Mexico's main mining union had been in talks for months to end a dispute that had forced the mine's closure.

Argentina, where interventionist policies have held back the industry, is becoming a more attractive setting for foreign investors, at least in some of its mineral-rich provinces.

Prosecutors said Vale would have 10 days to present a report informing what action it would take.

Last week’s rains showed tailings remain the Achilles heel of the Rio de Janeiro-based producer.

Planned production at its flagship Kachi lithium brine project will be set at 50,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate.

In recent years, both A'i Cofan and Waorani communities have won lawsuits in local courts to suspend mining and oil exploitation in their territories.