Company previously planned to launch the smelter in late 2020.

A spokesman said the move came after one of the company's employees tested positive for coronavirus.

Volkswagen's expansion in electric cars will open up new business opportunities in storing and managing energy.

The world's largest producer of rough diamonds in carat terms fell in February as the risks related to the spread of the virus hit demand for gemstones.

Production declined on February according to satellite surveillance of copper plants.

LME says the move was not part of its coronavirus contingency planning.