Petra Diamonds keeps founder Pouroulis as chairman

Mining legend and Ivanplats (TSX:IVP) CEO, Robert Friedland, said he aims to have his African-focused mining company landing in the London stock exchange during the first half of 2013.

The name of the miner was not released.

It's all about productivity.

"There is a loyalty improvement, which is great for the industry."

Canada's Lucara Diamond Corp. (TSX:LUC) sold a 9.46-carat blue diamond for $4,515,000 or $477,272 per carat as part of a diamond sale this week.

Australian Sundance Resources (ASX: SDL) announced Friday it has signed a contract with the government of Cameroon, which paves the way for a mining permit and the beginning of construction of the $4.7 billion Mbalam iron ore project, straddling the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

South Africa’s Gold Fields (NYSE:GFI) the world’s 4th largest miner, announced Thursday it would spin off two of its more troubled operation into a new company, Sibanye Gold.

The rise of mining costs will have a more dramatic impact on the 2013 industry results than in the last couple of years, revealed Thursday global ranking agency Fitch Ratings.

African nations join Canada in promoting the sale of "fair trade" gemstones