In a world where the Trump Administration is leading a return to economic and resource nationalism, it’s hard to see how global metals can break free of global politics.
Newcrest Mining has upped its holdings in Ecuador-focused explorer SolGold to 15.33% from 13.83%, nudging further ahead of the company's second biggest shareholder BHP.
The government aims to issue a new mining permit for Grasberg - which requires the environmental permit issues to be settled - before the end of the year.