Mining Industry News Archive

Honda halts $11B Ontario plant amid losses

2026-05-17

Honda has indefinitely suspended its planned C$15 billion ($11 billion USD) electric vehicle and battery complex in Alliston, Ontario, a move that significantly curtails Canada's ambition to build a robust domestic EV supply chain. This decision, announced May 15, 2026, follows Honda’s recent reporting of a substantial full-year loss and reflects broader headwinds in the EV market, including high costs, fluctuating policy signals, and persistent trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada. The suspension underscores a critical period of adjustment for automakers and the battery metals sector alike, as investment strategies are re-evaluated amidst an evolving global economic landscape.

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Gold price falls back to $4,500 on heightened inflation fears

2026-05-17

On May 15, 2026, spot gold prices experienced a significant selloff, falling 3% to approximately $4,500 per ounce, driven by escalating concerns over global inflation, surging bond yields, a strengthening US dollar, and continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This decline, which also impacted silver and copper, has prompted analysts to revise short-term price targets, even as bullion maintains a positive year-to-date performance. The situation underscores the profound influence of macroeconomic factors and geopolitical instability on the global commodity markets and the mining sector.

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Trump leaves Beijing with no rare earth deal confirmed

2026-05-17

US President Donald J. Trump concluded a two-day summit in Beijing on May 15, 2026, without securing a critical agreement on rare earth minerals, despite labeling the visit a "success." This outcome underscores China's persistent dominance in the global rare earth supply chain and the continued vulnerability of Western industries, particularly in electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defense, to potential disruptions. The absence of a deal reinforces the growing prominence of critical minerals as a central point of geopolitical tension between the US and China, shifting focus from traditional tariffs to strategic control over essential raw materials.

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Nouveau Monde to proceed with G7’s biggest graphite mine

2026-05-16

Nouveau Monde Graphite has approved the final investment decision and secured full financing for its Matawinie graphite mine in Quebec, positioning it to become the largest graphite operation in the G7. With over $644.5 million mobilized and a strategic offtake agreement with the Government of Canada, this project is critically important for establishing a robust North American supply chain for battery anode materials, with commercial production anticipated by late 2028.

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Water shortages are quietly killing mining projects — new tech rises to fix it

2026-05-16

Water scarcity has quietly transitioned from a logistical footnote to a critical impediment for promising mining projects globally, significantly impacting permitting timelines, financial viability, and community relations. As of mid-May 2026, industry experts like Justin Vandenbrink of Woodard & Curran highlight that water strategy is increasingly a core development issue rather than a downstream environmental task. This challenge is driving the emergence of innovative solutions, with US-based Genesis Systems pioneering atmospheric water generation technology to produce potable water directly from the air, offering a potentially transformative approach to securing this essential resource for operations.

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MAX Power Mining, Moose Jaw to advance natural hydrogen commercialization

2026-05-16

MAX Power Mining has partnered with the City of Moose Jaw to accelerate the potential commercialization of natural hydrogen within Saskatchewan’s Regina-Moose Jaw Industrial Corridor, a strategic energy hub. This collaboration aims to leverage the Lawson natural hydrogen discovery, Canada’s first, and the promising Genesis Trend to establish Saskatchewan as a global leader in clean energy. The initiative seeks to connect significant resource potential with future demand, driven by MAX Power’s recent identification of a robust second drill target at the Bracken well, which showed high helium values.

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Energy Department Awards $94 Million to American Companies to Help Expedite the Deployments of Small Modular Reactors in the United States

2026-05-15

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded over $94 million to eight American companies to accelerate the deployment of advanced light-water Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This significant federal investment, announced on May 14, 2026, targets critical gaps in licensing, supply chain development, and site preparation, with the aim of bolstering domestic nuclear energy generation by the 2030s and fulfilling President Trump’s "nuclear energy renaissance" agenda. The initiatives are poised to create substantial opportunities across the nuclear fuel cycle, driving demand for uranium and specialized manufacturing components, and directly impacting the mining sector.

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Mine restarts support West Africa’s gold recovery in 2026

2026-05-15

West Africa's prominent role in global gold supply is poised for a significant shift by 2026, according to an analyst comment from GlobalData. Ivory Coast is projected to ascend to become the third-largest gold producer in the region, surpassing Mali, while Ghana is expected to maintain its position as Africa's largest gold producer in 2025 and anchor West African output. This regional recovery is significantly supported by the resurgence of mine restarts across the sector.

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Anglo American’s ‘digital mine’ claims challenged in new Peru report

2026-05-15

<p></p> <p>NGOs have issued a significant challenge to Anglo American's claims of verifiable environmental and community outcomes at its flagship digital Quellaveco copper mine in Peru. The report, published on May 14, 2026, specifically questions whether the advanced technological approaches touted by the mining giant are effectively translating into tangible and demonstrable benefits for local ecosystems and communities. This development casts a spotlight on the broader industry's push for "smart mining" and the critical importance of transparent, auditable ESG performance in securing and maintaining a social license to operate.</p> <p>

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Shuka Minerals begins phase one drilling at Kabwe Zinc Mine

2026-05-15

Shuka Minerals has commenced phase one drilling at its Kabwe Zinc Mine in Zambia, targeting a 50% increase in the No.2 ore body's resource. This 2,000-meter program, contracted to Ox Drilling, aims to further assess the significant zinc and lead mineralization while also investigating the potential for strategic by-products like silver, vanadium, gallium, and germanium, underscoring a broader focus on critical mineral development in Africa.

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Canada’s mining industry calls for sweeping reforms to stay competitive – report

2026-05-14

Canada's mining industry, a key economic pillar, is calling for critical reforms to bolster its global competitiveness, according to a new report from the Mining Association of Canada (MAC). The report, "Facts & Figures – The State of Canada’s Mining Industry," released on May 13, 2026, highlights the sector's significant economic contributions and strategic importance in a volatile global market, while advocating for accelerated project approvals, expanded infrastructure, and competitive fiscal incentives to capitalize on growing demand for critical minerals.

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Ioneer, Lithium Americas defend Nevada projects as Amnesty flags Indigenous consent gap

2026-05-14

Amnesty International has accused major lithium projects in Nevada, including those by Ioneer and Lithium Americas, of advancing without obtaining free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) from affected Indigenous Peoples. This highlights a significant disparity between US federal permitting requirements for consultation and international human rights standards like the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). While companies assert full compliance with US law, Amnesty argues these projects on ancestral lands fall short of ethical sourcing norms, potentially posing long-term risks to the emerging battery metals hub in Nevada.

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Guardian Metal expands footprint at Tempiute tungsten project – stock surges

2026-05-14

SUMMARY:

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Energy Secretary Continues Progress to Strengthen Energy Reliability in Puerto Rico

2026-05-13

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has renewed two critical emergency orders for Puerto Rico, authorizing the local electric authority to exceed normal generation limits and enhance vegetation management to ensure grid stability. Effective immediately and extending through August 9, 2026, these measures aim to bolster energy reliability ahead of peak summer demand and the upcoming hurricane season, building on previous successes in preventing island-wide blackouts. This initiative highlights the crucial role of resilient energy infrastructure, offering valuable lessons for the global mining sector concerning operational continuity and investment stability.

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AOMC and Odyssey advance merger with SEC filing

2026-05-13

American Ocean Minerals Corporation (AOMC) and Odyssey Marine Exploration have filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, advancing their proposed merger. Valued at approximately $1 billion in equity, the all-stock transaction aims to create a significant platform for the exploration and development of deep-sea polymetallic nodules, focusing on critical minerals and rare earths. This strategic move, expected to finalize in late second or early third quarter of 2026, positions the combined entity, which will operate as American Ocean Minerals Corporation (AOMC) and trade on Nasdaq, to address growing global demand for essential raw materials.

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New episode: OTC 2026 – Insights from the ground

2026-05-13

The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2026 recently concluded, with an exclusive episode of <em>Energy Technology: Industry Insights</em> offering a deep dive into the technological trends and disruptive forces shaping offshore oil and gas operations. While primarily focused on energy, the podcast's discussions and the expertise of its parent company, GlobalData, hold significant implications for the mining sector, highlighting shared challenges in automation, sustainability, and complex operational environments. This article explores the key insights from OTC 2026 and their broader relevance to mining industry professionals.

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Middle East aluminium disruption drives market towards historic deficit

2026-05-13

Operational shutdowns and acute logistics disruptions across vital aluminium smelters in the Middle East are poised to drive the global aluminium market towards a historic supply deficit. This critical development, flagged by CRU's Paul Williams on May 13, 2026, could sustain aluminium prices near the significant benchmark of $4,000 per tonne, underscoring the delicate balance of global commodity supply chains. The region’s pivotal role in global aluminium production means these challenges have far-reaching implications for downstream industries and international investors.

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Energy Department Awards Contracts from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Advancing President Trump’s Historic Emergency Exchange

2026-05-12

On May 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the award of contracts for the exchange of approximately 53.3 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. This significant action is part of the United States’ 172-million-barrel commitment to the International Energy Agency’s collective effort to stabilize global oil supplies, marking a critical step in addressing short-term market disruptions and bolstering national energy security. The initiative, hailed by the current administration, further secures a 28% return premium in crude barrels, enhancing the SPR's long-term strength.

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SANY marks 1,000th electric excavator milestone as mining electrification accelerates

2026-05-12

SANY has reached a significant milestone by delivering its 1,000th electric excavator and commercially deploying 5G remote-controlled equipment as of May 11, 2026. This achievement underscores a broader industry trend of accelerating electrification in mining, a shift highlighted by GlobalData's latest report on battery-electric mining fleets. The integration of electric heavy machinery with advanced connectivity technologies like 5G signals a new era of sustainable and efficient mining operations.

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Larvotto identifies tungsten opportunities at Curry’s Block prospect

2026-05-12

Larvotto Resources is fast-tracking the evaluation of tungsten potential at its Curry’s Block prospect, part of the fully owned Hillgrove Antimony-Gold Project in New South Wales, Australia. This decision comes as Western governments classify tungsten as a critical mineral, with prices reaching record highs amidst China's dominant global production. The company’s comprehensive review of historical data at Curry’s Block has identified a robust gold-tungsten-antimony system, prompting approvals for new diamond drilling to commence shortly, expanding on previous exploration efforts.

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Power Minerals to begin drilling at Morro do Ferro Project in Brazil

2026-05-12

<p></p> <p>Power Minerals is set to commence an extensive diamond drilling program at its recently acquired Morro do Ferro Rare Earths Project (MDF Project) in Minas Gerais, Brazil, later this month. This significant step, following last month's acquisition, aims to expand the known high-grade magnetic and total rare earth oxide mineralization, validate historical results, and swiftly advance the project towards a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate, positioning it as a potentially critical supplier in the global REE market.</p> <p>

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Ontario’s Darlington SMR renews Canada’s nuclear maturity

2026-05-11

Ontario has initiated construction on the first small modular reactor (SMR) within the G7, marking a significant milestone in Canada's nuclear energy strategy amidst rising power demand and tightening fuel markets. The Darlington SMR project, led by Ontario Power Generation, aims to deliver 1,200 MW of capacity by the end of the decade, leveraging the GE Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor design. This development is poised to bolster Canada's energy security, stimulate domestic supply chains for critical minerals, and position the nation as a key player in the global SMR deployment race, though it also introduces new considerations regarding enriched uranium fuel sourcing.

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San Lorenzo hits all-time high on Chile gold assays

2026-05-11

San Lorenzo Gold experienced an all-time high in its stock valuation after announcing new gold assay results from the Arco de Oro target at its Salvadora project in Chile. The drilling intercepts, including 102 meters grading 1.33 grams per tonne gold, indicate the potential for a larger, gold-rich porphyry copper-gold system, significantly boosting investor confidence and solidifying the Canadian junior explorer's position on the TSX Venture Exchange. This development underscores the rich mineral potential of Chile's Atacama region, particularly near Codelco's established El Salvador mine.

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Blast from the Past: US deals blow to Canada over uranium contracts, Nov. 1959

2026-05-11

In November 1959, the United States dealt a significant blow to Canada's booming uranium industry by announcing it would not renew supply contracts set to expire in 1962-63. This decision, driven by emerging U.S. domestic supply, abruptly halted Canada's reign as the world's top uranium producer and plunged rapidly expanded boomtowns like Elliot Lake, Ontario, into a sudden economic downturn, profoundly reshaping the global nuclear fuel landscape for decades.

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Freeport delays Grasberg full restart to early 2028

2026-05-10

PT Freeport Indonesia has announced a further delay in the full restart of its Grasberg mine in Central Papua, Indonesia, pushing the target to early 2028. This postponement follows a severe mudflow incident in September last year that halted operations and claimed seven lives, significantly impacting global copper and gold supply chains. The revised timeline, attributed to additional work on logistics and ore handling infrastructure, sees a reduction in projected 2026 copper output and compounds pressures on an already tight global copper market.

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Focus Graphite in Quebec boasts world’s fifth-largest resource

2026-05-10

Focus Graphite's Lac Tetepisca project in central Quebec has significantly updated its resource estimate, establishing it as the world's fifth-largest graphite deposit and North America's largest by measured and indicated resources. This milestone, boasting 14.7 million tonnes of contained graphite at 10.2% graphitic carbon, firmly positions Quebec as a critical hub in the global battery metals supply chain, offering a substantial domestic alternative to China for advanced technological applications. The project's high grade, open-pit potential, and strategic location underscore its importance for North American critical mineral independence.

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Rare Earths Americas surges after debut, bets on US discovery

2026-05-10

Rare Earths Americas (NYSE: REA) successfully launched its initial public offering on the NYSE American on May 8, 2026, raising $63.3 million and quickly seeing its stock surge over 26% above its IPO price. The company is advancing a portfolio of four heavy rare earth exploration projects in Brazil and the United States, with a particular focus on its Shiloh district in Georgia, which management believes could represent a significant, novel discovery that transforms the US rare earth supply landscape. REA’s strategy emphasizes the production of rare earth concentrates for existing Western processors, aiming to mitigate technical risks associated with separated oxide production and bolster secure supply chains for critical magnet materials.

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Energy Department to Invest $36 Million in Enhanced Oil Recovery Program at the University of North Dakota

2026-05-09

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is investing $36 million in the University of North Dakota’s Energy & Environmental Research Center to advance carbon dioxide-based Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in the Bakken shale formation. This funding, part of the $145 million Bakken EOR–Cracking the Code program, aims to unlock billions of additional barrels of oil by integrating laboratory research, AI modeling, and six field pilot projects. The initiative also leverages captured CO2 from coal-fired power plants, connecting energy production with carbon utilization strategies, thereby supporting domestic energy security and innovative resource management.

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EGA partners with ADNOC to boost aluminium supply chain

2026-05-09

<p></p> <p>Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and ADNOC Logistics & Services (ADNOC L&S) have forged a significant strategic alliance aimed at bolstering the resilience and efficiency of the global aluminium supply chain. Announced on May 8, 2026, at the "Make it in the Emirates" event, this high-level agreement will explore enhanced commercial ties across logistics, transportation, fleet management, and infrastructure, with the potential for a dedicated joint venture. The collaboration leverages ADNOC L&S's extensive maritime capabilities and EGA's substantial global shipping requirements, promising enhanced operational synergies and support for the UAE's industrial diversification goals.</p> <p>

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Rolls-Royce to test hybrid trucks for mining operations

2026-05-09

Rolls-Royce Power Systems announced on May 8, 2026, plans to commence field testing of an innovative hybrid drive system for mining haul trucks in autumn 2026. Integrating mtu Series 4000 engines with an electric drivetrain, this technology is projected to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 30% by recapturing braking energy during downhill travel. This initiative directly addresses the global mining industry's urgent need for enhanced operational efficiency and significant decarbonization in response to growing critical mineral demand and ambitious sustainability targets.

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What is ‘Premium Content’ on Mining Technology?

2026-05-09

Mining-Technology.com has introduced a new free 'Premium Content' subscription, providing readers with access to deeper analysis, features, and data-led insights backed by its parent company, GlobalData. Launched on May 8, 2026, this initiative aims to protect intellectual property and better understand audience engagement in a media landscape increasingly challenged by AI, while delivering valuable, actionable intelligence to mining professionals. The service requires a simple free registration, with plans for enhanced user profile functionality in the future.

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Gold Reserve launches American Heralds in the US

2026-05-08

Gold Reserve has announced the formation of American Heralds Mining Corporation, a new US-based entity, and plans a strategic spin-out to transfer its Venezuelan mining interests, including the Siembra Minera project, and its Alaskan property to American Heralds. This initiative, targeting a Q3 2026 completion, aims to bolster US critical mineral supply chains, aligning with national security objectives and setting the stage for American Heralds' potential US IPO, while Gold Reserve transitions to an investment holding company under a new name, Hamilton American Holdings.

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Trafigura to build new aluminium smelter in Egypt

2026-05-08

Trafigura, a global commodity trading giant, has signed a term sheet with the Egyptian Aluminium Company (Egyptalum) and Metallurgical Industries Holding (MIH) to develop a new primary aluminium smelter and an adjoining anode plant at Egyptalum’s Nag Hammadi site. This significant initiative, estimated to cost between $750 million and $900 million, will nearly double the location's current production capacity to 300,000 tonnes per annum of primary aluminium, strategically enhancing global supply chain diversification amidst tightening inventories.

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Tharisa awards underground contract to Cementation Africa

2026-05-08

Tharisa Minerals has awarded a pivotal five-year underground mining contract to Cementation Africa, marking a significant strategic shift towards unlocking the long-term, multi-generational potential of its Tharisa Mine in South Africa. This agreement, structured on an innovative alliance-style model, builds on Tharisa's recently announced $547 million investment into underground platinum group metals (PGM) mining and aims to extend the mine's life and enhance operational performance within the prolific Bushveld Complex. The transition will see open-pit operations continue in parallel with new underground development, securing access to deeper mineralized zones.

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Gold price rebounds on US-Iran deal hopes

2026-05-07

Gold prices experienced a significant rebound on May 5, 2026, surging by 3.6% to over $4,700 per ounce, as optimism surrounding a potential US-Iran peace deal alleviated concerns over inflation and a prolonged period of high interest rates. This upswing, which also saw silver climb over 6%, marks a reversal after a 10-week conflict had previously caused bullion to decline by 11%. The market now shifts its focus to upcoming US economic data and the Federal Reserve's monetary policy, though official-sector gold purchases continue to underpin a positive long-term outlook for the metal.

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Trafigura in talks to build aluminum smelter in Egypt

2026-05-07

Commodity trading heavyweight Trafigura is in advanced negotiations with Egyptian Aluminium Company (Egyptalum) and Metallurgical Industries Holding Company (MIH) to develop a new 300,000-tonne-per-annum (tpa) primary aluminum smelter and an associated 150,000-tpa anode plant in Egypt. This significant project, estimated at $750-$900 million, aims to nearly double Egyptalum’s existing production capacity and provide a critical new source of primary aluminum amidst global supply shortages and geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East.

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Mining Association of British Columbia touts economic impact, presses province on DRIPA

2026-05-07

The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) highlighted the robust economic contributions of the province's mining sector, reporting C$19.6 billion in output and 56,000 jobs in 2024. Despite this strong performance and growing momentum in project development, MABC CEO Michael Goehring warned that regulatory uncertainties, particularly concerning the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and rising costs pose significant threats to future investment and inhibit British Columbia from fully capitalizing on the global critical minerals boom.

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CIM appoints Lucy Potter as 2028-29 president-elect

2026-05-05

The Canadian Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) has announced the appointment of Lucy Potter as its president-elect for the 2028-2029 term, effective May 2028. Potter, currently General Manager, Technical and Sustainability, at Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium and Diamonds, brings over 25 years of extensive experience across the mining value chain, including senior leadership roles at major global miners. Her appointment signals a strategic focus on balancing growing global demand with sustainable development and fostering operational excellence within the Canadian minerals and metals industry.

