Russian metals producer Nornickel on Monday said it expected a further decline in nickel output this year, hit by adverse geopolitical risks and postponed furnace repairs, following on from a drop in production in 2023.

Prices of the capital goods monitored by the Chinese government were lower in mid-January compared with early January, official data showed Wednesday.

Brazilian mining company Vale expressed optimism about the growth prospects of the Chinese economy and asserted its strategic position to contribute to China's high-quality development.

In 2023, the imports of high-tech products in Beijing reached 341.28 billion yuan, up 27 percent year-on-year, exceeding 300 billion yuan for the first time.

China will continue to uphold its dominant position in the global shipbuilding market this year.

Federal Minister for Resources Madeleine King and Western Australian Minister for Mines David Michael met with nickel and lithium producers last week to discuss challenges facing the industry.

An Australian mining association has called for a new production tax credit during meetings with senior ministers called as nickel and lithium miners curtail projects and review new mines in response to a global slump in prices.

Exploration and development company FPX Nickel has closed the private placement financing with new cornerstone investor Sumitomo Metal Mining, raising C$14.45-million.