Argentina could be a major supplier by 2035.

The South American country produced 2.76 million tons of copper last year, dropping its rank from first to second for global production.

Canada's government has taken a tough stance specifically on investments from China in critical minerals such as copper, graphite and lithium.

Production is expected to ramp up progressively over the next year to an initial target of 350 tonnes per day.

The company has had permits to build its Tia Maria project for years yet held back because of environmental opposition.

Lumina says its Cangrejos gold-copper project in southwest Ecuador is among the world’s top 26 gold assets under development.