Anglo American reports Q4 drops in iron ore and platinum production

"While a large number of countries around the world continue to talk about securing raw material supply, China is actually doing something about it."

Gemfields said in a statement that "groups associated with the illegal mining and trading of rubies have taken advantage of the political unrest".

Solar capacity around the world was rolled out at a record pace, as bargain panel prices helped countries deploy cleaner energy.

"Winter restocking of iron ore among steel mills is still underway, so we believe ore prices will find some support in the near term," analyst says.