NGEx announces start of 2011 exploration program at GJ Copper Gold Project in BC

The mine, one of the world's top sources of copper, was shut down in November, hours after Panama's Supreme Court declared its contract unconstitutional.

This potential combination would create a global powerhouse in aluminum production, the companies said.

The mine was briefly forced to cease operations as the fighting intensified, according to media reports.

The stoppage could mean the release of copper raw materials to the market, which has faced unprecedented shortages this year.