Miners resume operations in Peru, Bolivia

The order would be the largest in history for Vale's giant ships, known as Valemaxes, which can carry up to 400,000 deadweight tons.

Torrential rain in Chile's desert region and environmental protests dented first-quarter output, forcing the miner cut its annual production forecast.

Operations continue to perform within guidance.

As much as three quarters of investors voted in favour of a non-binding motion to change the way the gold giant compensates its executives.

Analysts are not sure what to make of El Salvador’s recent move that saw its central bank sell about 80% percent of its gold reserves last month.

The company, dealing with aging mines, has been leaning on a wide range of new technologies to reduce operating costs and increase efficiencies.

Chinese companies, private equity firms including Mick Davis’s X2 Resources, and even Teck Resources are rumoured to be among the potential buyers.

CRU principal consultant Christine Meilton predicts a rising trend topping $3.60 a pound by 2019, but thereafter China-induced weakness returns.

Prices for the steel-making material added Monday US$1.28 or 2.17% to US$59.09 a tonne, taking its gain since bottoming on April 2 to 25%.