Chile losing ground as top copper producer since metal price in the pits

The world's largest platinum producer has announced losses to revenue of $126 million as result of protracted labor disputes in South Africa.

Copper futures fell on Friday on expectations that Chinese trade and economic growth data slated for release next week will disappoint.

Net imports of both rough and polished diamonds plunged 91% year-on-year in August to $25 million.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper gave investors more reasons to speculate about the final outcome of the deal, as he said that China's “very different" political and economic systems are a concern for his government.

Enbridge and Northern Gateway representatives are not taking B.C. concerns seriously, B.C. Environment Minister Terry Lake said Wednesday.

While big miners such as BHP (NYSE:BHP), Xstrata (LON:XTA) and Vale (NYSE:VALE) continue to slash jobs across its operations in Australia, some companies are hiring more foreign workers to carry out their resources projects.

Brazil's Vale (NYSE:VALE) announced it has started producing copper concentrate at its Lubambe mine in Zambia.

Analysts say more coal jobs will be axed in the Australian tropical state of Queensland as the beleaguered resources sector continues to weather a barrage of adverse factors.

Investment expert James Turk says a massive short squeeze on gold and silver is approaching which will serve to push prices for both the precious metals higher due to panic buying.