Hancock Prospecting now owns 14.67% of the lithium producer, according to an ASX filing late Tuesday.

Hundreds of demonstrators have gathered near Panama's governmental offices in recent weeks to protest the contract.

Sardinia's regional government said the pilot project for the recycling hub would have to be submitted to a full environmental impact assessment.

The conglomerate last week decided to spin off into various commodity-focused companies looking to shore up financials.

Rio Tinto, which did not make a public statement for seven weeks, said it was sorry for the incident.

Company insider Jack Lundin will be appointed as the new CEO.

Natascha Viljoen will assume the role of COO at Newmont on Tuesday.