The start of stockpiling "can effectively alleviate the increase in inventory" at metal producers.

Company announced ordinary dividend of $6.2 billion in 2019 and total cash returns of $7.2 billion.

Chinese smelters, facing high inventories of sulphuric acid and logistical problems with the coronavirus outbreak, have been forced to cut production.

Companies have informed Chinese suppliers they are not accepting deliveries.

Prices of South32's top three commodities - metallurgical coal, aluminium and manganese - slumped in 2019.

During a consultation period, some LME users said it was difficult to obtain guaranteed execution against closing nickel prices when the electronic system was used

2020 may be the year for a two-tier market for primary aluminum, says Wood Mackenzie