Mining giant BHP Billiton on Thursday asked South Australia state for a 46-month extension to the approval of its Olympic Dam project expansion, which was shelved last month on cost concerns.
Canada dropped Friday its longtime opposition to global restrictions on asbestos, dealing a blow to the country's dying mining industry of the fire-resistant substance.
Mining tycoon Gina Rinehart on Wednesday warned Australia was becoming too expensive for multinational companies who could source workers for two dollars a day in Africa.
Australia's Resources Minister declared the mining boom "over" following BHP Billiton's decision to delay the massive Olympic Dam project as commodities prices sag.
The South American country of Guyana said Friday it had suspended the granting of new permits to mine for gold and diamonds in rivers because of concerns over widespread pollution.
Forum participants are representatives of the governmental authorities of Kazakhstan and foreign countries, directors of large industrial enterprises, international investors, industrial association, scientists and researchers in the sphere of mining and metallurgy and many others.
Summer Gold will pay $5.1 million to Kyrgyzstan for delays in construction of a gold plant. Kyrgyz government intentionally hindered construction, the company says.