GOLD

Gold prices plunged Thursday when investors stampeded out of precious metals, as well as stocks, into the perceived safety of the U.S. dollar.

Gold fell by more than 3 percent on Thursday, set for its largest monthly decline since January, after the Federal Reserve's move to boost U.S. growth lifted the dollar, which battered the commodities complex.

China-focused Silvercorp Metals Inc said on Thursday that it has so far bought back some 4.5 million common shares worth about $35 million, as the company fights back against allegations of fraud.

Anglo Asian Mining plans to start work at the Gosha gold mine in Azerbaijan in the second half of 2012 after the successful launch of production at the neighbouring Gedabek mine, the company said in a statement on Thursday.

Gold prices plummeted more than 3 percent Thursday after the Federal Reserve pronounced the economy seriously ill but then prescribed what many traders and analysts saw as a virtual aspirin.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc is unlikely to meet third-quarter sales estimates because of a strike at its vast Grasberg mine in Indonesia.

Gold fell on Thursday, after the Federal Reserve's widely-anticipated move to boost U.S. growth lifted the dollar but pummelled global equities and hit the entire commodities complex.

Spot gold slipped on Thursday under the weight of a rallying dollar, after falling more than 1 percent in the previous session when the U.S. Federal Reserve announced its plan to load up long-term securities and offered a grim economic outlook.

Pakistan's Baluchistan province has objected to a mining lease being sought by a joint venture between Antofagasta and Barrick Gold, further delaying a major planned copper and gold project in the country's southwest.

South Africa's Gold Fields Ltd. could invest up to $2 billion to develop a gold and copper prospect in the Philippines, a government official said on Wednesday, although the company said it was far too early for such estimates.

Gold fell on Wednesday as investors booked profits on the metal's rally earlier in the day ahead of the outcome of a Federal Reserve policy meeting that many hope will confirm the central bank's strategy to kick-start U.S. growth.

Kyrgyzstan launched its second foreign-run gold mine on Wednesday after the Chinese owners settled a dispute with local residents, raising hopes that bigger projects could follow in the Central Asian state.

Silver broke from the other precious metals Wednesday, posting gains amid a general downdraft that pulled down the euro and European stocks.

Several hundred South African former miners have launched court proceedings against Anglo American Plc in London, the latest in a wave of lawsuits and compensation claims over lung disease that could cost the gold industry billions.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc said the strike at its vast Grasberg mine in Indonesia has hurt production and it is unlikely to meet third-quarter gold and copper sales estimates

Gold and silver prices slipped modestly and the U.S. dollar edged higher Wednesday as the financial world awaited results of a two-day meeting by leaders of the U.S. central bank that was expected to result in fresh efforts to stimulate business.

Gold held steady above $1,800 an ounce on Wednesday ahead of the outcome of a Federal Reserve policy meeting at which the U.S. central bank is expected to unveil its next steps to revive the world's largest economy.

All that glitters is not just gold, with prices for silver also expected to strongly rise within the year due to a worsening economic landscape.

Gold Fields, the world's fourth largest gold miner, said on Wednesday it had made a non-refundable down payment of $66 million for an option to acquire a 60 percent interest in an undeveloped gold-copper deposit in the Philippines.

Britain's top share index slipped back on Wednesday, weighed down by concerns over Greece's ability to stave off a default, as investors focused on the possibility of further economic stimulus from the U.S. Federal Reserve.

After gold's 10-year winning streak shattered all but the most bullish forecasts, it takes a brave man to call for a correction. It takes an even braver man to do so at the year's biggest bullion conference.

Gold jumped to its biggest gain in eight sessions on Tuesday, snapping back from steep day-ago losses as the anticipation of further U.S. stimulus mingled with new fears over global growth.

Gold's rally will extend beyond $2,000 an ounce in the next year, but won't match the torrid record-breaking climb of the last 12 months, according to gold investors and analysts attending the London Bullion Market Association's (LBMA) annual conference.

Silver mining companies rose in aftermarket trading Tuesday even as the price of silver gave up gains achieved earlier in the day.

Gold's rally will extend beyond $2,000 an ounce in the next year, but won't match the torrid record-breaking climb of the last 12 months, according to gold investors and analysts attending the London Bullion Market Association's (LBMA) annual conference.

First Majestic Silver Corp. said Tuesday it completed a key phase of an expansion at its La Parrilla Silver Mine in Mexico, which will result in the facility being able to double production to more than 3 million ounces of silver per year.

Gold prices rose over the $1,800 mark Tuesday on expectations that the Federal Reserve will decide this week on further steps to stimulate the economy and fresh evidence that the economy needs some stimulation.

Shares of Canadian gold and silver mining companies soared Tuesday as precious metals prices climb and worries about the U.S. economy as well as the eurozone's sovereign debt crises drive investors.

Members of the conservative Swiss People's Party (SVP) want a law to prevent the country's central bank -- currently struggling to tame a super-strong Swiss franc -- from selling its gold reserves, according to a proposal published on Tuesday.