Rio Tinto, Calibre enter Nicaragua exploration deal

The lawsuit alleges Barrick knew or should have known that it would have to overcome significant obstacles with its $8.5bn Pascua-Lamas gold-silver project.

In its third annual edition, the ranking of best mining suppliers in Chile also reveals that 62% of respondents believe they can find a better supplier than the one they already have.

Director and former chairman of the World Gold Council discusses the significance of the shift in gold ownership from West to East, the problem of mining scale and the results of the industry's failure to develop new prospecting technology.

After a difficult 2013, the group says it's now in a period of consolidation, but warns it will continue to focus on reducing costs.

In this interview with The Mining Report, economist Daniela Desormeaux, founder of signumBOX and widely quoted expert on industrial chemicals, shines a light on the lithium industry for investors looking for a new opportunity.

"They’ve showed us their interest in solving Pascua-Lama’s problems and doing community work, which to us appears correct."

But long-term future uncertain, reveals study.

When the West runs out of gold, the price should go much higher.

The announcement could come anytime before May 21, when the President is scheduled to address the nation.