Since its inception 16 years ago the industry has grown to 110 physically-backed ETFs holding gold worth $115 billion.

Glencore is halting a fifth of global cobalt production – a more modest cut in zinc output in 2015 produced spectacular results.

The Canadian miner also said it's currently assessing the long-term viability of its Youga gold mine in Burkina Faso.

The South African gold miner is interested in many projects, including AngloGold Ashanti’s Mponeng operation.

The investment provides Ivanhoe with the equity cushion required to fast-track Kamoa-Kakula’s 6 Mtpa Phase 1 mine to production.

The company had halted operations last week as a precautionary measure after armed artisanal miners attempted to steal ore from the Youga mine’s stockpile.