A consortium of Sumitomo and Mitsubishi will fund A$98.5 million for the costs of a DFS on the Kalgoorlie project.

The biggest producers all want to increase copper output to take advantage of rising demand for electric vehicles, grid infrastructure and data centers.

BHP Group is considering making an improved offer for Anglo American after its $39 billion initial proposal was rejected.

The company's 100%-owned US subsidiary owns Halleck Creek, one of the world’s top 10 rare earth projects.

The metal has reclaimed the $10,000 threshold for the first time in two years.

The funding is for the development of its rare earths and critical minerals Dubbo project in New South Wales.

Despite bullish long term forecasts, the metal has been languishing near two-year lows as demand fails to keep pace.