Market futures were mixed and the benchmark S&P/ASX200 was higher at the time of writing, where gold producer Resolute Mining was up 8% as it reported "excellent" results from drilling at its Mako mine in Senegal.

BTU Metals (TSXV: BTU) was a standout performer in Toronto yesterday.

Its Dixie Halo project in Ontario borders much of Great Bear Resources' Dixie project in the Red Lake district.
 
BTU added to its recent gains with a big 45.8% jump yesterday to close at C35c, having touched a one-year high intraday of 35.5c on no news.

Its share price had been as low as 6.5c in mid-October.

Since then the company has added ground to its Ontario holdings, appointed geologist Bruce Durham as its new VP exploration and last week announced "compelling indications" of a notable volcanogenic massive sulphide target on its Dixie Halo property.

Precious metals producer Fresnillo (LSE: FRES) posted the biggest decline on London's FTSE100 yesterday, dropping 6.39% as the gold price eased on improved sentiment.

Gold was worth just over US$1,475 an ounce on the spot market earlier.