Gold Field’s Salares Norte project in Chile granted environmental permit

But when the market does recover, it is "going to be a screamer," he says.

Chinalco and Minmetals have been invited back to conduct due diligence and make a second bid, insiders said.

The bank is willing to sell the business to one customer or break it down into various divisions.

"People don't have anywhere to live, and they also are getting cancer from the mining operation."

Shares in Toronto-based explorer down a third after delays of initial gold production at its Brazil project prompts it to pursue "strategic alternatives."

Agency says it met with companies to discuss security threats.

Definition of glacier is the main bone of contention, as a wide interpretation could mean the halt of local and foreign mining activities.

"Problem is, more money to Codelco is less money towards education, infrastructure."

The finding is the first definitive proof of a comet exploding in the Earth's atmosphere.