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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<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>
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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.
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.
The global aluminium industry is witnessing a significant pivot towards advanced robotics and automation, driven by escalating demand, tightening supply chains, and the inherent hazards of traditional smelting operations. This strategic shift aims to enhance safety, improve operational consistency, and build resilience against disruptions, with key players like AlumatIQ and Autoa Robot Welding spearheading innovative solutions for the notoriously dangerous potroom environment. Market forecasts indicate substantial growth in the smelt robot sector, underlining the industry's commitment to leveraging technology for a more efficient and secure future.
Red Mountain Mining is relaunching antimony exploration across its US projects, including Thompson Falls in Montana-Idaho and Yellow Pine and Silver Dollar in Idaho, capitalizing on favorable weather conditions. This strategic move aims to define significant antimony resources, with initial rock chip analysis from Thompson Falls showing up to 36.5% antimony, and is supported by new advisory appointments and expedited environmental approvals. The initiative aligns with US government efforts to secure domestic critical mineral supplies, particularly antimony, reducing reliance on foreign sources.
Venezuela’s National Assembly has unanimously approved a comprehensive new mining law, a 131-article bill championed by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, aimed at attracting foreign investment, particularly from the United States. This legislation replaces a nearly 30-year-old system, introducing a more flexible tax structure, extended concession periods, and crucial access to international arbitration for disputes, signaling a concerted effort to revitalize the nation's strategic mineral sector, including gold and bauxite. The reform seeks to balance state control over resources with enhanced legal assurances for international investors, marking a significant policy shift after decades of state-centric policies and past nationalization events.
Infographic: Latin America’s top miners may surprise Henry Lazenby | April 10, 2026 | 8:03 am Intelligence Markets Suppliers & Equipment Top Companies Latin America Copper Iron Ore Lithium Rare Earth Specialty Minerals Latin America’s most mining-dependent countries are not always its biggest economies. Our latest infographic ranks the region first by mining’s share of total exports and then by the value of those exports. The comparison shows where metals matter most to trade and where scale still rules, from copper giants Chile and Peru to smaller producers whose economies lean far more heavily on mining. 2026 is shaping to be a key year for Latin America, with resources at the centre of a growing global power struggle, as governments and investors focus on who controls critical minerals and the supply chains behind them. If the region matters to you, don’t miss MINING.COM’s Latin America series tracking the geopolitical forces reshaping it and why markets are increasingly driven by global alliances as much as local politics. Countries in the series so far: Bolivia Chile Colombia Share Comments Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name, email, and website in this browser...
Neo Performance Materials has successfully initiated production of heavy rare earth elements, specifically separated terbium and dysprosium oxides, at its Silmet facility in Estonia, marking a significant step in establishing a secure, Europe-based supply chain for critical materials. This development complements the company's existing rare earth magnet manufacturing plant in Narva, Estonia, which is Europe's first mass producer of sintered magnets, further reinforcing Neo's strategy for a vertically integrated rare earth magnetics value chain within the continent. The output from both facilities is crucial for high-performance magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced robotics, addressing Europe's strategic objectives for supply chain diversification and critical mineral independence.
British Columbia’s two largest gold projects, Seabridge Gold’s KSM and Tudor Gold’s Treaty Creek, face a significant hurdle as the provincial government delays key tunnel permits for KSM. This regulatory setback stems from an ongoing legal dispute between Seabridge and Tudor Gold regarding the route of KSM’s critical Mitchell Treaty Tunnels, which Tudor asserts would traverse its valuable Goldstorm deposit. The impasse threatens the development timelines of these massive projects, collectively holding billions of ounces of gold and pounds of copper, highlighting the complexities of concurrent mineral rights and infrastructure planning in prolific mining regions.
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<p>The Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum, held in Tokyo on March 14–15, 2026, convened twelve nations to forge a collective strategy for ensuring stable and secure energy supply in the region. Co-hosted by U.S. and Japanese energy leaders, the discussions emphasized robust supply chains, diversification of energy sources, and extensive investment, signaling profound implications for the global mining sector, particularly in critical minerals and uranium for nuclear energy development.</p>
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Paramount Gold Nevada has initiated an Initial Assessment (IA) at its past-producing Sleeper Gold Project in Humboldt County, Nevada, a crucial step in evaluating its economic potential under SEC S-K 1300 regulations. This assessment, conducted by SLR International, will focus on a staged, cost-effective development strategy primarily targeting approximately 54 million tonnes of heap-leachable material. The move aims to unlock significant value in a well-established mining jurisdiction amidst a favorable gold price environment, while the company concurrently advances its Grassy Mountain Project.
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<p>Bullion Gold Resources has announced the successful conclusion of its diamond drilling program at the fully owned Langlade project in Quebec’s Senneterre area. The 1,771-meter campaign across 11 drill holes yielded encouraging visual observations, including chalcopyrite and sphalerite mineralization alongside significant scapolite alteration, indicators often linked to large-scale gold, silver, copper, and zinc deposits. Assay results, crucial for verifying metal grades and guiding future exploration, are anticipated next month, marking a significant step in understanding the Langlade project's substantial mineral potential.</p>
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The U.S. Department of Energy has issued a conditional commitment for a $263 million loan to SHINE Chrysalis, LLC, for a high-volume medical isotope production facility in Janesville, Wisconsin. This strategic investment aims to establish the nation's sole domestic commercial supply of molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), a critical isotope for millions of diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment procedures, thereby enhancing national energy dominance, medical supply chain security, and a robust nuclear workforce.
California's aggressive energy policies have led to the highest electricity and gasoline prices in the nation, crippling residents and industries while tripling the state's reliance on often volatile foreign oil imports. A recent federal intervention, led by President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, has mandated Sable Offshore Corp. to resume operations of the Santa Ynez Unit and its associated pipeline, significantly boosting California's domestic oil production by 15 percent and replacing vital foreign crude supplies. This strategic move aims to enhance national energy security and mitigate the economic vulnerabilities created by restrictive state policies.
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has established a significant partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its Taca Taca copper project in Argentina's Salta Province. This collaboration aims to align the substantial $4.2 billion project with global sustainability standards, enhancing its attractiveness for debt financing and promoting responsible mining practices. The move underscores Argentina's growing prominence as a critical minerals jurisdiction and FQM's commitment to advancing one of the world's premier undeveloped copper assets.
Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC) has dramatically strengthened its position as a leading domestic uranium producer with the official commencement of operations at its Burke Hollow project in Texas. This milestone marks the first new in-situ recovery (ISR) uranium operation in the United States in over a decade, establishing UEC as the sole U.S. company with two active ISR facilities and reinforcing the nation's push for a secure, domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. The project, tapping into a significant uranium resource in the Texas Uranium Belt, is set to bolster UEC's processing capabilities at its Hobson Central Processing Plant and signals a robust expansion strategy for the Vancouver-based miner.
The Metals Royalty Company Inc. (TMCR) made its public market debut on the Nasdaq on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, marking a significant milestone for deep-sea mining finance. The company holds a crucial royalty interest in The Metals Company's (TMC) NORI project in the Pacific Ocean, which aims to extract polymetallic nodules rich in nickel, cobalt, and copper – essential battery metals. This move introduces a proven financing model into the nascent and high-potential deep-sea mining sector, addressing the accelerating global demand for critical minerals.
Lachlan Star has commenced an initial 1,000-meter diamond drilling program at its New Waverley Gold Project in Western Australia, focusing on historical high-grade quartz reef mineralization in the gold-rich Norseman region. This strategically important move follows the recent acquisition of the project and aims to systematically test a 400-meter mineralized corridor, with a subsequent 2,000-meter reverse circulation drilling phase planned. The program seeks to confirm the continuity and grade of significant gold intercepts, signaling Lachlan Star's commitment to unlocking the project's broader scale potential in a premier gold jurisdiction.
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<p>Sweden has dramatically reversed its long-standing nuclear phase-out policy, embarking on an ambitious expansion plan that aims to add at least 2.5 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2035 and the equivalent of ten new reactors by 2045. This significant pivot, driven by energy security and climate goals, is being spearheaded by Carl Berglöf, the national nuclear power coordinator, and is set to have profound implications for the global mining industry, particularly for uranium producers and suppliers of critical minerals essential for reactor construction and associated infrastructure.</p>
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<p>Mayfair Gold has significantly expanded its land holdings near its Fenn-Gib Gold Project in Timmins, Ontario, through the acquisition of three properties—Guibord, Marriott, and Holloway—from Plato Gold for C$2.5 million. This strategic move, announced on April 6, 2026, consolidates Mayfair’s position along the highly prospective Porcupine-Destor Fault Zone within the renowned Abitibi Greenstone belt, promising enhanced exploration leverage and critical infrastructure access for the proposed Fenn-Gib mine.</p>
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Germanium Mining has successfully concluded the initial phase of a non-brokered private placement, securing critical early-stage financing for its 2026 exploration initiatives at the fully owned Lac Du Km 35 property in Québec, Canada. This funding is poised to advance a systematic exploration program, including detailed airborne geophysical surveys and permit applications for drilling, aiming to identify and de-risk potential germanium resources essential for North America's strategic supply chain. The project targets an area known for a notable germanium showing and significant geological structures that could host further mineralization.
Despite global geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-Iran war, the world's leading mining companies demonstrated remarkable resilience in the first quarter of 2026. The MINING.COM TOP 50 miners collectively reached a market capitalization of $2.41 trillion, adding $250 billion year-to-date, signaling a strong performance across most commodities and a significant expansion of the exclusive $100-billion club. However, this overall positive trend masked mixed fortunes for individual companies, with strategic shifts and operational challenges leading to notable underperformance for some key players.
REalloys and U.S. Critical Materials (USCM) have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for REalloys to obtain up to 10% of the heavy rare earth production from USCM's high-grade Sheep Creek project in Montana. This strategic partnership aims to establish a crucial domestic supply chain for critical minerals, including dysprosium, terbium, yttrium, and gallium, vital for U.S. strategic defense stockpiles and advanced technology applications, ahead of anticipated restrictions on Chinese rare earth procurement in 2027. The agreement underscores a significant step towards bolstering American critical mineral sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries.
Underground mining continues to face significant safety challenges, particularly in areas with limited visibility such as intersections and blind corners, largely due to the inherent constraints of conventional safety systems and GNSS-denied environments. Emerging technologies like Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication and advanced wearable devices are proving instrumental in enhancing real-time awareness and improving emergency response times. Despite these technological advancements, the critical importance of human oversight and robust safety protocols remains paramount for achieving safer operational environments.
Barrick Mining has announced anticipated "significant increases" to the capital budget and timeline for its Reko Diq copper-gold project in Pakistan, following an earlier decision to slow development due to escalating security concerns in Balochistan and the broader Middle East. The Canadian miner, which operates Reko Diq as a 50/50 joint venture with Pakistani authorities, is extending its project review period until mid-2027 to comprehensively assess the evolving situation, capital requirements, financing, scope, and timeline for the Tier 1 asset.
China's Zijin Mining, following its 2025 acquisition of RG Gold, is set to invest $500 million in a new processing plant in Kazakhstan, concurrent with RG Gold's progressive environmental initiatives. Central to this is the 'phytocapture' technology, developed by the Sustainable Kazakhstan Research Institute, which employs scientifically designed vegetative barriers to significantly reduce airborne dust emissions from open-pit gold mining operations near the Raygorodok deposit. This innovative approach, integrating supercomputer modeling and indigenous plant species, marks a significant step in sustainable mining practices in Central Asia and offers a blueprint for environmental stewardship within the global industry.
Canadian critical metals processor pH7 Technologies is expanding its Vancouver facility with C$4 million in funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). This investment will accelerate the scale-up of pH7's proprietary organo-electrochemical technology for recovering platinum group metals (PGMs) from secondary materials and, critically, for unlocking difficult sulfide ores in primary mining applications without toxic reagents or tailings wastewater. The move positions Canada at the forefront of sustainable critical mineral development, addressing both environmental challenges and global supply chain demands.
St Barbara has announced a significant milestone for its New Simberi Gold Project in Papua New Guinea, securing an A$389 million ($269.5 million) investment from Lingbao Gold Group. This capital injection, alongside the approval of the Final Investment Decision, fully funds St Barbara's 50% share of the project's construction costs, paving the way for a substantial expansion that is projected to double mining output to 20 million tonnes per annum and boost gold production to over 200,000 ounces annually. The development is expected to yield an A$0.5 billion gain for St Barbara, marking a strategic move to de-risk and unlock long-term value from the long-life, low-cost operation.
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<p>KGL Resources has secured a pivotal A$300 million precious metals purchase agreement (PMPA) with Wheaton Precious Metals International, earmarking funds for the construction and development of its Jervois Copper Project in Australia’s Northern Territory. This strategic financing, which includes a $275 million upfront stream payment and a $25 million cost overrun facility, marks Wheaton's inaugural streaming deal in Australia and positions KGL to become a significant copper producer with all necessary permits already in place.</p>
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Lotus Resources has secured a crucial confirmation from Orano Chimie-Enrichissement (Orano CE) for the acceptance of uranium ore concentrate from its Kayelekera project in Malawi at the Malvesi conversion facility in France. This pivotal development, following extensive qualification efforts, positions Lotus as a forthcoming global uranium supplier, with aims to reach full production capacity by the second quarter of 2026. The agreement facilitates initial shipments and provides strategic flexibility for Lotus in navigating global uranium markets and supply chains.
Questcorp Mining and Riverside Resources have initiated Phase 2 exploration at the La Union Project in Sonora, Mexico, following encouraging results from a 12-hole Phase 1 drill program earlier in 2026. This next phase focuses on refining existing high-priority targets and generating new prospects across the project's diverse mineralization styles, including high-grade gold-silver at Union Mine and a new sediment-hosted gold discovery at Luis Hill. The fully funded program aims to prepare for subsequent drilling later in 2026, building on the project's district-scale potential.
Latitude 66 has successfully concluded its Phase 2 reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Laverton Gold Project in Western Australia, comprising 38 holes totaling 3,914 meters. The program focused on the Red Dog and Tin Dog prospects, aiming to extend existing mineralization and define new structural frameworks, building upon results from January 2026's Phase 1 drilling. The company now awaits assay results, which are anticipated to guide subsequent exploration phases and support its strategy for rapid resource growth.
Santana Minerals has taken a significant step forward for its Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project in New Zealand, securing NZ$115 million ($65.8 million) worth of mining fleet build slots with Komatsu New Zealand. This critical agreement, which includes primary excavators and haul trucks under a leasing and support package, positions Santana as a prospective low-cost owner-operator, pending a crucial fast-track approval decision expected by October 2026. The move underscores the project's progression towards construction and future production, contingent on regulatory green light.
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<p>In a significant move to bolster grid stability, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued an emergency order on March 30, 2026, directing the continued operation of Unit 1 at the Craig Station coal plant in Craig, Colorado, through June 28, 2026. This mandate overturns a previous plan for the unit's shutdown, underscoring the Trump Administration's commitment to prioritizing affordable, reliable, and secure electricity amidst concerns over potential blackouts and the impact of earlier "energy subtraction policies." The decision, which involves major utilities and grid operators, signals a notable reprieve for the coal mining sector, with over 17 gigawatts of coal-power generation reportedly saved in 2025.</p>
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Lachlan Star has finalized its acquisition of the New Waverley Gold Project in Western Australia's highly prospective Norseman region, securing a 90% ownership stake from private prospector David Pascoe. The deal, which involved a A$150,000 cash payment and 12.5 million shares, positions Lachlan Star to commence a maiden diamond drilling program in the coming week. This strategic move aims to explore a largely un-drilled project area for high-grade gold mineralization leveraging recent geological refinements.
Metso has secured a substantial €100 million ($115.06 million) contract from Southern Peru Copper Corporation for the supply of advanced Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning (SX-EW) technology for the Tia Maria project in Peru. This agreement, booked in Metso's Q1 2026 Minerals segment orders, will equip the new facility to produce 120,000 tonnes of high-purity LME Grade A copper cathodes annually, addressing the growing global demand for this critical metal.
Felix Gold has successfully exercised its option to acquire full ownership of key assets within the Treasure Creek Project in Alaska's historic Fairbanks Mining District. This acquisition consolidates Felix Gold's position as the largest landholder in the region, securing long-term tenure for an emerging antimony deposit, verified to exceed US Military concentrate specifications, and a significant JORC inferred gold resource of 467,000 ounces. The strategic move, involving a final payment of $1.4 million, underscores the company's commitment to advancing a critical minerals project with proven processing pathways and a streamlined permitting outlook.
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<p>Mine tailings, long viewed as an environmental and financial burden, are rapidly being re-evaluated as a significant source of critical minerals and a potential new revenue stream for mining operators. Driven by global demand for critical minerals, declining ore grades, and stringent environmental regulations, advanced reprocessing technologies are now transforming these historic liabilities into valuable assets. Initiatives like Canada's MICA Network are at the forefront, connecting innovative tech solutions with industry to unlock billions of dollars in dormant value, thereby addressing both resource security and environmental remediation.</p>
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News K2 Gold concludes 2026 drilling campaign at Nevada’s Si2 project The programme involved eight drill-holes covering a total of 3,871m across five AOI. Shree Mishra March 27, 2026 Share Copy Link Share on X Share on Linkedin Share on Facebook Drilling in 2026 targeted structural locations identified from a geological model using drilling data, geophysics and fluid studies. Credit: Parilaw/Shutterstock.com. K2 Gold has completed its 2026 reverse circulation (RC) drilling programme at the Si2 Gold Project in Esmeralda County, Nevada, US, situated within the Walker Lane Trend. The campaign involved eight drill-holes covering a total of 3,871m across five areas of interest (AOI) at Si2 Gold. Go deeper with GlobalData Reports Jackfish 2 Project Reports Soledad Mountain Project 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 This marks K2 Gold’s inaugural exploration at the AOI3, AOI4 and AOI5 target areas, extending exploration activities beyond the previously investigated southern targets. Each drilling operation encountered extensive low-sulphidation epithermal alteration, quartz veining and broad zones of adularia flooding, indicating a conducive environment for gold...
News Kenorland to acquire mineral claims in Canada The company will expand its Lang Lake Project by acquiring 10,200ha of claims and purchase 58,700ha to augment the Muskrat Dam Project. Shree Mishra March 27, 2026 Share Copy Link Share on X Share on Linkedin Share on Facebook The Lang Lake Project currently spans 84,000ha within the Birch-Uchi Subprovince. Credit: Parilaw/Shutterstock.com. Kenorland Minerals has signed purchase agreements to acquire full ownership of additional mineral claims in northern Ontario, Canada. The company will expand its Lang Lake Project by acquiring 10,200ha of claims from the McVicar Agreement Area in Ontario’s Birch-Uchi Subprovince. Go deeper with GlobalData Reports Fort Kent Project Reports Eleonore 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 Additionally, Kenorland will augment its Muskrat Dam Project through the purchase of 58,700ha of claims from the Rottenfish Agreement Area within the Muskrat Dam greenstone belt. The Lang Lake Project currently spans 84,000ha within the Birch-Uchi Subprovince and includes significant geological features such as folded iron formations. It is situated along the same...
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<p>Nouveau Monde Graphite (NMG) has advanced its Phase Two Matawinie Mine project in Québec by signing a revised, binding long-form term sheet with the Canadian Government. This landmark agreement secures the purchase of 30,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of flake graphite concentrate on a take-or-pay basis for seven years, bolstering NMG's financial position and Canada's strategic imperative to establish a secure domestic supply chain for critical minerals essential to the electric vehicle (EV) battery sector.</p>
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Barrick Gold Corporation has announced a slowdown in operations at its Reko Diq copper and gold project in Pakistan, citing intensified security challenges within the Balochistan province and the wider Middle East. This strategic adjustment includes a 12-month extension of its project review period until July 2027, despite Barrick’s continued conviction in the long-term value of one of the world's largest untapped copper-gold deposits. The decision introduces potential impacts on timelines and budgets for this significant joint venture with federal and provincial Pakistani entities.
Strategic Energy Resources (SER) has secured over A$400,000 in grants from the Queensland Government's Collaboration Exploration Initiative (CEI) to advance drilling at its Diamantina Copper-Gold Project and Bulimba Gold Project. This funding, totaling A$275,000 for Diamantina and A$137,500 for Bulimba, is set to propel exploration efforts in critical minerals and precious metals within highly prospective regions of Queensland, underscoring the state's commitment to fostering new discoveries through supportive government programs. The Bulimba project is particularly notable for being the initial drilling phase under a non-binding joint venture agreement with Sumitomo Metal Mining Oceania (SMMO).
Rio Tinto has set a target of the mid-2030s for the commencement of operations at its Resolution Copper mine in Arizona, a project poised to significantly bolster US domestic copper supply. This key development follows the resolution of a prolonged land dispute and coincides with Rio Tinto's initiation of a substantial $500 million drilling program to unlock previously inaccessible sections of the deposit. However, the path forward includes challenges, particularly concerning domestic smelting capacity, which may necessitate exporting a portion of the copper concentrate.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy has unveiled a significant $50 million Notice of Funding Opportunity aimed at bolstering energy reliability, access, and affordability within Tribal communities. This initiative, announced on March 25, 2026, supports both community-scale and large-scale Tribal-led energy project development, reflecting the administration's commitment to strengthening Tribal economies and energy independence. The investment is poised to have notable implications for the mining industry, particularly concerning localized energy supply, operational stability, and the responsible development of critical mineral resources in regions near or on Tribal lands.
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<p>In the demanding world of mining, where operational efficiency directly impacts profitability and safety, the proactive strategies of oil monitoring and used oil analysis are proving indispensable. These preventative measures enable the early detection of equipment wear and contamination, significantly reducing downtime, mitigating repair costs, and safeguarding production capacity. As highlighted by industry insights on March 25, 2026, and exemplified by the comprehensive lubrication strategy deployed at Copper Mountain Mine in partnership with Petro-Canada Lubricants, strategic maintenance practices are critical for long-term operational resilience and asset protection in extreme mining environments.</p>
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Coppermoly has strategically broadened its Australian exploration footprint by acquiring a 100% stake in the Wyemandoo Project in Western Australia, a move announced on March 25, 2026. This acquisition, involving tenements from Aldoro Resources and Altilium Metals, significantly expands Coppermoly's critical minerals portfolio, complementing its existing Queensland projects with a focus on high-grade rubidium, titanium, tantalum, and tungsten within a promising pegmatite fairway. The newly secured 259.25km² project holds compelling initial drill and rock chip results, positioning it for immediate, targeted exploration, including 1,500m of planned reverse circulation drilling.
Indonesia is set to further solidify its position as a global cobalt powerhouse, with output projected to reach 59,800 tonnes in 2026, an impressive 21.2% annual growth. This surge is driven by the full ramp-up of existing high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) facilities and the imminent commencement of large-scale new projects, underpinned by strategic government policies and significant foreign investment, particularly from Chinese firms, aiming to develop a robust domestic electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.
Chile, the world's second-largest lithium producer, is poised for significant output increases, with production estimated to reach 67,300 tonnes in 2026, primarily driven by ongoing expansions at SQM's Salar de Atacama operations. This growth unfolds against a backdrop of sweeping policy changes, including the nationalization of the lithium industry under President Boric's administration and the establishment of a landmark joint venture between state-owned Codelco and SQM, fostering a new era of public-private partnerships in the nation's critical mineral sector. These strategic moves aim to secure Chile's battery minerals for a green energy transition while reshaping the investment landscape for global mining stakeholders.
On March 23, 2026, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued emergency orders to temporarily keep two Indiana coal-fired power plants, R.M. Schahfer and F.B. Culley, operational from March 24, 2026, through June 21, 2026. These plants, originally slated for retirement by the end of 2025, are deemed crucial for maintaining grid reliability and ensuring affordable electricity in the Midwest, following concerns raised by MISO and NERC about increasing blackout risks amidst a national energy transition. This action highlights the ongoing strategic importance of thermal coal to national energy security, providing a critical, albeit temporary, demand signal for the mining sector.
Canadian Uranium has announced an agreement to acquire Rook 2 Uranium, securing an exclusive option over 21 mineral claims spanning approximately 18,941 hectares in Saskatchewan's prolific Athabasca Basin. This strategic acquisition, involving a share exchange valued at 9,663,156 Canadian Uranium shares, positions the company to capitalize on a property described as having a "historic resource" within a world-renowned uranium district, signaling significant future growth and a strengthening of its asset portfolio in a buoyant uranium market.
Centaurus Metals has secured a crucial, non-binding Letter of Intent from Brazil's development bank, BNDES, for C$1 billion reais (approximately $190 million USD) in potential long-term debt funding for its Jaguar Nickel Project. This development, situated in Brazil's strategic Carajás Mineral Province, underscores the project's significance as a future supplier of responsibly produced nickel crucial for the global energy transition, aligning with BNDES's focus on critical minerals. The indicative funding will undergo further rigorous due diligence before final approval, positioning Jaguar as a key asset in the burgeoning battery metals sector.
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<p>In a significant development for the Pacific region's mining sector, Rio Tinto Exploration has formalized an earn-in agreement with LCL Resources for the Ono Project in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This partnership, announced on March 23, 2026, positions Rio Tinto to invest substantial capital and expertise, with an initial commitment of A$8 million, to explore for porphyry copper-gold deposits within the highly prospective Owen Stanley Metamorphic Belt. The deal provides LCL with critical funding while allowing its shareholders to retain exposure to potential major discoveries, underscoring PNG's enduring appeal for world-class mineral resource development.</p>
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A recent episode of the "Energy Technology: Industry Insights" podcast, released on March 17, 2026, delves into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence and digital innovation across the energy sector, a discussion highly pertinent to the mining industry. Featuring experts Holly Anness-Bradshaw of GlobalData and Nina Budazhapova of Susten, the episode explores critical investment strategies and promising technologies essential for navigating a complex, decarbonizing energy landscape. This article examines the podcast's key themes and their direct implications for enhancing operational efficiency, sustainability, and competitive advantage within mining.
The U.S. Departments of Energy and Commerce, in partnership with SoftBank’s SB Energy and AEP Ohio, have announced a transformative $37.5 billion public-private initiative to redevelop federal land in Southern Ohio. This ambitious project aims to construct 10 gigawatts of new power generation, primarily natural gas, to fuel a colossal 10-gigawatt data center facility, significantly advancing America’s artificial intelligence capabilities and modernizing regional energy infrastructure. The initiative is poised to generate thousands of jobs, reduce electricity costs, and bolster national security, with substantial implications for the upstream natural gas sector and critical minerals supply chains.
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<p>Freeport-McMoRan has applied for environmental approval for a substantial $7.5 billion expansion project at its El Abra copper mine in Chile, signaling a critical move to boost global copper supply. If approved, the project, which includes new concentrator and desalination plants, is anticipated to commence operations in 2033, increasing annual copper output by more than 300,000 tonnes to meet soaring demand from electrification and AI sectors. This development unfolds amidst an evolving regulatory climate in Chile, with new governmental efforts to streamline permitting processes and attract significant foreign investment into the nation's vital mining sector.</p>
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Leviathan Metals has significantly expanded its footprint in Botswana's prolific Kalahari Copper Belt with the acquisition of a new prospecting license, increasing its Central Project by 270km² to a total of 590km². Announced on March 20, 2026, this strategic move enhances the company’s potential for sediment-hosted copper discoveries, particularly along 10km of the interpreted D’Kar-Ngwako Pan Formation contact, directly adjacent to MMG’s substantial Khoemacau deposits. The deal, involving a blend of cash, shares, and a net smelter royalty, underscores Leviathan’s growing commitment to Botswana’s mining sector and its pursuit of critical copper resources.
Talisman Metals has announced the conclusion of significant initial fieldwork at its Fougnar Copper-Silver Project in Morocco, encompassing stream sediment sampling, extensive transient electromagnetics (TEM) surveys, and preliminary trenching. Early data indicates promising zones of strong conductivity and visible copper mineralization, which will now undergo detailed analysis to refine drill targets. This progress marks a critical step in understanding the subsurface potential of Fougnar, contributing to Talisman's growing exploration footprint in the Moroccan mineral landscape.
News McLaren Minerals begins drilling work at titanium project The company is conducting a comprehensive and systematic drilling programme aimed at improving resource classification. Shree Mishra March 18, 2026 Share Copy Link Share on X Share on Linkedin Share on Facebook The campaign aims to upgrade resources from indicated to measured classification, employing a 150m × 150m grid drilling pattern. Credit: Maxim Maksimovich/Shutterstock.com. McLaren Minerals has announced the start of a 13,000m drilling campaign at the McLaren Titanium deposit in Western Australia. The company is conducting a comprehensive and systematic drilling programme aimed at improving resource classification, supplying data for future reserve evaluation and expanding the resource. Go deeper with GlobalData Reports Patrocinio Project Reports Meliadine Project 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 campaign focuses on upgrading large sections of the resource from indicated to measured classification, with specific areas to be drilled in a 150m × 150m grid pattern to enhance classification confidence. Additionally, parts of the deposit currently classified as inferred resources are being targeted for potential...
