South Africa woes cast doubt on BHP spin-off success

After a volatile trading day which saw gold move within a $40 range, the precious metal ended the week firmly above the $1,700 an ounce level.

Molycorp's mould-breaking deal with Neo Material Technologies sent its shares rocketing in New York on Friday and some industry observers say the tie-up creates a vertically integrated company that will transform the industry. Others see REE prices continuing to drop with some already down 70% and China's grip on the market undiminished – exports could double this year and domestic production continues to ramp up.

Reliance Resources on Friday issued an update in relation to the recently announced Indonesian Government Regulation No. 24 of 2012, regarding foreign ownership of mining projects after its share price took an 11% knock.

Coal-reliant Poland on Friday vetoed European Union efforts to move further towards a low carbon economy, pitting itself against the rest of the 27-member bloc.

South Africa took a step closer on Thursday to create a standalone mining company that will take charge of the government's role in the country's rich resources and with ambitions of becoming involved in the continent's mining sector.

Gold fell abruptly this morning, pushed by a rising dollar after data showed the U.S. economy created more jobs than expected over the last three months, decreasing prospects the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates low for an extended period.

Canadian miner Mandalay Resources (TSX: MND, MND.WT) resumed operations at its Cerro Bayo project in Chile today, after protestors removed blockades, allowing supplies in and out of the mine.

Despite a healthy economic growth, Canada’s economy lost 2,800 jobs in February, with at least 18% of those positions belonging to the mining sector.

Molycorp and Neo Material Technologies Thursday announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which Molycorp will acquire Neo Materials for approximately CDN $1.3 billion. This will create one of the most technologically advanced, vertically integrated rare earth companies in the world.