Mining suspension in major producer Myanmar sparked stockpiling ahead of the peak consumption season.

The decision is a blow to the Solwara 1 project in Papua New Guinea, once poised to be one of the world's first deep sea mining projects.

Vale had announced last year plans to develop the plants in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

The government, which seeks to triple copper output over the decade, is also searching for a new investor for Mopani Copper Mines.

Iran’s stockpile of highly-enriched uranium grew just 7% in the last three months compared with a 30% increase in the previous quarter.

An increasing number of Americans are choosing engagement rings made from lab-grown stones.