The company did not say whether the fire affected production.

Copper mining company profits topped $100 billion two years in a row, but building a new mine now takes on average 16 years.

Imports of coal have been robust in recent months as China turned to thermal generation amid lower hydropower output.

Investors look set to pile into the copper market on an unprecedented scale in the next few years, Citi analyst says.

The use of new digital technology to optimise concentrator performance at the world's biggest copper mine in Chile is expected to improve recovery.  

Data suggest Chilean production may be stabilizing after a series of project delays, mine-specific setbacks and plant maintenance.

Musk and the Mongolian government talked about a potential joint research venture on the use of rare earth elements and battery minerals.

Eurasian Resources Group has asked authorities to reconsider a ban imposed on its Boss Mining unit's copper and cobalt operations.