Generation Mining, Metis sign agreement for Marathon palladium-copper project

"If successful, this case could be the beginning of a long-awaited reform."

Local leaders say Las Bambas has brought pollution to the area and little in the way of economic development.

Rio Tinto lowered its production guidance on Thursday, part of which it said was due to issues around heritage protection.

Rio Tinto operates six of its 16 mines and three rail lines on the group's traditional lands.

New draft laws put greater emphasis on agreement between Indigenous groups and developers, but the government retains the final decision in heritage disputes.

The Independent Planning Commision declined to grant planning permission to Hume Coal for the project, citing the potential impact to groundwater stores.

Brazil's National Mining Agency estimates that wildcat gold miners extract some 30 tonnes of gold annually from the Tapajós river using toxic mercury.

Company has signed a framework deal with traditional landowners at a coal business in Queensland state.

Carol Meredith will leave the role in September to spend more time with family overseas and the search for a new chief executive is underway.