Smelters, BHP settle 2012 copper charges
China's copper smelters and BHP Billiton have settled 2012 term copper concentrate treatment and refining charges at $60 a tonne and 6 US cents a pound.
Iron ore fall raises doubts on Australia tax plan
Australia's politically charged mining profits tax may raise less of the initial A$11bn Prime Minister Julia Gillard is promising if iron ore prices return to November levels.
First Quantum says Zambia strike illegal
First Quantum Minerals says a strike at its flagship Zambian copper mine is illegal.
Resources give JSE New Year fillip
The JSE was up more than 2% as stronger commodity prices drove the resources sector higher, although trade was thin.
French nuclear plants need more safety
France's 58 nuclear reactors are safe, but safety systems must be improved quickly to prepare for extreme situations, says the French nuclear safety authority.
Eastplats finalises $100m debt facility
Eastern Platinum says it has finalised a $100m debt facility for the funding of its Mareesburg Project.
Anglo, Codelco tension grows in Sur row
Anglo American says it is not obliged to sell Codelco anything as the Chilean state-owned miner exercises a right to buy 49% in Los Bronces copper mine and other properties.
Gold rises in line with euro recovery
Gold is rallying and boosted by a rise in the euro against the dollar, after the price hit its lowest in nearly six months last week in a flurry of year-end speculative selling.
First Quantum says workers on strike in Zambia
Workers at the Zambian unit of Canada's First Quantum Minerals have gone on strike for a 100% pay rise, bringing production to a halt at the country's largest copper mine.
Jim Rogers says bearish on gold
The euro may rebound in the near-term despite the problems affecting continental Europe, as investors are overly bearish on the currency, says investor Jim Rogers.