The plan will include a temporary phase of "environmental preservation and safe management," the company said.

South African miners have been hit by a spate of underground sit-ins in recent months.

Shingo Ueno, 64, has played a pivotal role in leading Sumitomo's metals, resources and chemicals businesses.

Zambia had been seeking a new investor for Mopani since it took control of the assets from Glencore in 2021.

Alrosa said on Friday that its 2023 output fell by 2.8% year on year to 34.6 million carats.

The South African firm has sold its 45% stake in Ghana's Asanko gold mine to joint venture partner Galiano Gold.

ENRC has always denied any wrongdoing and argued the UK's Serious Fraud Office would not have launched its investigation if it had not first induced the company's former lawyer to act against its interests.

The $1.4 million private placement gives Agnico a 10.9% holding in FireFox.