Rio recently raised its offer but still faces opposition from multiple parties including Turquoise Hill's second-largest shareholder.

Top banks are reinforcing their metals divisions to cash in on the volatility that’s lifted trading profits over the past three years.

The latest results come from the area along the connection drift between the Smith and SSX underground mines.

The kingdom says it’s sitting on top of $1.3 trillion worth of untapped mineral deposits including copper, zinc, phosphates, and gold.

The miner said its third-quarter gold production rose to 1.49 million ounces from last year's 1.45 million ounces.

Hochschild did not say if production had been affected, but noted protesters are blocking the entrance to the Inmaculada mine since Oct. 27.

Buying by central banks in the third quarter took their purchases for the year to 673 tonnes, more than the total purchases in any full year since 1967.