China, e-silk roads and a plea for change

Recent potash contract placements by some of the world’s largest buyers have raised hopes of a resurgence in the fortunes of potash companies and their investors.

A recent study published by Canberra-based think tank The Australia Institute calls for a slowdown in mining investment.

According to website VesselsValue.com the latest Valemax is worth 36% less than the $107 million the Brazilian iron ore titan paid for it last year because of a "slump in values of dry-bulk ships that were ordered before returns plunged."

Fortescue chief executive Neville Power also told The Australian newspaper that Chinese steel production growth will be lower over the next five years at about 4% – 5%, from 7% – 8% now.

BHP Billiton declared force majeure at its Bowen Basin coal mines in Queensland, Australia.

In a three-way deal with Robert Friedland's Ivanhoe Mines, the Aluminum Corporation of China (CHALCO) is bidding for 60% of SouthGobi Resources' and paying $8.48 for each common share.

In a move to curb the rampant domestic illegal mining of rare earth, as well as regulate its rare earths players, China is launching an industry association for the precious metal commodity on April 8.

An annual profit of more than $A530 million for the world's biggest rare-earths producer, China's Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Rare-Earth Hi-Tech Co, a $1.23 billion North American takeover deal, and complaints by the US, EU and Japan to the World Trade Organisation over China's limiting of rare earth exports made March a busy month for the industry.

By 2025, with 250 million more Chinese projected to be living in cities, China’s share of global carbon pollution will jump to 30.3 percent from 26.8 percent this year, the EIA says.