Negotiations, alternative employment programs and interventions by the police have failed to resolve the issue.

The dispute between the government and Vedanta started when Zambia appointed a liquidator to run Konkola Copper Mines and accused it of breaching its licence.

The project has the potential for an entire suite of strategic metals, the CEO says.

Palladium still the highest valued precious metal.

The Vancouver-based miner reported expansion costs at its Oyu Tolgoi mine could increase over $1 billion.

Locals claim the open-pit mine will damage crops and affect water supplies.