Panama’s decision to close a giant copper mine couldn’t come at a worse time for the market.

As much as 98% of the gold sold from areas surrounding indigenous lands in Brazil between 2018 and 2020 has indications of irregularity, according to studies.

Drill hole MAD-22 returned 92 metres at 2.11% total copper from 140 metres.

The country's gold production in 2022 is forecast at 1.56 million troy ounces.

The Australian iron ore producer will now have 25.4% stake in the Canadian junior, which is advancing the Cañariaco copper project in Peru.

One of the world’s top copper mines is running out of storage space, raising the risk of slowing or halting production in another threat to global supply of the metal.

The agency in July had estimated a copper price of $3.95 per pound in 2023.