The study estimates an after-tax net present value of $1.3 billion with an after-tax internal rate of return of 23%.

The potential plants would be focused on producing low-carbon products such as green hydrogen and hot briquetted iron.

The state-run miner is not only battling to reignite copper production which is at its lowest level in 25 years, but is also facing calls to rein in its debt.

Butterfield Canyon, which once hosted a Rio Tinto Kennecott mine that was part of the Bingham Canyon complex, has turned into the Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park.

An increasing number of Americans are choosing engagement rings made from lab-grown stones.

In regions like Canada and the US, enrollment or graduation from university courses related to mining engineering slipped in recent years.