Chevron owns a 50% stake in the project and will halt further funding after failing to find a buyer.

The company said that it would buy back all preference shares from its Black economic empowerment vehicle, Zambezi Platinum, four years ahead of its 10-year maturation date.

Police opened fire to beat back the protesters in the southern seaside town of Thoothukudi where 13 people were killed, causing national outrage and the subsequent closure of the Sterlite Copper plant.

Earlier this month, Lopez Obrador said his government was studying a proposal by a lawmaker in his ruling party to nationalize lithium production.

The existing open pit operation is expected to wind down by 2025.

The appeals court upheld Florence Copper's right to mine its property within the town, and confirmed the awarding of $1.7 million in legal fees and costs to Florence Copper.

Americas Gold and Silver has been embroiled in a labor dispute at the San Rafael mine.