The amount of tonnes extracted from the earth in a day can be vast at the world's largest mines.

Both Vale and German safety auditing firm TUEV SUED were charged with several crimes against animal life, flora, water resources, and other counts of pollution.

YPF President Pablo González said there were "great opportunities for joint ventures" with CATL.

Communities in Peru's Ayacucho region say they will resume protests against the mining sector if the government of leftist President Pedro Castillo breaches what they call a signed agreement to shutter mines.

Dredging rafts operated by illegal miners have gathered in a gold rush on the Madeira River, a major tributary of the Amazon.

"Mining companies can request extensions and modifications to their permits to explore and exploit in strict adherence to current regulations," the government said in a tweet.