Copper’s surge to a record on wave of speculative money has run out of steam in recent months.

Some of the country's largest mining companies are copper producers, which means any foreign investment involving those miners would face intense scrutiny.

Investors are moving into gold equities from bullion, and the gold price may increase while central banks increase purchases as the US election approaches, BMO analysts said.

Nickel volumes have rebounded this year after languishing since a March 2022 price spike that caused the LME to suspend trading.

The board of the Rio de Janeiro-based miner reportedly chose Shaun Usmar to head Vale Base Metals.

The company has committed $3.9 million in exploration activities for the first two years.

International Resources Holding had wanted a majority stake in Konkola Copper Mines to consolidate its position in Zambia after buying a 51% stake in Mopani.