BHP was commenting after speculation in China last week of problems at its Jimblebar ore handing plant and reclaimer facilities.

The amount of reported drillholes surged by a staggering 139% in Australia.

Lower prices of vanadium, a metal mainly known for strengthening steel, are key in the drive to increase its use in the booming battery sector.

An independent commission found that the mine would have had long-lasting environmental, agricultural and heritage impacts.

The Constitutional Court's verdict is considered a victory for companies seeking to exploit some of the world’s largest untapped copper reserves.

The numbers produced by research in other countries vary, but are significant.