Russian metals and mining firms reduce investment, delay divs amid coronavirus

Three of Russian metals and mining companies said on Wednesday they were tightening belts with tools varying from reduced investment to delayed dividends or postponed asset purchases as the new coronavirus outbreak is adding to risks.

Russia, a major producer of dozens of metals for the global market, has so far managed to keep production largely unaffected at its main smelting and mining regions from the pandemic but cannot secure them from reduced global demand and uncertainty.