Gold Snapshot: Eight Canadian companies on the global hunt

The world’s largest gold producer by market value, output and reserves, is expected to churn out 8.4 million ounces of the precious metal in 2019.

Gold mining industry entered 2019 in much better shape.

The Wafi-Golpu mine in Papua New Guinea is considered one of the world's largest untapped gold resources.

Wesfarmers' bid for Australia's Kidman Resources undervalues the lithium miner, analysts said on Friday.

Australian Mines aims to produce 53,300 tonnes of nickel sulphate and 8,500 of cobalt sulphate a year, making it a sizeable producer of the materials used in lithium batteries for electric vehicles.

Rio has so far drilled 24 holes at the site and will continue extensive drilling in months to come as part of its $250 million exploration program.

Barrick's South Arturo loses top spot, two other Barrick mines dropped from top 10 ranking.

The growing tide of support for populist, single-issue parties in Australia has already reshaped the political landscape, dragging both Labor and the coalition further to the right.

The offer of A$1.90 per share represents a premium of 47.3% to Kidman's last closing price.