Metal spun in Shanghai and Baghdad (7)

I believe the answer is:

mercury

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'metal' is the definition.
(I know that mercury is a type of metal)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mercury that I've seen before include "Metal liquid at room temperature" , "Quicksilver" , "Lead singer" , "Messenger in Roman mythology" , "Planet next to the sun" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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