Over the past four years, KPMG firms have successfully emerged as a leading force in mid cap M&A, having built up a significant network of local M&A teams and investment banking professionals, hired from major investment banks around the world. Says Rama Ayman: “I joined KPMG because it has an extensive presence in metals and mining globally across many functional areas, with a strong commitment to build out its M&A advisory capabilities in this sector.”

Rio has said it will receive a total of $1.02 billion from the sale of the mine in Queensland State, Australia, where the coal that is mined is burned to produce electricity. "The sale... will allow us to realise value for our shareholders as we continue optimising our portfolio," a Rio statement said. Rio say made a point of saying that it remained "committed to a long-term future in central Queensland" at its other mines.

The iron ore deposit, known as Isua, is located 150 kilometres from Nuuk and represents the largest commercial project in Greenland’s history.

In a statement on its website, London Mining said the mine was expected to produce 15 million tonnes a year of "very high quality iron ore concentrate to the global steel industry". It is thought that the company will now begin a search for investment partners for what will be a multi-billion dollar project.

Funding Circle announced on October 23 that is has raised $37 million in equity funding to expand its UK operations and launch operations in the USA.

The money has been raised from investors led by the venture capital firm Accel Partners, which is a backer of Facebook.

That was the message delivered by Boasteel president He Wenbo to Australia’s Trade Minister Andrew Robb, on a visit to China.

Mr Robb, the first Coalition minister to visit China since the September election, said yesterday Baosteel president He Wenbo was positive about tax changes proposed by the new government. Mr Robb said the Baosteel chief was pleased with the Coalition's promise to roll back the carbon and mining taxes put in place by the previous Labor government.

As reported last year, just a year in from its $3.3 billion purchase of Western Coal, Walter Energy had succeeded in dramatically increasing the output of the three Canadian mines. Wolverine, Willow Creek and Brule located near the towns of Tumbler Ridge and Chetwynd have all seen further rationalisation and improvement in the intervening year. Dan Cartwright, president of Walter Energy’s Canadian operations, though his brow may be knitted over global coal prices and a market over which he can have little influence, has plenty to be pleased about.

Over the last ten years, the value of Peru’s mineral production has increased dramatically. During the five-year period from 2005 to 2010, mining exports increased from $9.8 billion to $21.7 billion, raising the country’s mining profile internationally and presenting significant consulting opportunities.