Vale suspends waste disposal operations at Viga plant

Minister Kayode Fayemi is negotiating a $500 million investment fund with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority.

" Despite the uncertainty around global metal prices, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard has thrown his support behind a project that has the potential to be transformational for the north of his province."

While met coal is clearly the star performer, thermal coal is probably the biggest upset – seaborne prices have jumped 65% in 2016 to above $80 a tonne.

The company believes the market is set to move back into balance in 2017, with demand to exceed global supply.

The commodity research teams at Macquarie and Barclays, however, are not as optimistic when it comes to potash, aluminum and steel.

Despite continued investment in copper assets on the continent from China and India hunting for coal mines.

The country’s state planner said it would also set up a no-coal zone in cities around Beijing in 2017 to try reducing the capital's hazardous smog levels.

A credit upgrade, a rocketing share price and rally in coal and iron ore call into question downsizing strategy of world's number five miner.

Texas-based Ocean Minerals says the area is also rich in scandium, a key ingredient for making an extremely light, strong, corrosion resistant, heat tolerant and weldable alloy.