Column: Ferocious CME copper squeeze presages future turbulence

Copper mining has been halted in France for more than two decades.

Orla said it had notified authorities of its intentions with the hope of motivating talks between the parties.

Futures on the London Metal Exchange have risen more than 12% so far this year.

Owner China's MMG faces a fresh protest by local communities demanding greater benefits from the Las Bambas copper mine.

It comes about a month after a similar lawsuit was filed by the site's developer, Northern Dynasty Minerals.

The Aguablanca mine will produce a total of 43.2 million lb. nickel and 34.6 million lb. copper plus gold, platinum, and palladium.

Copper production from the Escondida miner rose 34% to 97,500 tons.

Over 500 constitutional challenges have been filed against the law, Mexico mining law expert Santiago Suarez Sevilla says.

Average inactive capacity in China rose to 9% in March from 8.3% in the first two months.