Junior miners

It's an old adage that some of the biggest fortunes have been made when business conditions are at their toughest.

HOW does the managing director of an aspiring nickel miner remain positive amid weakening commodities prices and an equities market in decline?

NORTHERN Star Resources was better placed than most to ride out last month's sharp drop in the gold price to less than $1,400 an ounce.

SHRINKING profit margins and dwindling cash balances in the junior mining sector are not only putting pressure on miners, but also those who provide key services to the sector.

JUNIOR miners have been given some relief in the struggle to raise cash from cautious equity markets, but it could be offset by additional compliance costs.

NEGOTIATING the often-rocky terrain of the environmental approvals process can be a daunting task for emerging miners, particularly those in the uranium space.

It might be too early to crack the champagne but junior miners are certainly celebrating the weakening of the Australian dollar, which had lost its traditional connection with commodity prices and