Copper jumps 2.7pc on cautious demand

The bill modifies the Energy Act of 2020 to expand the definition of critical minerals to include critical materials designated by the Department of Energy (DOE).

The ruling removes the last major obstacle for the $250 million project, located 150 km northeast of Guayaquil.

A minimum 70,000 meter drill program is now planned for 2025.

The export tax rebate was also removed for copper and lowered for some refined oil, solar, battery and non-metallic mineral products.