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Op-Ed: The copper supply crisis is a sulfur management crisis

2026-05-05

A recent op-ed by Randy Allen, published May 4, 2026, highlights that the escalating copper supply crisis is fundamentally a sulfur management crisis, exacerbated by critical global supply chain disruptions. Recent export halts from China and Russia, alongside restrictions from other nations, have exposed the strategic importance of sulfuric acid, challenging the mining industry's long-held perception of sulfur as merely a waste product. This shift necessitates a re-evaluation of processing methods to transform sulfur into a valuable revenue stream, crucial for securing future copper production and domestic industrial self-sufficiency. <p> </p>

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LG&E, Kentucky Utilities, X-energy to plan small modular reactor deployment

2026-05-05

Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU), both subsidiaries of PPL Corporation, have partnered with nuclear reactor designer X-energy to explore the deployment of X-energy’s Xe-100 small modular reactors (SMRs) in Kentucky. This collaboration aims to address the Commonwealth’s growing energy demand and strengthen grid reliability, aligning with significant legislative and regulatory support for nuclear energy in the state. The initiative signals a proactive step towards integrating advanced nuclear technology into the energy mix, with potential long-term implications for the energy sector and uranium market.

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Falcon Copper, Glencore to boost US minerals supply chain

2026-05-04

Falcon Copper and Glencore International have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on critical minerals projects, specifically targeting the bolstering of the US supply chain. This strategic alliance aims to channel up to 1.6 million tonnes per annum of copper concentrate to Falcon’s proposed smelting and refining facilities in the United States, thereby reinforcing domestic processing capabilities for essential minerals.

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New Earth expands Lucky Boy project with 268 acres in Arizona

2026-05-04

New Earth Resources has significantly expanded its Lucky Boy Uranium Project in Gila County, Arizona, securing an additional 268 acres of state mineral lease land. This strategic acquisition, approved by the Arizona State Land Department following an application in February 2026, nearly doubles the company's land holdings at Lucky Boy to approximately 541 acres, strengthening its position in a historically productive uranium region. The expansion is anticipated to provide substantial flexibility for future exploration and development in a revitalized global uranium market.

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Trump-linked tungsten deal highlights processing gap in US supply chain push

2026-05-04

An investment by Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump into the Trudovoye Tungsten Mine in Kazakhstan highlights the ongoing efforts to diversify US critical mineral supplies, particularly away from reliance on China. However, this strategic move also draws attention to a critical vulnerability in the US supply chain: the insufficient domestic processing and refining capacity that could undermine the pursuit of true independence in essential mineral resources like tungsten. The deal underscores the complex challenge of establishing a resilient supply chain, extending beyond raw material extraction to encompass the entire value chain.

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Ontario to axe early-stage red tape, mining minister says

2026-05-03

Ontario is set to enact new legislation this autumn to significantly reduce regulatory burdens on early-stage mining projects, aiming to catalyze private investment and shorten development timelines. This move coincides with a strategic pivot in the province's mineral strategy from electric vehicle components towards "defence metals," amidst stalled battery plant projects. Furthermore, Ontario is strongly backing Toronto's bid to host the NATO Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, leveraging its robust mining finance and defence sectors to strengthen North American supply chains and influence ongoing Canada-United-States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review discussions.

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Op-Ed: What Canada’s sovereign wealth fund, defence industrial strategy mean for miners

2026-05-03

Canada has launched two significant federal initiatives – the Canada Strong Fund, a new national sovereign wealth fund with C$25 billion over three years, and a comprehensive Defence Industrial Strategy. These efforts, highlighted by industry experts Jennifer Wasylyk and Carla Potter of Cassels, signal a fundamental redefinition of critical minerals as national security assets rather than mere commodities, profoundly impacting how mining projects may be financed, prioritized, and regulated across the nation.

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Canadian Mint to disclose sourcing data after report on cartel gold ties

2026-05-03

<p><strong></strong></p> <p>The Royal Canadian Mint has announced significant changes to its gold sourcing disclosure policies following a New York Times investigation that alleged some of its refined gold may have originated from mines controlled by a Colombian drug cartel. Effective immediately, the Crown corporation has suspended refining material from the implicated supply chain and will begin disclosing country-of-origin data by material type on its website, providing enhanced transparency for the global precious metals market.</p> <p><strong>

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Cove Kaz, Skyline sign merger agreement

2026-05-02

Cove Kaz Capital Group and Skyline Builders Group have signed a definitive merger agreement, anticipating the formation of Kaz Resources, a Nasdaq-listed entity under the ticker ‘KAZR’. This strategic consolidation aims to establish a global leader in critical minerals, particularly tungsten and rare earths, destined for the US defense and industrial sectors. The merger, which includes the significant acquisition of Kaz Critical Minerals' 15 licenses in Kazakhstan, is strategically poised to leverage substantial US government financial backing for its advanced exploration and late-stage projects.

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Silver Sands to acquire Fairfield Gold Project in Mexico

2026-05-02

Silver Sands Resources has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Fairfield Gold Project in Mexico’s State of Nayarit from Fairfields Gold. This strategic move, involving approximately $675,000 in cash and 5.15 million common shares over four years, positions Silver Sands to explore a historically significant property with high-grade gold and silver mineralization identified by ASARCO nearly a century ago. The acquisition underscores the project's exploration potential within Mexico, a key mining jurisdiction.

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Endeavour Mining Q1 2026 gold output falls to 282,000oz

2026-05-02

Endeavour Mining reported a mixed operational and financial performance for Q1 2026, with gold production falling to 282,000 ounces from 341,000 ounces in Q1 2025. Despite this, the company achieved record financial results, including an 81% increase in EBITDA to $872 million, driven by a significantly higher average realised gold price of $4,810/ounce. Endeavour is also progressing its cornerstone Assafou development project, targeting a final investment decision by year-end 2026, further solidifying its future growth pipeline.

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Energy Department Issues RFP to Continue Swift Execution of President Trump’s 172-Million-Barrel Strategic Petroleum Reserve Exchange

2026-05-01

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a new Request for Proposal (RFP) on April 30, 2026, for an emergency exchange of up to 92.5 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). This action is a continuation of President Trump’s 172-million-barrel release, part of a larger 400-million-barrel coordinated effort by International Energy Agency (IEA) member nations aimed at stabilizing global oil supplies. The initiative leverages the SPR’s exchange authority to provide immediate market relief while growing the reserve through premium barrel returns from participating companies.

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Kodiak, Teck sign LoI to establish new copper exploration company

2026-05-01

Kodiak Copper and Teck Resources have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Kay Copper to establish a new US-focused copper exploration company, slated for a TSX Venture Exchange listing. This strategic partnership involves transferring Kodiak's Mohave project and Teck's Copper Hill project, both located in Arizona, into a subsidiary of Kay Copper. The collaboration aims to advance these promising porphyry copper assets amidst growing global demand for the critical metal.

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Infini Resources begins drilling at Saskatchewan uranium sites

2026-05-01

Infini Resources has commenced its initial diamond drilling program at the Reynolds Lake and Reitenbach Lake uranium projects in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. This pivotal campaign involves at least 2,500m of drilling across a minimum of 12 drill-holes, targeting high-priority geophysical and geochemical anomalies in the largely unexplored eastern Athabasca Basin. The program represents a significant move from target generation to direct drill testing for potential high-grade uranium mineralization in one of the world's premier uranium jurisdictions.

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Five ways ultra-low zinc additives are redefining drivetrain performance

2026-05-01

The mining industry is witnessing a significant paradigm shift in lubricant technology, driven by the dual pressures of optimizing equipment longevity and meeting stricter regulatory standards. A new whitepaper from Petro-Canada Lubricants, previewed by Mrudvi Bakshi on April 30, 2026, details how ultra-low zinc (ULZ) additives are fundamentally redefining the performance of heavy-duty drivelines, promising enhanced durability and efficiency for critical assets like excavators and haul trucks operating in demanding 24-hour cycles. This evolution from traditional ZDDP chemistry to advanced ashless anti-wear solutions is crucial for sustained high-performance operations.

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Secretary Wright Signs Agreements To Grow American LNG Exports, Advances 'Trump Peace Pipelines Framework'

2026-04-30

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright recently announced a series of significant agreements at the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Summit in Dubrovnik, Croatia, signaling a substantial increase in American energy influence across Central and Eastern Europe. These deals, valued at billions of dollars in private capital, are set to bolster the region's energy security through expanded U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) imports, new natural gas infrastructure, and advancements in civil nuclear cooperation, including the deployment of U.S. small modular reactor (SMR) technology. The initiatives are anchored by the formal launch of the "Trump Peace Pipelines Framework," aiming to solidify the U.S. as a premier energy partner and create significant demand across the mining and construction sectors.

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EVelution Energy and Mitsui sign $850m cobalt supply deal

2026-04-30

EVelution Energy has secured a significant $850 million, five-year cobalt offtake agreement with Japanese trading giant Mitsui, announced on April 29, 2026. This landmark deal will see Mitsui receive the majority of cobalt output from EVelution Energy’s new Arizona processing facility, set to become the first commercial-scale cobalt metal and cobalt sulphate plant in the United States. The agreement underscores a concerted effort by the US and Japan to diversify critical mineral supply chains, enhance domestic refining capabilities, and mitigate strategic dependence on non-allied nations for essential materials like cobalt.

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LaFleur signs agreement to acquire McKenzie East in Canada

2026-04-30

LaFleur Minerals has announced a strategic acquisition of the McKenzie East Gold Project in Québec’s prolific Val-d’Or mining district. This move positions LaFleur adjacent to Fresnillo’s significant McKenzie Break Gold Deposit and aims to bolster the company's vertically integrated mine-to-mill strategy by defining new resources to feed its nearby Beacon Gold Mill. The acquisition, valued at C$30,000 cash and 175,000 common shares, underscores LaFleur's aggressive expansion in one of Canada's premier gold-producing regions, complemented by promising drilling results from its Swanson Gold Project.

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Neotech signs agreement for Torrance Project acquisition

2026-04-30

Neotech Metals has significantly expanded its footprint in Ontario's critical minerals landscape by acquiring the Torrance Project from Kenorland Minerals. This strategic move, announced on April 29, 2026, secures a 100% interest in 580 mining claims covering 12,270 hectares, positioning Neotech to explore for niobium, tantalum, and rare earth elements within the geologically promising Kapuskasing Structural Zone, proximate to its existing Hecla-Kilmer Project. The C$5 million deal, involving 1,000,000 Neotech shares and a drilling commitment, underscores the growing industry focus on securing domestic supply chains for vital technology metals.

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McCarthy, Fasken Martineau lead M&A legal advice in mining for Q1 2026

2026-04-29

<p></p> <p>In a strong start to the year for the mining sector, McCarthy Tetrault and Fasken Martineau DuMoulin emerged as the leading legal advisors for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) during the first quarter of 2026. McCarthy Tetrault secured the top position by deal value, advising on transactions totaling an impressive $7.3 billion, while Fasken Martineau DuMoulin led by deal volume, handling seven distinct transactions. This robust activity, highlighted by a league table from data analytics company GlobalData, signals a buoyant M&A environment and continued strategic reshuffling within the global metals and mining industry.</p> <p>

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Barrick provides update on North American gold assets IPO

2026-04-29

Barrick Mining is moving forward with plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of a minority stake in North American Barrick, a newly formed entity comprising its key gold assets in North America and the Dominican Republic. Expected to complete by the end of 2026 with primary listings in New York and Toronto, this strategic unbundling aims to unlock value from top-tier assets like Carlin, Cortez, Turquoise Ridge, and Pueblo Viejo, which collectively produced around two million ounces of gold in 2025. The initiative, overseen by a dedicated management team, seeks to accelerate momentum and highlight the attractiveness of these assets, while Barrick maintains a controlling interest and engages with Newmont, its joint venture partner in Nevada Gold Mines.

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Confined Space Rescue Training for Safer Underground Mining

2026-04-28

Underground mining presents inherently hazardous conditions within confined spaces, necessitating rigorous rescue training and robust regulatory compliance. This article, published on April 27, 2026, explores the global frameworks, detailed training components, and essential equipment required to safeguard workers and ensure effective emergency response in these challenging environments. It highlights the critical role of systematic preparedness and technological integration in meeting the evolving safety demands of the modern mining industry.

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Power Minerals acquires Morro do Ferro rare earths project

2026-04-28

Power Minerals has successfully completed the acquisition of the high-grade Morro do Ferro (MDF) rare earths project in Brazil from Mineração Terras Raras, strengthening its critical minerals portfolio in the region. This strategic move, finalized on April 27, 2026, positions Power Minerals in a region known for its rare earth resources and significant concentrations of magnetic rare earth oxides vital for modern technologies. The project’s promising drill results and plans for extensive exploration underscore its potential to contribute to a diversified global rare earth supply chain.

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BMO Capital Markets leads M&A financial advice in mining for Q1 2026

2026-04-28

<p></p> <p>BMO Capital Markets has secured the leading position as the top financial advisor for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the global metals and mining sector during the first quarter of 2026. According to a comprehensive league table compiled by data analytics company GlobalData, the North American investment bank topped both deal value, advising on transactions totaling $8.7 billion across five deals, and deal volume. This achievement represents a significant leap from its Q1 2025 performance, underscoring its growing influence and strategic involvement in major sector transactions, including two billion-dollar deals that propelled it to the top.</p> <p>

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Oil and gas: how obsolescence management can save you millions of pounds

2026-04-27

As of April 23, 2026, the mining industry faces increasing challenges from component obsolescence in its aging assets, a predicament that engineering specialists highlight as a critical risk to safety, production, and profitability. While asset degradation is inevitable, the substantial costs and operational disruptions associated with reactive maintenance can be mitigated through proactive obsolescence management strategies. This approach, which includes early assessment and re-engineering of critical components, offers a path to significant savings and enhanced operational resilience, preventing costly full-system replacements and unplanned downtime.

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Natural graphite production is growing, as well as being geographically rebalanced

2026-04-27

The global natural graphite market is undergoing a profound transformation, moving away from its historical concentration in China towards a more diversified supply chain led by African producers. This shift, driven by surging demand for electric vehicle batteries and strategic investments, saw global production rise significantly in 2025 and is projected to continue through 2035, fundamentally reshaping market dynamics and creating new opportunities and challenges for the mining industry.

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Mariana and Sandvik to launch autonomous drilling in Utah

2026-04-26

Mariana Minerals and Sandvik have forged a significant partnership to deploy autonomous drilling technology at Mariana’s Copper One mine in south-eastern Utah, US. This collaboration integrates Sandvik’s AutoMine Surface Drilling platform directly into MarianaOS, Mariana’s proprietary software, creating a unified, data-driven system designed to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and inform superior downstream decision-making. The initiative represents a pivotal step towards a fully autonomous mining operation, strategically bolstering domestic copper production amidst rising US demand.

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Vizsla Silver advances Panuco project with new contract awards

2026-04-26

Vizsla Silver's Panuco silver-gold project in Sinaloa, Mexico, is rapidly accelerating towards commercial production following the award of significant engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) and mine design contracts. The company has engaged M3 Engineering & Technology and Mining Plus, respectively, for these crucial roles, underscoring a strategic push complemented by a recent $220 million project finance mandate from Macquarie Bank. These developments mark a pivotal advancement for the high-grade project, outlining a clear path through detailed planning, pre-production development, and eventual commissioning.

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Luanshya Mine to restart production in August 2026

2026-04-26

Zambia's Luanshya Copper Mine is slated to restart production at its upper section in August 2026, marking a significant milestone in revitalizing the nation's mining sector. Acquired by China Nonferrous Mining Corporation (CNMC) in 2009, the mine is targeted to produce approximately 100,000 tonnes per annum of copper by 2030, supported by a substantial $710 million investment in infrastructure and shaft redevelopment. This phased recommissioning, beginning with the upper section and extending to the lower section by 2029, is expected to generate 3,000 jobs and bolster Zambia's position in the global copper market.

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Project ramp-ups and expansions to lift global lead output in 2026

2026-04-25

Global lead production is projected to see a notable increase of 2.2% in 2026, reaching 4.68 million tonnes, driven by key ramp-ups and new project commencements in China, Mexico, and Peru. This short-term expansion follows a marginal 0.7% growth in 2025, which saw contributions from major producers like China and Russia, offset by declines in Australia and the US. Despite the near-term optimism, the long-term outlook to 2035 suggests overall marginal growth at a 0.5% compound annual growth rate, as new developments contend with anticipated mine closures and diminishing ore grades worldwide.

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Leviathan completes Central Project EM survey with 300m line spacing

2026-04-25

Leviathan Metals has successfully completed a high-resolution helicopter-borne electromagnetic (EM) survey at its fully owned Central Project within Botswana’s prolific Kalahari Copper Belt. This crucial initial exploration phase covered over 20 kilometers of the geologically significant D’Kar-Ngwako Pan Formation contact, identifying conductive markers indicative of potential sediment-hosted stratiform copper mineralization. The project's strategic location, immediately south of MMG’s substantial Khoemacau deposits, positions Leviathan for an aggressive 2026 drilling campaign as it seeks to delineate new copper resources in a globally significant mining region.

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Fortescue commits $680m to Pilbara green energy expansion

2026-04-25

Fortescue, a leading Australian mining company, has declared a substantial A$952.44 million (US$680 million) investment in its Pilbara Green Energy Project. This initiative aims to establish a 200MW integrated off-grid renewable energy system in Western Australia, specifically designed to meet burgeoning industrial demand, including from data centers, and further advance the company's ambitious decarbonization goals beyond its Real Zero by 2030 targets. The project, slated for completion by 2028, signifies a critical step towards energy independence and a blueprint for sustainable heavy industry operations.

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SMM begins monazite processing plant construction

2026-04-24

Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) has commenced construction of its new monazite processing plant in the Western Cape, South Africa, a significant development positioning the nation as a prospective producer of high-grade rare earth feedstock. This project, fully permitted and owned by Steenkampskraal Holdings and Bora Mining Investments, aims to produce 13,400 tonnes per annum of monazite concentrate containing over 50% total rare earth oxides, contributing vital critical minerals to global supply chains for renewable energy and defence sectors.

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Pantoro partners with Mega Resources on Rama pit in WA

2026-04-24

Pantoro Gold has forged a strategic partnership with Mega Resources and Bain Global Resources for the Rama Open Pit project in Western Australia's Forrestania region. Pantoro plans to advance up to A$20 million to Mega for Stage Two mining, securing high-grade gold ore (approximately 115,000 tonnes at 4.7 g/t gold) for its Norseman processing facility. This collaboration promises to unlock a previously stranded asset, generate robust margins for Pantoro, and provides an exclusive option for Pantoro to develop a potential underground operation, signaling a significant move to enhance its gold production profile.

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Middle East conflict triggers aluminium supply concerns

2026-04-24

The global aluminium market is facing unprecedented supply disruptions due to escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions, with Mercuria predicting a minimum 2 million tonne shortfall by year-end. This "black swan" event has catapulted LME aluminium prices to a four-year peak, significantly impacting industries reliant on the metal such as transport, construction, and packaging. With major consuming regions like the US and Europe heavily dependent on Middle Eastern imports and global stocks at critically low levels, the industry faces severe challenges without readily available alternative supply or production capacity.

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Lithium market to enter deficit until 2035, says Canaccord

2026-04-23

Canaccord Genuity projects a global lithium market deficit lasting almost a decade, from 2026 to 2035, driven primarily by a critical lack of investment in new mine supply despite robust demand from the electric vehicle sector. This shortfall, exacerbated by recent supply disruptions in key producing nations like China and Zimbabwe, underscores the urgent need for significant capital allocation to avoid prolonged market tightness and potential impacts on the energy transition.

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Silver Crown, EMS target US silver growth push

2026-04-23

Silver Crown Royalties Inc. has forged a strategic partnership with Emergency Material Services (EMS) to significantly expand its US silver royalty platform. This collaboration, announced on April 22, 2026, aims to infuse non-dilutive capital into domestic silver production, recycling, smelting, and refining operations, leveraging a structured financing model that mitigates operational risks while capitalizing on the surging demand for silver in electrification and advanced manufacturing. The initiative positions Silver Crown to scale its exposure to the growing US silver market through royalties and streaming agreements, offering investors a de-risked pathway to participate in the commodity's anticipated growth.

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Quaise moves closer to building world’s first superhot geothermal power plant

2026-04-23

Quaise Energy, an MIT spin-off, is making significant strides towards developing the world's first superhot geothermal power plant, Project Obsidian, in Oregon, USA. This ambitious undertaking aims to tap into rock formations exceeding 300 degrees Celsius, validated by recent analyses presented at the 2026 Stanford Geothermal Workshop, projecting an initial capacity of 50 megawatts by 2030, with plans to scale to a gigawatt. The pioneering initiative promises continuous, clean baseload electricity and signals a potential paradigm shift for global renewable energy landscapes, opening regions previously inaccessible to geothermal power.

