Why the lithium bears are wrong

What AMIRA describes as “one of exploration’s most important geological projects, P765A (Geochemical and Geological Halos in Green Rocks and Lithocaps), was completed as a resounding success in December 2010, and a new project P1060 (Enhanced Geochemical Targeting in Magmatic-Hydrothermal Systems) will shortly go on circulation to continue this work.”

Australia produced 266 tonnes of gold in 2010, up 17% on 2009 but not enough to secure it first place as China's output grew to 341 tonnes in the same period. Australia maintained its number two ranking in gold output behind China in 2010

Equinox Minerals Ltd. will make a hostile bid for Lundin Mining prior to the markets opening Monday morning, Vancouver-based Lundin announced in a news release on Sunday. "Lundin is not aware of the terms of the bid. Until Lundin Mining completes its review of the bid, it will not comment on the proposal," the release stated. "The Board of Directors of Lundin will update shareholders from time to time following receipt and consideration of the bid. Shareholders do not need to take any action in response to the bid at this time." The unsolicited takeover attempt could thwart the proposed merger between Lundin and Inmet Mining Corp. made public in January.

Production of gold Down Under was at its highest levels since 2003 as miners cashed in on record prices, the Daily Telegraph was reporting on Sunday: Gold output from domestic mines in 2010 lifted by about 17 per cent or 38 tonnes to 266 tonnes or 8.5 million ounces (oz), Melbourne-based industry consultants Surbiton Associates Pty Ltd said in its latest survey of the Australian gold mining industry. "Gold produced from Australian mines in 2010 was worth some AUS$12 billion at the current spot price," Surbiton director Sandra Close said. "Gold remains one of Australia's top export earners."

Fortescue Metals Group has discovered more than one billion tonnes of iron ore in Western Australia's Pilbara and aims to develop it rapidly. Sydney Morning Herald reports: The new project, named Nyidinghu, is about 35 kilometers south of Fortescue's first mine, Cloudbreak, and contained an inferred resource of 1.032 billion tonnes of ore at a grade of 58 per cent iron, the company said.

Major global mineral sands producer, Iluka Resources returned to profit in 2010, primed by a dynamic transformation in the December half year. Iluka Ltd (ASX: ILU) reported a profit for the year of A$36.1 million (US$36.53 million) aided by higher zircon

The two mines, Blair Athol and Kestrel have been under force majeure since late December, after severe flooding in Queensland.

Pro and anti-uranium mining unions are marshalling forces in Queensland, Australian Mining is reporting. On the pro-side, the article says that the Australian Worker Union (AWU) will lobby governments to expand mining and overturn bans. On the other side, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), which mostly represents electrical, communications and power industry workers, says it will oppose the expansion of uranium mining in Australia, citing safety concerns around exposure to radiation.

Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest may face directorship ban following the overturning of an earlier court case by the Australian Federal Court Today proved to be a day of champagne followed by flat beer for the chief executive of Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX: