Swiss January gold exports highest in six years on strong Asian sales

Norway could become the first country to start commercial deep sea mining if parliament gives the go-ahead to explore the remote Mid-Atlantic ridge.

The move aims to avert a supply glut in the global market and aid diamond prices amid weak demand.

A new mining quota application system will be available to nickel miners from October and applications can be filed from November.

Higher domestic supply also weighed on the key steelmaking ingredient.

In just a few years, Hungary is projected to become the fourth-largest producer of batteries globally.

China’s appetite for iron ore has picked up in recent months.

Buyers lack conviction and the view from the factory floor remains cautious as margins are suppressed and profits wither.

Talks were held amid tense diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Polish proposal will now be considered by the European Commission.