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Magnetite Mines initiates drilling at Ironback Hill

2026-04-22

Magnetite Mines announced on April 21, 2026, the initiation of up to 2,000m of air core drilling at its Ironback Hill rare earth element (REE) project in north-east South Australia. This program, following delays from significant rain and flooding, aims to define the extent and characteristics of the near-surface, clay-hosted REE mineralisation discovered in 2025. The exploration is a pivotal step for the company in advancing what could become a strategically important source of critical minerals within Australia.

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Spanish Mountain Gold to divest 1.5% royalty to Wheaton

2026-04-22

Spanish Mountain Gold has entered a definitive royalty agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals, divesting a 1.5% net smelter returns (NSR) royalty on its British Columbia gold and silver production for $55 million. This crucial financing injection will accelerate the feasibility study for the Spanish Mountain Gold project, providing the necessary capital to target a build decision in 2028. The deal underscores the strategic importance of non-dilutive financing mechanisms for advancing significant precious metal assets in Tier 1 mining jurisdictions.

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New episode: Earth Day – electric vehicles across power, oil and gas and mining

2026-04-22

On April 21, 2026, the <em>Energy Technology</em> podcast released a special Earth Day episode delving into the implications of electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the power, oil and gas, and mining sectors. Featuring insights from industry editors, the discussion covered the evolving EV market landscape, associated infrastructure demands, emerging battery technologies, and the significant shift in mineral demand, underscoring the critical role mining plays in the global energy transition.

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Chile targets faster permits to unlock $100B pipeline

2026-04-21

Chile is aggressively moving to streamline its mining permit approval process, aiming to unlock over $100 billion in investment and revitalize its pivotal copper sector. This initiative, spearheaded by Economy and Mining Minister Daniel Mas, seeks to reduce processing times by 30% for approximately 200 procedures without compromising environmental standards, fostering legal certainty and attracting significant capital to key projects across copper and lithium.

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Banyan Gold hits new high on $34M capital raise

2026-04-21

Banyan Gold, a Vancouver-based gold explorer, recently secured C$46.5 million ($34 million) through a strategic capital raise, propelling its stock to an all-time high. The significant financing is earmarked for advanced exploration at its flagship AurMac property in Canada's Yukon Territory, where the company has defined substantial indicated and inferred gold resources totaling over 7.7 million ounces. This development signifies strong investor confidence in Banyan Gold's project potential and Canada's role as a premier jurisdiction for gold exploration.

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Amermin, Ulterra take critical minerals recycling partnership global

2026-04-21

<p></p> <p>In a significant move for critical minerals supply chain resilience, Texas-based Amermin and Ulterra Drilling Technologies have announced a global expansion of their recycling partnership. This collaboration now includes the processing of Ulterra’s waste streams from Canada and Argentina, supplementing their existing U.S. operations, to recover vital materials like tungsten, cobalt, and nickel. The expansion, supported by an $11.5 million U.S. Department of Energy grant awarded to Amermin earlier this year, aims to bolster domestic and allied critical minerals supply, reducing reliance on geopolitically sensitive sources.</p> <p>

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Copper price within sight of all-time high as Chinese smelters hit record activity

2026-04-20

Copper prices are rapidly approaching an all-time high, driven significantly by a substantial resurgence in Chinese smelter activity. Satellite data from Earth-i reveals a dramatic increase in operational capacity across China, while global concentrate supply faces unprecedented tightening due to geopolitical conflicts and strategic shifts in major mining nations, pushing treatment and refining charges into negative territory for the first time on record. This dynamic environment offers both opportunities and significant challenges for global mining companies and investors.

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Mangrove opens refinery in British Columbia to close lithium gap

2026-04-20

Privately held Mangrove Lithium has inaugurated North America’s first commercial electrochemical lithium refinery in Delta, British Columbia, on April 18, 2026. This landmark facility, capable of producing 1,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually, addresses a critical refining gap in Canada's burgeoning battery supply chain and represents a significant step towards localizing vital mineral processing for electric vehicle production. Backed by substantial investment and leveraging an innovative, low-carbon electrochemical technology, Mangrove is poised to expand its operations with a larger refinery planned for Quebec, aiming to establish a comprehensive mine-to-chemical ecosystem within Canada.

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Environmental group sues US Interior for approving rare earth mining in Mojave Desert

2026-04-20

An environmental advocacy group, the National Parks Conservation Association, represented by Earthjustice, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Interior over its 2025 approval of Dateline Resources' Colosseum rare earth mining project within the Mojave National Preserve. This legal challenge, citing alleged violations of federal laws and a lack of proper permits, positions a vital critical minerals initiative against long-standing environmental protections for one of California's most significant national park sites. The dispute underscores the persistent tension between domestic resource extraction and conservation, with potential implications for the broader U.S. critical minerals supply chain and investor confidence in such projects.

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Mogotes signs agreement with Kennecott for Montana site

2026-04-19

Mogotes Metals has secured an option-to-joint-venture agreement with Kennecott Exploration Company, a Rio Tinto subsidiary, for the Copper Cliff Project in Montana, US. This strategic partnership enables Mogotes to invest up to $56 million over six years to earn a 60% interest in the gold-copper porphyry asset, leveraging Kennecott's extensive historical exploration data from the property. The agreement signifies a significant revitalization effort for a historically productive mining district and underscores the growing industry interest in North American critical minerals.

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Northern Lithium wins funding for development plans

2026-04-19

Northern Lithium, a crucial player in the UK's emerging critical minerals sector, has secured £600,000 in UK Government funding alongside £5 million in equity investments to accelerate its 2026 development plans. This capital infusion will support a vital front-end engineering design (FEED) feasibility study for a commercial-scale lithium-from-brines plant at Ludwell Farm, County Durham, with commercial production targeted for 2028. The initiative aims to significantly bolster the UK's domestic lithium supply, reduce its 100% import dependency, and contribute to its ambitious net-zero and electric vehicle manufacturing goals.

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Century Aluminum starts production at expanded Mt. Holly plant

2026-04-19

News Century Aluminum starts production at expanded Mt. Holly plant The expansion is projected to boost US primary aluminium production by 10%. Shree Mishra April 17, 2026 Share Copy Link Share on X Share on Linkedin Share on Facebook The facility is expected to add 750,000t to the nation’s aluminium production capacity. Credit: Lovember06/Shutterstock.com. Century Aluminum has initiated hot metal production at its expanded Mt. Holly facility in South Carolina, US. This expansion, aimed at reaching full capacity by June 2026, is expected to boost US primary aluminium production by 10%. Go deeper with GlobalData Reports Mountain Laurel Mine Reports Twentymile Coal Mine Go deeper with GlobalData The gold standard of business intelligence. Find out more Discover B2B Marketing That Performs Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms. Find out more The project has resulted in the creation of more than 125 jobs. Additionally, Century, in collaboration with Emirates Global Aluminum, announced plans for a new primary aluminium smelter in Oklahoma. This facility is expected to add 750,000t to the nation’s aluminium production capacity, effectively doubling it. The project represents a significant investment in US metal production and is set to generate...

