Two charged with illegal gold mining in Sierra plead no contest

Two men charged with illegal gold mining in the Sierra along with felony vandalism of public land and private property entered no contest pleas, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

• Updated 31m ago

What's behind the surge in gold and silver prices?

Analysts point to rising geopolitical tensions and softer monetary policy as driving the year-end surge.

• Dec 23, 2025

Gold rush could bring open pit mines to Black Hills in South Dakota

Miners want to return to the treasured landscape, promising an economic boost while raising fears of how modern gold extraction could forever change the region.

• Aug 18, 2025

Rare coin issued after California Gold Rush sold at auction for $1.4M

Avid coin collectors jumped at the chance to get their hands on a rare "double eagle" gold coin at a Southern California auction house.

• Nov 20, 2024

2nd largest diamond ever pulled from a mine, Botswana officials say

Botswana's government says a 2,492-carat diamond pulled from the Karowe Mine is the biggest ever found in the country.

• Aug 22, 2024

Apple threatened with legal action over use of alleged "blood minerals"

The Democratic Republic of Congo has given Apple weeks to answer questions about how it ensures key components in its tech are ethically and legally sourced.

• Apr 29, 2024