Colombia calls for mine safety review

Authorities are negotiating contracts with European and Australian firms, according to president of state-owned lithium company YLB.

The Global Tailings Management Institute will oversee independent audits and the certification of member companies’ facilities based on their safety and public disclosures, the founders said.

China’s record coal purchases last year were driven by big increases in supplies from Australia and Mongolia.

The country's development agency is offering $3-$4m over three years for studies on extracting cobalt and rare earths from tailings.