Waning output at North America’s top gold producers is helping mining rivals in other regions catch up in the latest global rankings for annual bullion production.

Eldorado Gold Corp.’s C$3.8 billion ($2.7 billion) bid to buy Foran Mining Corp. won shareholder support, advancing plans to create a larger gold-and-copper miner after overcoming an activist campaign that cast doubt on the deal’s prospects.

McEwen Copper Inc. is in talks with global lenders as it seeks financing for its $4 billion Los Azules project in Argentina, a potential step toward bringing one of the country’s largest undeveloped deposits into production.

Vale Base Metals executives emphasized a focus on developing existing assets instead of chasing acquisitions at an investor event while downplaying the likelihood of a near-term initial public offering of the Vale SA unit.

A key proxy adviser firm recommended Eldorado Gold Corp. investors vote against its C$3.8 billion ($2.7 billion) bid for Foran Mining Corp., the latest roadblock after Eldorado’s third-largest shareholder called the takeover too expensive.

Barrick Mining Corp. said it’s slowing work on its Reko Diq copper-and-gold project in Pakistan due to escalating security issues in the country and Middle East.

Newmont Corp. sent Barrick Mining Corp. a so-called notice of default after finding evidence of alleged mismanagement at a Nevada joint venture, escalating tensions between the partners in a key US mining region.

Vale SA agreed to sell most of its stake in a Canadian nickel venture to Exiro Minerals Corp., Orion Resource Partners LP and Canada Growth Fund Inc. as part of an optimization of its metals business.

Teck Resources Ltd. — the Canadian miner being acquired by Anglo American Plc — reported a jump in earnings aided by higher copper prices, while reaffirming output guidance including at the Quebrada Blanca mine.

Gold fell below $4,900 an ounce as the dollar advanced amid thin holiday trading, with much of Asia closed for the Lunar New Year. Silver also retreated.

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Ammar Al-Joundi said the gold producer is “very well-positioned” to pursue acquisitions should opportunities emerge, signaling a renewed openness to deal-making after years focused on growing output from existing mines.

Mexican authorities said they arrested four suspects linked to the kidnapping  of miners from Canada’s Vizsla Silver Corp. Panuco project east of the Pacific Coast city of Mazatlan in January.

Newmont Corp. wants Barrick Mining Corp. to address what it says is underperformance at their joint venture mining operations in Nevada before its partner proceeds with an initial public offering of its North American assets.

Barrick Mining Corp. plans to spin off its top North American gold assets in an initial public offering later this year as part of a strategic reset by the Canadian metals producer.

Eldorado Gold Corp. agreed to buy copper-focused Foran Mining Corp. for C$3.8 billion ($2.8 billion), the latest industry tie-up as miners seek to ramp up metals production after a massive price rally over the past year.

Southern Copper Corp. expects copper output to decline over the next two years as ore grades fall at key mines in Peru, even as a surge in silver prices sharpens the miner’s focus on boosting production of the precious metal it typically produces as a byproduct.

Barrick Mining Corp. appointed Helen Cai as chief financial officer, replacing Graham Shuttleworth whose departure adds to a string of senior exits at the Canadian miner amid speculation it could be acquired or broken up.

Panama expects to decide in the coming months whether to restart a vast mine that has become one of the biggest uncertainties in the global copper market.

Gold edged higher as traders assessed the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook after jobs data delivered mixed signals on the health of the world’s largest economy.

BHP Group Ltd.’s top boss said he’s moving on after the company’s aborted attempt to buy Anglo American Plc, preferring instead to focus on its copper projects and opportunities in Canada.