May 4, 2017

INFOGRAPHIC: The numbers behind the world’s closest trade relationship

Whether we’re discussing the ancient merchants that traversed the legendary Silk Road, or the transfer of goods across modern border lines, trade has always been about building close relationships.

May 4, 2017

Coloured diamonds becoming everyone’s favourite, auctions show

Diamonds – and especially the fancy colored stones – continue to hold investors in thrall, and auction houses are ensuring the fascination endures with sales featuring some stunning selections.

May 4, 2017

Iron ore craters again — down 5% in only 24 hours

In Asia, trading was halted after prices sank 7.3%, which is the maximum a day allowed by Chinese regulators.

May 3, 2017

Philippines shows anti-mining environment minister the door

Congress decision puts and end to a 10-month tenure during which Regina Lopez ordered the closure of more than half the country's mines and banned open-pit mining.

May 2, 2017

Iron ore climbs on Chinese restocking

The end of the Labour Day holiday in China saw fresh demand for iron ore and steel, with both commodities rising in tandem today.

May 2, 2017

Illegal Chinese gold miners blamed for pollution, violence in Ghana

Government officials’ comments add bitterness to the already resentful locals, following wave of negative coverage of Chinese mining practices in the Ghanian media.

April 27, 2017

Philippines extends mining ban, now forbids open-pits

Prohibition only affects planned mines, not the ones currently in operations, but it will take effect immediately.

April 27, 2017

Vale’s first quarter profit lower than expected as rains hurt iron ore output

Net income totalled $2.5 billion, compared with profit of $525 million in the prior three months and almost $1.8 billion a year earlier.

April 26, 2017

Copper, lead, zinc prices to stay on the boil

New World Bank outlook for commodities predict 32% price jump for zinc and 18% for copper and lead, but outlook for nickel price in 2017 is murky.

April 26, 2017

Czech mining industry pins hopes of revival on lithium

The European country holds between 1.2 to 1.4 million tonnes of lithium, located mostly around the tiny village of Cinovec, on the border with Germany.