mineral exploration project – commodity prices – mining stock- trade and market

Copper, little changed in New York and London today, may rise after manufacturing expanded at the fastest pace in 18 months in China, the world’s biggest consumer of the metal.

An HSBC Holdings Plc purchasing managers’ index of Chinese manufacturing rose to a seasonally adjusted 55.4 from 55 in September.

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc said Wednesday it has decided to move forward on three deferred copper mining projects, citing a positive outlook for its metal markets and its ability to manage costs during the global economic downturn.