In late September, the union's members rejected a proposal from the company, prompting government mediation to avoid a work stoppage.

Both the companies expect the deal to close in early November, Newmont said.

Russian copper exports to China and expectations of surpluses have emboldened Chinese buyers to try and dictate how much they will pay Codelco for the industrial metal next year.

A flurry of copper mining deals are being lined up for the next six to 12 months, industry sources told Reuters.

ERG said it would sell 3,000 metric tons of contained cobalt metal a year to EVelution.

The fresh funds may give McEwen Copper more breathing space before going public.

Scientists believe the asteroid can help discoveries about Earth's core and those of other terrestrial planets.

The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis examined five miners with goals to become carbon neutral by 2050 — and found varying degrees of purpose in meeting that target.