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CRU to lead study on future of Queensland copper industry

2026-06-07

The UK-based business consultancy CRU has been chosen to lead a joint Commonwealth-Queensland government study focusing on the future of north-west Queensland's copper industry. This critical initiative, announced on June 5, 2026, aims to assess the region's entire copper value chain, from mining in the North West Minerals Province to smelting and refining, and identify long-term opportunities for sustainable industrial growth beyond current government support. The findings, expected by late 2026, are set to shape strategic pathways to enhance the region's industrial capability, resilience, and global competitiveness in the vital copper market.

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Energy Department to Use Defense Production Act Funding to Expand Coal Capacity at 13 Plants and Build Export Infrastructure

2026-06-07

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on June 4, 2026, a significant investment of up to $500 million in Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III funds to bolster domestic coal infrastructure. This funding includes $425 million for 12 American coal-fired power plants to enhance baseload power generation and an additional $75 million for the West Gateway Terminal Project in Oakland, California, aimed at expanding West Coast coal and bulk commodity export capacity to key Indo-Pacific allies. This strategic move underscores the administration's commitment to national security, strengthening energy supply chains, and reinforcing America's role in global energy exports.

The future of mining intelligence starts above the pit

2026-06-07

The global mining industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by advanced technologies, with geospatial analytics emerging as a pivotal tool for enhancing operational intelligence. Sean Donegan, President and CEO of US-based Satelytics, highlighted on June 4, 2026, how this technology is revolutionizing critical aspects of mining by providing unparalleled insights into land movement, environmental risks, and unauthorized activities, fundamentally shifting how mines are monitored and managed from an aerial perspective. This development underscores a broader trend towards data-driven decision-making and proactive risk management within the sector, promising enhanced safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship.

Locksley confirms REE mineralisation at El Campo, California

2026-06-07

Locksley Resources has confirmed significant neodymium and praseodymium-enriched rare earth element mineralisation at its El Campo prospect in California, strategically located just 5.5km south-east of MP Materials’ Mountain Pass Mine, the sole active rare earth operation in the US. Initial diamond drilling revealed high-grade intercepts, signaling potential for a larger Mountain Pass-style carbonatite system and offering a promising step towards bolstering America’s domestic critical mineral supply chain. These results, announced on June 5, 2026, underline the ongoing importance of regional exploration in critical mineral corridors.

Department of Energy Celebrates First Advanced Reactor Criticality

2026-06-06

Antares Nuclear’s Mark-0 advanced reactor successfully achieved zero-power fueled criticality at the U.S. Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory on June 4, 2026. This landmark event, the first privately developed non-light-water reactor criticality in the U.S. in over four decades, signals a critical step in the nation's nuclear renaissance, promising electricity generation by 2027 and setting new precedents for advanced reactor deployment and the nuclear fuel cycle. The achievement underscores significant governmental and private sector collaboration, with profound implications for future uranium demand and the broader mining supply chain.

Wildcat, EnergyX to develop LFP cathode facility in Texas

2026-06-06

Wildcat Discovery Technologies, a subsidiary of Holyvolt Group, and Energy Exploration Technologies (EnergyX) have announced plans to develop a significant lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode active material manufacturing facility in Hooks, Texas. This joint venture, projected to exceed $230 million in private investment, aims to produce 15,000 tonnes per annum of LFP cathode material in its initial phase, directly addressing the critical US dependence on foreign supply for essential battery components used in electric vehicles, energy storage, and military applications. The strategic location, coupled with EnergyX's integrated lithium supply from its nearby Project Lonestar, positions this initiative as a pivotal step toward establishing a robust domestic battery supply chain.

DoE turns to coal for baseload reliability and supply chain resilience

2026-06-06

The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) announced on June 5, 2026, a significant federal investment of up to $500 million in Defense Production Act funding aimed at fortifying the nation's coal infrastructure. This strategic funding package will support 13 U.S. coal-fired power plants and establish new coal export capabilities, including the crucial West Gateway Terminal Project in Oakland, California. The initiative signals a notable pivot in federal policy, underscoring coal's renewed importance for ensuring baseload reliability, strengthening domestic supply chains, and enhancing strategic energy leverage in global markets, particularly for key Indo-Pacific allies.

Energy Secretary Keeps Coal-Fired Power Generation Alive in Florida

2026-06-05

The U.S. Department of Energy, led by Secretary Chris Wright, has issued an emergency order compelling the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) to maintain operations at Unit 1 of its coal-fired Stanton Energy Center in Florida. This directive, effective from June 4, 2026, through September 1, 2026, addresses critical grid reliability concerns identified by reports from NERC and DOE, aiming to prevent power outages and stabilize energy costs during Florida's peak summer demand. The move underscores a broader federal strategy under President Trump's administration to preserve and expand coal-fired generation amidst national grid stability challenges and growing electricity demand.

Kalgoorlie Nickel wins lead agency status for KNP-Goongarrie Hub

2026-06-05

Kalgoorlie Nickel, a joint venture encompassing Ardea Resources, Mitsubishi, and Sumitomo Metal Mining, has been granted lead agency status by the Western Australian Government for its Kalgoorlie Nickel Project (KNP)-Goongarrie Hub. This strategic designation is poised to significantly streamline the development of one of the world's largest nickel-cobalt resources, accelerating its contribution to global battery supply chains amidst rising demand for critical minerals vital to electric vehicles and energy storage. The move underscores both state and federal commitment to advancing Australia's role in the burgeoning critical minerals sector.

Highland Copper targets Q1 2027 feasibility update for Copperwood

2026-06-05

Highland Copper is advancing detailed engineering and optimization studies at its Copperwood project in Michigan, US, aiming to release an updated feasibility study in the first quarter of 2027. This comprehensive review includes evaluating lower cut-off grades, incorporating bulk ore sorting technologies for previously excluded resources, and refining metallurgical processes and tailings management, all designed to enhance project economics and secure financing in a robust copper market. The efforts are crucial as the project progresses towards a significant construction decision, positioning it as a potential key contributor to near-term US copper supply.

American Pacific begins testing MT anomaly at Madison project

2026-06-04

American Pacific Mining has initiated drilling on a substantial new geophysical anomaly at its Madison copper-gold project in Montana, US. The target, identified by a recent magnetotelluric (MT) inversion survey, represents an undrilled section of the project area and is spatially associated with significant fault corridors, suggesting potential for deeper, high-grade mineralisation. This development is part of a larger 15,000-meter drilling program for 2026, aimed at both new discoveries and expanding known skarn and intrusive-related targets.