IDTechEx predicts alternatives to Li-ion are set to play an increasingly important role due to their potential for improving cost and safety, easing material supply burdens, and less demanding requirements on energy density.

Buying the remaining 49% of the Canadian miner would give Rio control of the vast Oyu Tolgoi copper mine, its most important growth project.

A report by Gemfields rings the alarm bell on the lack of reliability of data related to the international supply and trade of coloured gemstones.