Stockpiles rose for a sixth day to reach 181,150 metric tons, extending a threefold increase since July.

Risk assets are getting a boost from some less hawkish Federal Reserve commentary, and from moves by China to bolster its sinking stock market.

The proposed deal is the third largest ever involving an Australian company.

The 12,800 solar panel power plant will enable Kennecott to reduce its operational emissions by 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

Last month, the US government approved $150 million of funding for a graphite project in Mozambique.

After just missing out on succeeding Ivan Glasenberg at Glencore, Kenny Ives is now running the trading arm of CMOC Group.

In late September, the union's members rejected a proposal from the company, prompting government mediation to avoid a work stoppage.