Any increase in cobalt holdings would be aimed at reducing reliance on China, which dominates the processing of the material.

The lithium supply chain is maturing but the metal's pricing seems trapped at the early development stage.

In October, Li-Cyle paused the construction of its flagship battery recycling facility and later said it was evaluating financing and strategic alternatives.

The Metals Company took legal action against activists who disrupted a research expedition when they boarded its vessel in the remote Pacific.

The first drawdown will be for C$2.75 million, and is expected to close within the next two weeks.

PT Vale Indonesia is exploring a potential investment in a high-pressure acid leaching plant in Sulawesi island.

The decision follows its acquisition of the Lake Johnston nickel concentrator plant and tenure from Poseidon Nickel.

BHP has stood down around a quarter of the workers constructing its West Musgrave nickel and copper project in Western Australia.