Stockpiling follows new regulations that compel miners to pay half of their royalties using commodities.

Global warming has raised the economic status and political importance of critical minerals, but with that also comes an increased risk of resource nationalism across the globe.

The project has been haggled over for years, with exploitation delayed by legal wrangling and the difficulty and cost of building infrastructure.

Junior miners are piling into the lithium market with competing new projects and the US state of Nevada is the emerging hotspot.

The diamond, measuring 82.2 x 42.8 x 34.2 mm, is described as a type IIa top-white gem of high quality.

Peak will supply 100% of rare earths concentrate to Shenghe for an initial term of seven years.

A draft of the code proposed changes that could boost state and private Malian interests in new projects to 35%, from up a current 20%.

Residents say the mine could lead to more than 3,000 households and 3,000 graves being moved.