Sector movers: Mining updates lift sector

Mining stocks are currently one of the best performing sectors, helped by some well received updates and strong metals prices.Among the strong performers is copper specialist Kazakhmys which has sold a 25% stake in its Ekibastuz GRES -1 power plant for $339m (£215m) in cash and is in talks about a corporate loan facility worth $2bn (£1.3bn). Among smaller companies in the sector, Platinum Australia is shining after reporting good resource estimates at its Mira Deposit.And shares in Berkeley Mineral Resources jumped after the metals processor said it had concluded an agreement to acquire mining rights to process zinc and lead at two dumps at the Kabwe mine in Zambia. Lloyds is helping drag the banking sector lower amid continued fears over the cost of a rights issue which is expected this week.Top performing sectors so far todayAutomobiles & Parts 2,959.99 +2.18%General Industrials 2,137.41 +1.35%Mining 19,078.47 +1.28%Tobacco 23,870.67 +1.10%Forestry & Paper 3,751.66 +0.99%Bottom performing sectors so far todayInsurance (non-life) 1,346.42 -1.34%Banks 5,130.90 -1.28%Health Care Equipment & Services 3,033.25 -1.01%Household Goods 6,327.40 -0.99%Food & Drug Retailers 4,386.36 -0.91%