Rio Tinto S. African project in limbo on security fear

Workers downed tools in November after the bullion producer announced plans to cut 1,100 jobs at the mine - near a third of its workforce.

Potentially putting an end to a strike that has seen almost half of its employees down tools since mid-November.

It would make them the first listed companies to mine there in that sector for two years, Mining Minister said.

Eskom, which has implemented power cuts due to coal shortages and poor plant performance, said it wants the government to take on $7 billion of its debts.

A deal would be a major victory for Bristow as he prepares to take the helm of Barrick in January

Project Halo will buy Optimum Coal Mine (Pty) Ltd, Koornfontein Mines (Pty) Ltd and Optimum Coal Terminal (Pty) according to the term sheet seen by Bloomberg.

Combined indicated and inferred resources for the satellite deposit, located 15 km northwest of its Essakane operation in Burkina Faso, amount to 376,000 gold ounces.

The miner joined forces with international development organization Pact.

Africa's No.2 copper producer plans to introduce new mining duties, replace Value Added Tax with sales tax and increase royalties to help bring down mounting debt.