If developed, the $2.4 billion Jadar lithium project in Western Serbia could cover 90% of Europe's current lithium needs.
Environmental campaigners are challenging the approval of a coking coal mine in northwest England.
Simandou has faced delays due to legal disputes, political changes, and the challenges of building a 600 km rail and port infrastructure.
The world's largest producer of iron ore shipped 80.3 million tons of the steel-making commodity in the quarter.