While November was quieter (and more volatile for stocks), the lead-up to Christmas could be quite busy.

One of the bigger stories of the month could be the looming appointment of a new CEO at Rio Tinto, with speculation that an announcement is imminent rising in recent days.

Newcrest Mining CEO Sandeep Biswas ruled himself out of contention, but there is plenty to keep him occupied at Newcrest.

The company reiterated yesterday that the maiden resource for the Havieron gold-copper project in Western Australia's Paterson Province was due this month.

In its September quarter report, it also flagged the completion of the Lihir mine optimisation study this month.

After news of the Dacian Gold-NTM Gold merger a few weeks ago, it looks like December will bring plenty of news from the Leonora-Laverton gold region.

St Barbara will outline its Building Brilliance plan, a strategy reset under managing director Craig Jetson.

Nearby, Red 5 could make a final investment for its King of the Hills development.

Kin Mining flagged a resource upgrade for its Cardinia project in Leonora in "early to mid-December", while the maiden resource for Magnetic Resources' ground near Laverton is overdue.

Peel Mining is due to update the resource for its May Day gold-base metals deposit in New South Wales this month.

Alkane Resources reported that more results from its Boda gold-copper discovery in NSW were due in December.

West African Resources has promised a resource and reserve update and life-of-mine plan for its Sanbrado operation.

Outside gold, Fortescue Metals Group's Eliwana iron ore mine in the Pilbara is due to achieve first ore on train this month.

Smaller iron ore play CZR Resources is targeting completion of a prefeasibility study on its Robe Mesa deposit in the Pilbara.

OZ Minerals is set to report updated study figures for its West Musgrave nickel-copper project in WA this month, as well as provide a clearer indication of its plans for the project.

IGO is looking to finalise the appointment of a new chair to replace Peter Bilbe.

In the lithium space, which has enjoyed a resurgence in recent weeks, Pilbara Minerals may find out this month if it's the successful buyer of collapsed Altura Mining's namesake operation adjoining Pilbara's Pilgangoora mine.

The company called a trading halt this morning.

Strandline Resources is looking to wrap up financing for its Coburn mineral sands development this month.

Bellevue Gold has been suggested as a possible addition to the GDXJ, while De Grey Mining could be added to the GDX as part of this month's rebalance.

The IPO rush shows no sign of slowing down.

Those in contention to list this month include Benz Mining Corp, Medallion Metals, Prospech, Desert Metals, Aurumin, Kingfisher Mining, Errawarra Resources, Akora Resources, BPM Minerals, Maas Group, Westar Resources and Rincon Resources.

And one-time billion-dollar company Sundance Resources could be delisted next week if the ASX doesn't agree to an extension to allow it to recapitalise.

On the events front, while Christmas and end-of-year functions are well and truly underway, there's still a handful of more formal events.

The WA Mining Club will hold its sold-out St Barbara's Day luncheon this Friday, featuring Perenti director Alex Atkins as the speaker.

Vertical Events will hold its New World Metals Day in Perth next week.

Finally, next Thursday is the annual AMEC Awards, which will see awards given out for excellence in discovery, sustainability, community and journalism.