Minnesota copper project in limbo as officials launch permits review

The company halted production of refined copper at its smelter at the Utah-based mine in October, following the death of a worker who was exposed to sulphur dioxide gases at the plant while removing debris from a boiler.

Production at the Queensland-based operation was halted in 2015 because of falling zinc prices. Since then, prices for the metal have more than doubled.

The approvals will allow the company to modify its original expansion plan, already permitted and now 44 pct complete, which seeks to add another mine level.

The company beat expectations on Thursday with a 5% increase in 2017 production.

The world's second-largest copper miner by production also said talks with Indonesia re Grasberg were advancing.

The world's largest mining and construction equipment maker beat market expectations for fourth quarter earnings and said its sales growth momentum is expected to continue in 2018.

DRC's proposed mining code, which industry has warned will stifle investment in the copper and cobalt-rich nation, sailed through Senate without opposition.

Copper producer Cradle Arc embarked on a new London listing on Wednesday to fund production in Botswana.

Global zinc stocks falling to "critically low levels" by second half of 2018, propelling prices above $4,000 a tonne predicts Wood Mackenzie in new research.