COPPER

Negotiations on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, between Greece and its lenders and between big U.S. banks and the federal government, boosted the willingness of investors Thursday to move into risk assets, many of which posted gains.

Labour demands in the south, power problems in the east and new tax burdens in the west: wherever you look in Africa, miners face a perfect storm of soaring costs.

Global securities, whether stocks, commodities or currencies, held earlier gains or losses Wednesday as the world awaited the outcome of talks between debt-choked, strife-torn Greece and benefactors demanding more tax hikes and government budget cuts in exchange for bailout money.

Ivanplats, controlled by Ivanhoe Mines founder Robert Friedland, expects to produce platinum at negative cost at its giant Platreef complex in South Africa, potentially shaking up an industry squeezed by stoppages, rising wages and power charges.

U.S. stocks rose modestly Tuesday as strong earnings from Coca-Cola Co. and Yum! Brands Inc. offset concerns that Greece would default next month on a $19 billion euro bond redemption. European and Asian stocks were mixed, reflecting similar concerns.

Canada's Nevsun Resources Ltd expects gold production at its Bisha mine in Eritrea to nearly halve in 2012 due to a cut in its reserve estimate.

A political impasse over a new bailout for Greece dominated the tone of trading in risky assets Monday, as U.S. investors - whose attention had been on U.S. economic developments the week prior - once again focused on the Continent.

Gold prices declined Monday on concerns Greece will - despite the Eurozone's two years of efforts - default on its massive sovereign debt, with acute consequences for global economic growth.

Spot gold edged higher on Monday after surprisingly strong U.S. jobs data sent prices down nearly 2 percent in the previous session, as investors shifted focus to a looming deadline for Greece to accept the terms of a new bailout deal.

Stocks and high-yield bonds rallied in U.S. markets Friday, after yet another round of positive economic data proved a boon to investors betting that the economy will improve at a faster rate than previously forecast.

Australian nickel producer Panoramic Resources Ltd made a hostile bid for the stake that it does not already own in Magma Metals Ltd , valuing the company at about A$40 million ($43.09 million).

Gold prices climbed Friday, their 21st daily increase in the last 24 trading sessions, toward a two-month high as support from a weaker dollar offset falling crude oil prices.

Mining group Xstrata and commodities trader Glencore are in talks about an all-share deal that could create a combined group worth more than 50 billion pounds ($79 billion).

Hundreds of Nepali girls set to take part in the rite that weds them to the god Vishnu over the coming month, a symbolic time of weddings according to tradition in this Hindu nation.

U.S. Silver Corporation (TSE:USA) has forecast around 2.4 million ounces of silver production in 2012, the company said on Tuesday.

U.S. Silver Corporation (TSE:USA) has forecast around 2.4 million ounces of silver production in 2012, the company said on Tuesday.

U.S. Silver Corp. said Tuesday it expects to produce about 2.4 million ounces of silver this year, with byproduct production of lead to be approximately 6.5 million pounds and copper to be some 1.2 million pounds.

Gold prices, headed for their strongest January in three years, rose Tuesday as fears of a Greek sovereign debt default receded, the dollar weakened and crude oil and copper prices increased.

Mineral exploration company Sandspring Resources Ltd raised its estimates for the measured and indicated resources at its Guyana gold-copper project and cut the project's pre-production capital costs.

Copper fell on Monday, pulling back from a four-month high as demand prospects dimmed amid a lack of progress in talks to avoid a disorderly Greek default, tempting investors to cash in on January's rally.

Spot gold finished slightly lower on Thursday as investors locked in profits after bullion jumped past key resistance in early trade.