Country is planning to raise surveillance of copper and aluminum imports while developing policies to curb shipments from China and other Asian nations to protect domestic producers, said two government sources and an industry official.

Some of the largest producers in the Middle East are slashing prices for their barrels, signaling a lack of confidence in the recovery.

Long Ziping has stepped down at his legal retirement age and general manager Zheng Gaoqing will take over the top position in the integrated copper producer.

Fitch predicts prices will rise to around $2,600/tonne by the end of the year.

Cardinal's board of directors has urged shareholders to accept a revised off-market takeover proposal.