Key among those challenges as the world’s largest oil producer seeks to unlock an estimated $1.3 trillion in mineral wealth are logistics and water supplies.
A court in Burkina Faso last week handed out suspended sentences to two executives after finding them guilty of involuntary manslaughter for the flood disaster.
"Now copper has broken below $7,475 a tonne, traders will be eyeing the $6,955 20-month low touched on July 15," said Saxo Bank head of commodity strategy Ole Hansen.