An arbitration hearing in London is due to take place in Jan

A big source of capital for the critical minerals sector this year is coming from large corporations like BHP and Rio Tinto.

The bulk of the funds will be used to pay down debt and to fund capital expenditures at its 30%-owned Red Chris copper-gold mine.

Chile's government said this week it would allow the company to retain 30% of its profits from last year to help finance an ambitious investment plan until the end of the decade.

The mining firm is facing global clients and investors increasingly focused on environmental concerns.

The Tranquilla, Batuco and Cuncumén communities are still looking for compensation following a leak in a pipeline at the mine’s concentrator plant.