Newmont shareholders overwhelmingly approve $10B Goldcorp takeover, creating world’s top gold miner

"Manufacturers will continue to hurt and construction will slow unless the government steps up."

Gold was off 14.6% and diamonds were down 19.7%

Impala Platinum has also recognised AMCU its majority union, following a deal struck this week with Sibanye Gold at its Driefontein mine.

Minutes from US Federal Reserve policy makers showed "many" members believed asset purchases should extend into 2014

"Policymakers should be cautious in interpreting the plunge in gold prices as a vote of confidence in their performance."

60% of the industry is loss-making.

Strike called off.

"The decline is feeding on itself."

About 300 workers, including mine staff and contractor employees, picketed at Langer Heinrich Uranium (LHU) mine last Thursday over pay and treatment by their employer.