In China, manufacturing contracted for the first time in nearly one and a half years.

Hichilema also designated Francis Chipimo to act as central bank governor.

Joint venture seeks to eventually develop the Upper Kobuk Mineral projects in Alaska's Ambler mining district

The success of either bid will put high-profile Ring of Fire nickel asset in Australian hands.

China's copper imports in August dropped 41% year-on-year as high prices and sluggish economic growth kept a lid on demand.

Operations had been suspended at Prominent Hill when a 43-year old man died on Sunday after being crushed by machinery.

Call it cross-pollination: Mining companies in Australia are taking up projects in Canada and Canadian mining companies are enthusiastic about projects in Australia.