Moto's dazzling Congo gold orebody is now the centre of a serious takeover battle: Red Back, AngloGold Ashanti, Randgold Resources, with more possibilities; Newmont, perhaps?

Global automation technology group - ABB - has won a three year contract worth US$ 19 million for the onsite process control systems service an maintenance for the big new Goro nickel project in New Caledonia.

Although copper has the best fundamentals of the base metals, Fitch Ratings expects copper demand to decline 4%-4.5% this year.

An on-going series of attacks, which have so far claimed three lives, is also impacting operations at the world's largest copper-gold mine, Freeport's Grasberg operations in Indonesia.

Banks agree to lease loan covenants as ArcelorMittal extends existing loans

"China cautions against "whipping up the case", Australia warns of the potential implications and the US cavalry charges in"

International concern over China's detention of four Rio executives grows as the US commerce secretary joins the fray.

Canadian developer NovaGold, with major stakes in the big Donlin Creek (potentially one of the world's largest gold mines) and Galore Creek copper/gold projects reports a much smaller loss in Q2.

Parent Vedanta will buy $500 mln of the issue as the metals producer seeks to develop its power generation business and buy new companies.

Alwyn Smit MD of Decillion/Ruukki, says he's tired of being demonised.