Diversified miner Anglo American has appointed Sir Philip Hampton as a nonexecutive director, with immediate effect. Hampton has served as chairperson of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group since February 2009, and has recently stepped down as chairperson of food retailer J Sainsbury.

ASX-listed gold producer Resolute Mining has reported that despite setbacks in the ramp-up of its Syama gold mine, in Mali, it still produced around 6 665 oz of gold during October. Resolute said on Friday that the production was achieved in the balance of the month following the 12-day shutdown, and reflected a significant improvement in the plant performance.

JSE-listed platinum producer Impala Platinum (Implats) on Friday reported that Dr Fred Roux has resigned as an independent nonexecutive director, with immediate effect. The resignation followed discussions in the aftermath of Roux`s replacement as chairperson. Implats said in a statement that boh the company and Roux regretted the circumstances and publicity surrounding that event, and have agreed to go their separate ways, in good faith, with mutual respect and with no further comment.

TSX- and JSE-listed Africa-focused diamond explorer BRC Diamondcore has signed a letter of intent with diversified giant Rio Tinto�s mining and exploration arm, whereby Rio Tinto would fund the exploration of certain parts of the joint venture (JV) property of the Tshikapa kimberlite project, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [Read more...]

Aim-listed junior gold explorer GoldStone Resources has been granted an exploration license for its Sangola project by the Senegalese Ministry of Mines. GoldStone said in a statement that it would now be able to start exploration activities for gold and related minerals, as soon as a decree was issued by the Mining Minister, which was expected to occur shortly.