Commodity analysts said technical factors also played a part.

Canada Nickel’s flagship project is the Crawford nickel sulphide deposit in Ontario.

South African miners have been hit by a spate of underground sit-ins in recent months.

Shingo Ueno, 64, has played a pivotal role in leading Sumitomo's metals, resources and chemicals businesses.

ENRC has always denied any wrongdoing and argued the UK's Serious Fraud Office would not have launched its investigation if it had not first induced the company's former lawyer to act against its interests.

Impala Platinum has stated that an underground protest at the Bafokeng Rasimone mine remains unresolved, with more than 2,000 workers still below the surface.

PGM prices have fallen by 42% this year and could widen a supply deficit if unprofitable mines are sidelined.