An administrator appointed by a Congolese court to run the world's second-largest cobalt mine took control of the project's bank accounts after CMOC refused him access to the mine.

During the first four months of the year, the global market was in a deficit of 8,100 tonnes.

"Going forward, I don't think there will be a mine where Zambia will own less than 20%," mines minister Paul Kabuswe said.

The new MOA between FPX and the Binche Society formalizes protocols for continuing the co-operative working relationship established regarding exploration and development activities.

China produced a record 3.42 million tonnes of primary aluminium in May as the country's smelters continue to ramp up run-rates.

Workers at Chile’s state-owned Codelco will start a nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest the government’s and the company’s decision to close a troubled smelter.

Treasury Secretary said the US should work on shifting dependence on some nations for supplies of critical inputs.

The benchmark price for cobalt in Europe has slid more than 13% since a peak in May.