The trade war has returned with a vengeance as copper and other industrial metals come under sustained fund selling pressure.

The Canadian start-up has secured the bulk of the $150 million it needs to carry out its first feasibility studies.

Gold futures in India, the world's second-biggest bullion consumer after China, hit their highest level since March 1, at 32,834 rupees per 10 grams, earlier this week.

With construction of nuclear power plants at a 10-year low, uranium demand remains weak.

The international group says sales of polished diamonds below 0.50 carats are slow due to excess supply, weak Chinese demand and tight Indian liquidity.

Prime Minister James Marape doubled down on his plans to earn more taxes from the gas-and-gold-rich country's natural resources sector on Wednesday, but said major reform would not take effect for years.

The world's third-biggest steelmaker said any move by Washington to impose tariffs on Japanese cars and auto parts will hurt its earnings.

Australia's Lynas is waiting to get an operating licence for its Malaysian processing plant renewed before it expires in September.