Codelco says sales, shipments of copper not yet hit by coronavirus

But China's incremental demand for commodities may have peaked.

Deal places European trader among world’s top commodity titans.

This is the first statement in which MMG has confirmed its intention to buy Las Bambas.

Futures for May delivery fell on New York to a session low of $2.931 a pound, the weakest level since March 17.

Las Bambas copper mine, located in Peru, is expected to fetch between $5 and $6 billion.

The London-listed copper miner will pay its shareholders a dividend equivalent to 142% of its full year earnings.

The only stumbling block is the firm's $27bn net debt, which BHP expects to drop below $25bn in three months, removing the final hurdle.

Combined estimate investment exceeds $13 billion, says the government.

The miner is warning the multitude of new legislation could send compliance costs soaring by tens of millions of dollars for global companies.