Russia supplied almost a quarter of the enriched uranium used to fuel America's fleet of over 90 commercial reactors last year.

The group is expected to announce a direct ban as of Jan. 1.

The company faces charges for allegedly bribing officials in Angola and has also revealed a US probe into "improper payments" in Brazil.

The revelation is the latest twist in a case that has shocked the commodity trading world.

Geothermal waters in the Rhine Valley along the French-German border have attracted investments both for renewable energy and potential lithium resources.

The backing from the US International Development Finance Corporation brings its total investment in the Dublin-based firm to $105 million.

Anglo American shares surged 7.8% in London after UBS upgraded its rating from neutral to buy.

The five people had been charged in connection with the theft of about 5,000 kilograms of materials containing precious metals.