Makers of everything from automobiles to beverage cans to kitchen appliances are holding off booking next year’s aluminum orders.

Prime Minister Anibal Torres said during a conference between executives of large mining firms that the new "attitude" aimed to promote local and foreign investment.

The deal, valued at $3.3 billion, gives Rio Tinto a 66% stake in the giant Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine in Mongolia.

Zambia plans to reduce its budget deficit next year, even as it makes further cuts to copper mining royalties.

Located in traditional Dene territory, about 200 km west of Fort Simpson, the Prairie Creek property is home to what is regarded as one of Canada's next large high-grade zinc-lead-silver mines.