Taseko attributes strong financial performance to higher production

The group said it will consider the base metals business demerger at a later stage.

The new policy will not affect those qualified as "advanced coal projects" such as the controversial Grassy Mountain mine.

Global gold production will peak at about 3,250 tonnes (105 million oz.) next year, according to CRU's Oliver Blagden.

With a personal investment of $225 million on the line, much is at stake for Rob McEwen with the success of McEwen Copper’s flagship Los Azules project in Argentina.