Investors had been optimistic more aid was on its way to revive construction projects but none was forthcoming during a key Politburo meeting. 

In the mining division, second-quarter iron ore sales rose 16% from a year ago.

Twelve blast furnaces in China have resumed operations as margins improved, Chinese metals information provider SMM reported.

Even if China does set up an effective and efficient centralized buying system for iron ore, it's unlikely to shift market dynamics much, writes Clyde Russell.

Building new roads to reach mines would allow illegal loggers, land grabbers and ranchers easier access to relatively untouched parts of the forest, study says.

Anglo joined rival miners, including Rio Tinto and Freeport-McMoRan, in reporting lower profits.

With the deal, the world's second-largest steelmaker is adding an installed capacity of 3 million tonnes a year of steel slabs.