There are signs that China is already tightening credit, which may result in slower spending on copper intensive infrastructure and construction projects.

Operating profit rose to $332 million from $170 million a year earlier.

"For 2030/2031 we are looking at a supply gap of 4.5 million tonnes of greenfield project capacity, " said Wood Mackenzie.

Consortium said its bid for the copper miner had been declared unconditional after winning more than 90% of support.

Port workers in Chile called a strike in response to a move by the government to block a bill allowing people to make a third round of early withdrawals from their pension funds.