PRE-MARKET AUSTRALIAN STOCKS NEWS: China reportedly expanded its BHP iron ore ban to additional products

BHP Group (BHP AT) - China reportedly expanded its BHP iron ore ban to additional products, asking domestic steel mills not to take delivery of the Co.’s Portside Newman fines from next week. (Newswires)

Northern Star Resources (NST AT) - Co. cut its annual gold production forecast for the second time in less than three months and now expects output to be above 1.5mln troy ounces in the 12 months through June, citing operational challenges including milling performance issues and reduced mining productivity at its KCGM processing plant. (Dow Jones Newsplus)

Qantas Airways (QAN AT) - Co. agreed to pay more than USD 74mln to settle a class action over its decision not to offer immediate cash refunds for flights it cancelled during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Dow Jones Newsplus)

Rio Tinto (RIO AT) - Co. suspended all mining operations at its Kennecott copper facility following a fatal incident. (Newswires)

Syrah Resources (SYR AT) - Co. said it is disappointed by the final negative determination from the US International Trade Commission but remains committed to ramping up its Vidalia AAM facility. (Dow Jones Newsplus)