Health Canada-registered copper patches have been installed in public areas on surfaces including door handles and railings in nine UBC Applied Science buildings.

Mitsubishi has hired Branko Buhavac, formerly at Trafigura Group, as head trader for base metals in Europe.

The mining giant is facing rising pressure from Turquoise minority shareholders to boost the offer.

Marcela Hernando Pérez, the new Chilean mining minister, said that Santiago does not plan to nationalize the country's mining sector.

The proposal is to build a plant on the coast of the Valparaiso region that would produce drinking water for residents in exchange for access to waste water that could be used at mines.

The last time the copper industry gathered in Santiago, prices were below $3/lb amid concerns over a slowdown in Chinese demand.

Mount Polley was shut down in 2014, after a massive tailings pond collapse.

Patricio Vergara, VP of mining resources and development, said the hived-off assets could become eventual partnerships.