The S&P/ASX 200 index closed 0.8% higher at 5446 points, with a 0.8% gain on the session in the basic materials sector.
Rio Tinto was down 1.5% to $A64.81 but BHP Billiton closed 1.
A unique perspective on the Australian resources sector
Subscribe today and enjoy full access to MiningNews.net - the most comprehensive source of mining industry news and information on global commodity price movements and trends.