Zambia has rejected a copper mining company's proposal to suspend operations over the coronavirus pandemic, the Reuters news agency reports.

Mopani Copper Mines, a subsidiary of Glencore Zambia, said it had proposed to halt operations because of low prices and the pandemic.

The company stopped operations in its mines in April, but resumed after being criticised by the government.

The company has said it will appeal against the decision as it continues with mining.

Zambia is one of Africa's top producers of copper, and is heavily dependent on the world's copper market, with global demand often having an impact on the country's economy.