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Copper Mining News

69 articles about copper mining

Talisman Metals announces channel sampling results at Tirzzit

Talisman Metals has announced promising channel sampling results from its Tirzzit copper-silver project in Morocco, confirming significant malachite mineralisation at surface. The April 2026 program sampled a 700m segment of a 4.6km trend, yielding a weighted average of 1.25m thickness at 1.21% copper and 12.25ppm silver, with all seven channels exceeding the 0.3% copper cut-off. This data reinforces the project's potential as a sediment-hosted stratiform system, paving the way for a crucial maiden drill program.

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Critical One, GIP agree to support work at Howells Lake project

Critical One Energy has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Green Infrastructure Partners (GIP) to advance its Howells Lake Antimony-Gold Project in Ontario, Canada. This strategic alliance will focus on critical infrastructure development, including road construction and civil works, alongside specialized heavy equipment operator training for First Nation community members, positioning Howells Lake as a key North American source of essential critical minerals for defence, technology, and clean energy sectors. The agreement, announced June 1, 2026, aims to integrate the project within northern Ontario’s broader critical minerals infrastructure initiatives, with construction slated to begin in June 2026.

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Elcora signs deal to acquire South African gold mine

<p> <strong></strong> </p> <p> Elcora Advanced Materials has announced a significant strategic move into gold asset ownership with the proposed acquisition of the Eldorado gold mine and its associated tailings stockpile, located in South Africa’s historically rich Barberton Greenstone Belt. The transaction, valued at <strong style="color: green;">$2 million (C$2.76 million) in cash</strong> and <strong style="color: green;">20 million common shares</strong>, establishes a phased ownership transfer and a unique "Phase 0" development strategy aimed at generating early cash flow to self-fund subsequent mine development. This acquisition is contingent on rigorous due diligence, regulatory approvals, and a key resource validation milestone, signaling Elcora's focused expansion into a new commodity market. </p> <p> <strong>

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Deep Sea Minerals to list on Nasdaq

Deep Sea Minerals (CSE: SEAS), a Canadian company focused on deep-sea mining concessions, has announced its intention to uplist its shares to the Nasdaq exchange. This strategic move, which involves a filed application to the Nasdaq, aims to broaden the company's investor base, enhance visibility, and increase trading liquidity as it seeks to secure exploration initiatives in critical deep-sea regions like the Clarion–Clipperton Zone and the Cook Islands. If approved, Deep Sea Minerals would join The Metals Company and Odyssey Marine Exploration as the third deep-sea exploration firm on the Nasdaq, signaling growing interest in this frontier sector for battery metals.

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Edinburgh researchers license tech to extract gold and copper from electronic waste

The University of Edinburgh has licensed its innovative Gold Copper Diamide Extraction (GCDE) technology to mineral processing company Lithium Universe, marking a significant advance in sustainable metal recovery from electronic waste. This process offers a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional smelting and aggressive leaching, selectively extracting high-value gold and copper under mild conditions without harmful chemicals. Lithium Universe plans to deploy this solution globally, integrating it into its expanding precious metals recycling division to address the rapidly growing problem of e-waste and strengthen its position in the circular economy.

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Aluminum’s US comeback hinges on power, not tariffs, industry advocates say

The long-heralded revival of US primary aluminum production faces a critical hurdle: securing reliable, industrial-scale electricity, according to a recent report from Industrious Labs. While increased tariffs have reshaped import flows, industry advocates assert that energy access, rather than trade protectionism, remains the primary determinant for new smelter development and the expansion of existing capacity amidst rising global demand and supply chain volatility.

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New episode: Glut or shortage – what lies ahead for LNG?

On May 27, 2026, the <em>Energy Technology</em> podcast, hosted by Eve Thomas of <em>Offshore Technology</em>, delved into the critical question of whether the global Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) market is headed for an oversupply or a significant shortage. Featuring insights from commercial LNG analyst James Voyle and professor of global energy Michael Bradshaw, the discussion highlighted the conflicting forces of rapid export capacity expansion, geopolitical supply chain pressures from events like the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the long-term threat of demand destruction posed by increasingly cost-effective renewable energy sources. This ongoing debate profoundly impacts energy strategy, infrastructure investment, and raw material demand across sectors, including mining operations reliant on stable and affordable energy.

