Peru's finance minister Pedro Francke has asked Congress for executive powers to reform the tax system.

The funding, $35 million in total, is being awarded to 12 projects.

Company has 10 sales processes underway across its portfolio and 15 further assets under review.

The world's top miner has been listed in Australia and the UK since 2001, when it merged with Billiton Plc, but wants consolidate the two.

BHP's Escondida saw production fall 15.2% year-on-year.

Payback from the start of commercial operation would take 2.4 years with the initial capital expenditure estimated at C$367 million.

The European Union drug regulator said on Tuesday existing covid-19 vaccines would provide protection against omicron, calming markets.