Botswana Diamonds digs up first stones at South African mine

Montreal-based producer picks up flagship project in Burkina Faso after sealing $139 million takeover of Australia's Orbis.

Beijing preps New Year's gift and new report points to another 20% rise from here.

"Never have I seen an opportunity like I feel is appearing in the market for M&A before, in 30 years."

Number one Barrick Gold's output drops in 2014, but fellow Canadian firm Agnico Eagle adds 30% to production ounces.

Namibia and Botswana top the latest mining investment attractiveness index for the continent and move into top 25 worldwide.

Weak iron ore prices have become the accepted industry norm, but the world's top miner also has bad news for those hoping for a pick-up in the long term.

In the second half of 2014 the businesses bound for South32 generated $5bn worth of revenue and almost $890m of earnings before interest and tax.

The potash and oil-rich province was placed at the top of the Fraser Institute's annual rank of mining companies.

The mine, Harmony's single largest gold producer, will likely remain closed for an indefinite period while a probe is held.