Apple has said in the past that it does not directly buy, procure or source primary minerals, and it has been auditing its suppliers for several years.

The government aims to issue first licenses in 2025, but companies will require separate approvals to start production.

Argentina could be a major supplier by 2035.

Kingsrose has numerous early-stage nickel-copper exploration targets and has secured exploration licences across the two Nordic nations.

The South American country produced 2.76 million tons of copper last year, dropping its rank from first to second for global production.

The offering will help fund near-term growth initiatives at its Copper Mountain unit.