Copper output in Africa’s second largest producing country could decline by as much as 100,000 tonnes this year, adding to recent, sharp declines at the world’s main producing nations.
Gold miners have for years been accused of eroding profits through expensive deals but the takeovers of Randgold by Barrick and Goldcorp by Newmont have spurred speculation about a pick up in long-dormant gold M&A.
The High Court has ordered the compulsory liquidation of the company, although staff will remain employed for now as the liquidator oversees the operation of the main site in Scunthorpe.
Gold deliveries to central bank unit Fidelity Printers and Refiners, which buys all the country's gold, declined to 6.5 tonnes from 7.3 tonnes during the January-March quarter.