Mining giant Rio Tinto announced earnings more than doubled for the first half of this year. The company is hoping that will help it fight off a hostile takeover bid from rival BHP Billiton. Stephen Beard reports.

Honduras has joined a Central American trade pact on a sweetheart deal with Venezuela for cheap oil. Dan Grech reports why the U.S. may want to pay attention to the deal and maybe try to procure an attractive counteroffer.

A measure on a Homer, Alaska ballot would limit pollution from mining operations to avoid threatening salmon fisheries. But some say this is a way to avoid construction of a copper and gold mine. Emily Schwing reports.