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for up to $500 million, aimed at significantly expanding domestic critical mineral and materials processing, derivative battery manufacturing, and recycling capabilities. Revealed on March 13, 2026, by the DOE's Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation (CMEI), this funding initiative marks the third round of investment in strengthening the nation's battery supply chains, targeting key minerals like lithium, graphite, nickel, copper, and aluminum crucial for defense, grid resilience, and transportation sectors. This strategic move emphasizes reducing reliance on foreign actors, bolstering national security, and positioning the U.S. for energy dominance amidst rising global demand for advanced energy technologies.
Troilus Mining has officially advanced its long-term copper-gold concentrate offtake strategy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boliden Commercial, building upon prior commercial terms. This agreement for its north-central Québec project, coupled with an earlier MoU with Aurubis, is critical for de-risking the project, securing a prospective $1 billion debt facility from international financial institutions, and moving towards a construction phase. The Troilus Project's May 2024 feasibility study projects an annual output of approximately 135.4 million pounds of copper equivalent, underscoring its significant scale and strategic importance within a jurisdiction recognized for stable, clean-energy mineral development.
Riverside Resources has finalized the acquisition of three key mineral concessions – La Famosa and Dana 7 – within its Union Project district in Sonora, Mexico, securing full ownership and eliminating future royalty burdens. This strategic consolidation, completed through its Mexican subsidiary RRM Exploración, enhances the company's district-scale land position and boosts exploration efforts for carbonate replacement deposit (CRD)-style gold-silver-polymetallic mineralization, backed by a significant exploration funding agreement with partner Questcorp. The move underscores Riverside's commitment to advancing its Mexican portfolio, following a multi-year option agreement initiated in 2021.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a substantial $293 million funding opportunity through its "Genesis Mission: Transforming Science and Energy with AI" Request for Application (RFA). This initiative invites interdisciplinary teams from National Laboratories, U.S. industry, and academia to develop novel AI solutions addressing over 20 critical national challenges, including advanced manufacturing and, most significantly for our sector, critical materials. This investment aims to leverage artificial intelligence to bolster scientific discovery, enhance energy security, and strengthen domestic supply chains, presenting a significant opportunity for the U.S. mining industry to modernize and innovate.
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<p>Eldorado Gold has secured crucial operating authorization for its high-grade Ormaque gold deposit at the Lamaque Complex in Val-d’Or, Quebec, Canada, from the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks. This approval, announced on March 17, 2026, empowers Eldorado to commence underground mining at Ormaque and transport the ore to the existing Sigma Mill, significantly enhancing production flexibility and reinforcing Lamaque as a cornerstone asset within the company's portfolio. The move underscores Eldorado's strategic commitment to optimizing existing infrastructure and driving long-term value through targeted exploration and operational efficiencies, including plans for ongoing drilling and potential mill expansion studies.</p>
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Resolution Copper, a joint venture between Rio Tinto and BHP, has successfully concluded a pivotal land exchange with the US Forest Service, marking a crucial step forward for one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper deposits in Arizona. This exchange, which involved Resolution Copper acquiring approximately 2,400 acres while transferring 5,400 acres for conservation, follows a favorable ruling from the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Complementing this milestone, an additional $500 million investment over two years will fund essential enabling works, advancing the project aimed at significantly bolstering America's domestic copper supply.
Harena Rare Earths has entered into an exclusivity agreement to potentially acquire a 100% stake in Paradigm Critical Minerals' rare earth and uranium assets located in San Bernardino County, California. This strategic move, reported on March 17, 2026, aligns with Harena's broader objective to bolster critical mineral supply chains, particularly within the United States, contingent upon comprehensive due diligence and internal approvals. The assets boast promising historical drilling results, including high-grade uranium mineralization and significant rare earth potential, situated in a region with established mining infrastructure near MP Materials' Mountain Pass Mine.
The U.S. Department of Energy, under Secretary Chris Wright, has issued an emergency order mandating TransAlta to keep Unit 2 of the Centralia Generating Station in Washington operational. This decision, aimed at averting significant grid reliability issues and potential blackouts across the Northwestern United States, directly counters the unit's scheduled shutdown at the end of 2025. The move signals a broader Trump administration strategy to preserve coal-fired power for grid stability and affordability, impacting the energy generation and coal mining sectors.
