The company said it had incorrectly deducted leave on public holidays since 2010 for an average of six leave days in total per person.

"The LME's problem is that it's pricing the pure ore. Meanwhile, nickel is less and less used as a pure metal," said Eramet's CEO Christel Bories.

The southern African country is reeling from power cuts of up to 12 hours daily.

"Miners need to do a better job not just meeting, but exceeding ESG expectations," said Jonathan Price.

China's top nickel producer urged the Argentinian government to introduce more policies and measures related to investment.

Pixxel, founded in 2019, is building a constellation of satellites that have the ability to identify mineral deposits or the productivity of crops by analysing the spectral signature of an image.

The solar power plants will initially be located in the mining-rich state of Minas Gerais, which has ideal conditions and fiscal incentives.

First study of its size will be use Health Canada-registered antimicrobial copper fixtures and surfaces.