India celebrated Diwali and Dhanteras last week, some of the busiest gold-buying days in the country, when demand peaks because gold is considered auspicious.
Rio, which could become the world's top iron ore producer this year, was beset by weather and operational issues in the first quarter which caused it to cut its annual guidance.
The world's largest producer of zircon said on Thursday it was considering a demerger of an asset that earns royalties from a BHP Group iron ore operation.
Investor confidence in Mexico, Latin America's second largest economy, has been shaken by some policy moves under President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.