China’s Jiangxi Copper had been speculated as a potential suitor for minority interests in First Quantum’s Kansanshi and Sentinel mines.

Rio Tinto is the first of the majors to post earnings, kicking off a reporting season that’s expected to see record results across the board.

Experts say large brownfield and greenfield projects close to being commissioned or are already ramping up will hit copper prices.

Crime gangs have stolen dozens of truckloads of copper owned by miners and traders including Glencore, Trafigura and Traxys this year.

IGO, which completed a $1.4 billion deal to buy a stake in Tianqi Lithium's Australian assets last month, has been looking to focus on its nickel and lithium ventures.

The premium has never been higher.

While the scope 1 analysis is underway, Osisko will also launch several trade-off studies to identify potential alternative energy sources to hydro.