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Hitachi delivers electric excavator to Rudnik uglja Pljevlja

2026-04-18

Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) has delivered its EX2600-7E ultra-large electric excavator to Rudnik uglja Pljevlja in Montenegro, marking the first deployment of this electric model in Europe. This significant move signals the Pljevlja coal mine's commitment to modernizing its fleet, reducing long-term operating costs, and leveraging local electricity generation to decrease reliance on imported diesel fuel. The 250-tonne machine is a strategic investment poised to enhance operational efficiency and contribute to Montenegro's energy sector.

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Origen plans acquisition of Brazilian REE project

2026-04-18

Origen Resources has announced its intent to acquire a significant rare earth elements (REEs) project in north-eastern Brazil, covering over 33,000 hectares across Piauí and Bahia states, with initial soil sampling indicating a 4km by 6km anomalous REE zone peaking at 282 ppm TREO+Y. This strategic move positions Origen as a major landholder in an emerging REE belt, targeting critical ion adsorption clay-hosted deposits and capitalizing on Brazil's potential to diversify global REE supply chains.

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Fredonia begins 10,000m drilling at EDM gold project

2026-04-18

Fredonia Mining has launched an extensive 10,000-meter diamond drilling program at its El Dorado–Monserrat (EDM) gold project in Argentina, aiming to significantly expand and enhance the existing 2.25 million ounce gold equivalent resource. Situated in Santa Cruz Province's prolific Deseado Massif, this critical exploration phase will assess high-priority targets, extend known mineralization, and conduct infill drilling to bolster geological confidence ahead of future development studies, signaling a disciplined advance toward unlocking the project's full potential.

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Energy Deputy Secretary Danly Commends FERC Action on Large Load Interconnection Reform

2026-04-17

<p class="summary">The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced its commitment to take definitive action by June 2026 on reforms for large load interconnection, a directive issued by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. This initiative, strongly commended by Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly, aims to streamline the grid integration of major industrial and commercial consumers, support the co-location of generation and demand, and accelerate new power infrastructure to achieve American energy dominance and ensure affordable, reliable energy for the nation. For the mining industry, which depends heavily on substantial, consistent power supplies, these reforms promise to unlock bottlenecks, improve project viability, and strengthen domestic mineral production.</p>

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USA Rare Earth produces initial yttrium metal

2026-04-17

USA Rare Earth, through its UK-based subsidiary Less Common Metals (LCM), has announced the commercial production of 99-99.5% pure yttrium metal at its facility in Cheshire. This achievement positions the company as one of the few non-Chinese producers of this critical rare earth metal, which is essential for high-performance applications in aerospace, defense, electronics, and energy systems. The development is a significant step in USA Rare Earth’s strategy to build an integrated, Western-aligned rare earth supply chain from mining to magnet manufacturing, reinforcing national security and technological independence.

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MMD to acquire TraxIQ rights from Anglo American

2026-04-17

<p></p> <p>In a significant development for the global mining technology sector, UK-based MMD Group has announced its acquisition of the intellectual property rights for TraxIQ from Anglo American. This strategic move, reported on April 16, 2026, positions MMD to industrialize, commercialize, and deploy TraxIQ, a comprehensive and scalable material handling solution featuring modular vehicle structures, advanced energy management, and autonomous control systems. The acquisition underscores the mining industry’s increasing focus on innovation to enhance productivity, reduce emissions, and lower operational costs amidst rising demand for critical minerals.</p> <p>

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Tocvan deploys heavy machinery at Mexico’s Gran Pilar project

2026-04-17

<p></p> <p>Tocvan Ventures is significantly accelerating development at its Gran Pilar Gold-Silver Project in Sonora, Mexico, by deploying heavy machinery, including a dozer, excavator, and haul truck. This strategic move aims to expedite trenching, road construction, and pilot-scale material handling as part of a fully funded 20,000-meter drilling program. With ongoing drilling success and promising bulk sampling results, Tocvan is poised to advance rapidly towards a maiden resource estimate and potential near-term pilot production, de-risking the project for stakeholders.</p> <p>

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New episode: How have global oil supply chains shifted around the Iran conflict?

2026-04-16

Amidst the escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, global oil supply chains are facing unprecedented pressure, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a US blockade of Iranian vessels. This geopolitical turmoil has significantly choked Middle Eastern oil exports from major producers like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, forcing a rapid scale-down in production. The ramifications are reverberating through global markets, with profound implications for energy-intensive sectors such as mining, as explored in the recent <em>Energy Technology: Industry Insights</em> podcast.

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Turner Mining Group secures $150m to expand operations

2026-04-16

Turner Mining Group has secured a significant equipment financing partnership with Wingspire Equipment Finance, establishing a capital facility of up to $150 million. This strategic funding, initiated with an immediate $20 million draw, is earmarked for the substantial expansion of Turner's mobile mining fleet, directly supporting new projects and accelerating growth across North America. The flexible capital structure is designed to empower rapid operational scaling, allowing the company to promptly meet increasing client demands within the thriving mining and natural resources sectors.

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SAGA Metals to acquire Wolverine REE project in Canada

2026-04-16

SAGA Metals has strategically expanded its critical minerals portfolio by agreeing to acquire Catalyst Rare Metals, gaining full ownership of the royalty-free Wolverine rare earth element (REE) project in Canada. This acquisition, announced on April 15, 2026, positions SAGA to develop a high-potential heavy rare earth asset in a Tier-1 jurisdiction, directly supporting North American supply security for the clean-energy transition and defense industries. The Wolverine project, covering 230.5 km² in Labrador, has shown promising near-surface REE mineralization with significant heavy rare earth enrichment, driving SAGA's plans for a 2026 exploration program aimed at a maiden NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate.

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Wright, Zeldin, and Burgum Break Ground on NESE Pipeline in New York City to Deliver Reliable, Affordable Natural Gas to the Northeast

2026-04-15

On April 14, 2026, a groundbreaking ceremony in New York City officially commenced construction of the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Pipeline, a critical project by Williams Companies aimed at delivering natural gas from Pennsylvania to New York City and Long Island. Expected to be in service by late 2027, the NESE pipeline will add 400,000 dekatherms per day of capacity, poised to significantly lower energy costs for millions and bolster energy reliability across the Northeast. This major infrastructure development highlights a strategic federal initiative to enhance American energy independence and presents substantial implications for the broader U.S. industrial and mining sectors.

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From signal to insight

2026-04-15

The global mining industry is rapidly embracing digitalization, but traditional communication systems often hinder the full potential of advanced technologies. This article details how a strategic partnership between Ericsson and Becker-Lasec is addressing this critical challenge by combining industrial-grade 5G connectivity with mining-specific digital tools, offering a unified, scalable solution for enhanced safety, productivity, and operational intelligence in mines worldwide. Through real-world deployments in Latin America, their integrated approach is proving vital for unlocking data-driven insights from surface to underground.

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