On the Comex market, copper for delivery in December gained 2.85% to $3.4040 a pound ($7,488 a tonne) by mid-afternoon in New York.

National Mining Agency on new guidelines tightening safety rules and inspection of mining dams.

According to Wood Mackenzie, consumer and investor pressures asking for recycled content are starting to change the scrap metal market.

The European Raw Materials Alliance will focus on increasing domestic production and promoting recycling of vital elements, particularly rare earths.