Tianqi Lithium president leaves embattled Chinese firm

The bank analysts say the window for profitable investment in new thermal coal mining and infrastructure capacity “has closed.”

Investors buy a net 8.4 tonnes in world's largest gold-backed ETF, the biggest buying spree since October 2012 when gold was at $1,800 an ounce.

Shares in producers fall after China's powerful central planning agency says country's "high steel demand period has passed" and inventories will stay high.

Spending committed by mining and energy companies to start or expand projects fell 14.6% to US$212bn at the end of April from $248bn a year earlier. That is a $36 billion drop.

Grins were on the faces of China National Petroleum executives this week as they celebrated a blockbuster 30-year deal for Russian gas. For some, however, those grins could soon turn to grimaces.

Prices are up nearly 5% so far this month, heading for a second straight monthly gain.

It is expected to fetch up to $10 million.

The electric motor company's plans to double the globe's battery output will up graphite demand 152%, but sourcing cobalt outside the Congo could prove difficult.

The country sees a growing opportunity for other players beside China.