SQM shareholder Julio Ponce said the object of the share sale was "to strengthen the capital structure" of the company.

In an unprecedented year marked by disruptions due to the global pandemic, copper mine production was contingent on how each company overcame operational challenges.

Miners are beginning to test out options to replace their vast diesel-powered fleets with zero-emissions alternatives.

The sale will reduce BHP's portfolio diversity and will raise its dependency on a single asset.

Top nickel producer Indonesia has ambitious plans to start processing its rich supplies of nickel laterite ore used in lithium batteries and eventually become a global hub.

The energy group plans to form a joint venture with Aura Minerals' controlling shareholder to explore iron ore.