Europe-led global certification scheme for raw materials expected in 2020

Both saw their stock collapse not just on these news, but also amid concerns that they will have to pay more for insurance that covers environmental damage.

This is the first time scientists have found bacterium that essentially breathes uranium and renders it immobile.

A Canadian mining company operating the only gold mine in Ireland (Northern Ireland and the Republic) has received permission allowing it to expand underground.

The miner said smaller than expected diamonds at its Finsch and Cullinan mines in South Africa have sold at modest prices.

Operations ceased at Ranger in 2011 and the underground expansion project was the only hope of future mining at the site.

A third of money raised is destined for Canadian projects while Australia's share of global total drops to only 5%.

Total for this year may be $7.7 billion, down from 2014's $8.7 billion and significantly lower than a record $10 billion in 2013.

The goal is to facilitate the mining, production and distribution of the fertilizer in Eastern and Southern Africa.

The move may create a group of sellers that want to dispose of their holding, or it could open the door to a buyer, according to analysts.