment decision, which is expected to be made once the partners have clarity on the progress of the environmental review currently underway.