Rio Tinto’s Mongolia copper problems highlight frontier country risks

After a supply glut sent cobalt prices plummeting about 70% from the peak, many of the country’s artisanal miners are now switching focus to copper instead.

The Chapada mine, in the northwest state of Goiás, began production in 2007 and is expected to churn out about 54,500 tonnes of copper and 100,000 ounces of gold this year.

Mining activity in May dropped 2.3% compared with the same month in 2018 as the sector continued to confront sharply falling ore grades at its largest deposits.

The report identifies agricultural cooperatives as an alternative to artisanal mining.

The facility is unlikely to return to normal capacity until mid-August, says a union leader.

Zambia is Africa's second-largest copper producer, with copper mining accounting for around 70% of foreign currency earnings.

Illegal miners will be removed from the site of the Glencore project where at least 43 died last week.

The mid-tier gold miner is waiting for the renewal of its operating licence for the Didipio gold and copper mine.

Congolese security forces began evicting illegal miners from the mine on Thursday.