Axiom Mining not daunted by recent upheaval in the nickel as Indonesia has eased export bans while the Philippines ramps up moves to force some producers to close.

The last few months have been ones to forget for biotech investors with a rotation of funds out of high PE stocks in many markets which has left stocks in the sector well down on their 2016 highs

The President of Guinea is disputing public statements made by Rio Tinto about the firing of a senior executive for a $US10.5 million payment made to the president's friend Francois de Combret.

Wall Street shares close slightly higher, the first time in more than 50 years that a new commander-in-chief has been welcomed by a rising equity market on his first day in office.

Guinea President Alpha Conde said the firing of Alan Davies was the result of a feud over succession within Rio Tinto.

The destiny of iron ore prices may lie in the hands of miners scattered across China, lured by recent price gains.