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UK inquiry thrusts tungsten mining into defence minerals spotlight

<p><strong></strong> The United Kingdom's parliamentary inquiry, as reported on May 28, 2026, is shedding critical light on the strategic imperative of establishing domestic capabilities in refining and metallization of key critical minerals like tungsten and rare earths. Witnesses have underscored to UK Members of Parliament that the nation's future defense-industrial resilience hinges on securing supply chains independently of China, marking a significant re-evaluation of national security and economic strategy within the global mining sector. This development signals a broader shift towards supply chain resilience over purely cost-driven approaches, presenting new opportunities and challenges for mining and processing investments outside traditional hubs.</p> <p><strong>

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American Critical Minerals secures BLM permits for 2026

American Critical Minerals has secured final potassium prospecting permits from the US Bureau of Land Management for its Green River Project in Utah, set to commence on June 1, 2026. This pivotal development, the culmination of over a decade of work, will enable the company to initiate a seven-drill-hole program to evaluate historical potash data and explore for lithium and bromine within the Paradox and Leadville formations. The project underscores a strategic move towards bolstering domestic supply chains for essential agricultural and critical battery minerals in the United States.

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Copi Critical Minerals Project receives NSW government approval

<p></p> <p>RZ Resources has achieved a significant milestone with its Copi Critical Minerals Project, securing development approval from the New South Wales Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. This pivotal regulatory clearance positions the large-scale operation, located near Wentworth in south-western NSW, to target initial production by early 2029, promising substantial contributions to global supply chains for titanium minerals, premium zircon, and rare earth elements. The project has garnered robust international backing from the governments of Australia, the US, Japan, and India, underscoring its strategic importance and anticipated economic impact on the region.</p> <p>

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Element 25 appoints Regroup for Butcherbird mining contracts

Element 25 has announced the appointment of Regroup Australia for comprehensive mining services and ore haulage at its Butcherbird Manganese Mine in Western Australia, a crucial step in its plan to boost concentrate production to 1.1 million tonnes per annum. This integrated contractual model aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and secure a robust pit-to-port supply chain, supporting both traditional ferroalloy markets and Element 25's planned high purity manganese sulphate monohydrate facility in Louisiana, US. The project, backed by a significant ore reserve and nearing financial close with the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, anticipates mechanical completion and commissioning in the first quarter of 2027.

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Victory Metals gains access to US DIBC

Australian-listed miner Victory Metals has been granted membership in the US Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC), effective May 26, 2026. This approval provides the company direct access to US Department of Defense funding, prime contractors, and critical minerals procurement systems. The move highlights Victory Metals' North Stanmore project, which possesses a unique profile of rare earth elements and strategic minerals vital for national security and currently subject to Chinese export restrictions.

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Decarbonising mining: solar lights the way for electrification

The global mining industry is rapidly adopting renewable energy, particularly solar power, as a foundational step towards comprehensive decarbonization and electrification. While complete decarbonization remains a long-term goal, current strategies prioritize market-ready renewable solutions due to their decreasing costs and immediate environmental benefits. This article details how solar is emerging as the dominant renewable power source in new mine developments and on-site generation, supported by transitional fuels like natural gas, and highlights key industry players driving this critical energy transition.

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GoldMining starts exploration drilling at Colombia’s Yarumalito project

GoldMining Inc. has commenced a significant exploration drilling program at its wholly owned Yarumalito Gold-Copper Project in Colombia's prolific Mid Cauca belt. This fully funded initiative, comprising approximately 1,200 meters of diamond drilling, aims to build upon previous geological work and target underexplored sections of the P-1 porphyry unit, which holds strong potential for gold-copper mineralization. The program marks GoldMining's second active exploration effort in the Americas for 2026, underscoring its commitment to advancing large-scale gold-copper systems within strategic jurisdictions.

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Fortescue begins construction on 690MW solar farm in Pilbara

Fortescue has commenced construction on the 690MW Turner River solar farm and a 650MWh battery energy storage system at its Cloudbreak mine in Australia's Pilbara, marking a significant step in its "Real Zero" decarbonization initiative. These projects, alongside an aggressive fleet electrification program and extensive transmission network development, underscore the iron ore major's commitment to powering its operations entirely with renewable energy by 2028, setting a precedent for the global mining industry.

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Blue Lagoon achieves commercial production at Dome Mountain gold-silver project in BC

Blue Lagoon Resources (CSE: BLLG) has officially declared commercial production at its 100% owned Dome Mountain gold-silver project in British Columbia, Canada, marking a significant transition to active operations. This achievement, announced on May 25, 2026, follows a sustained underground mining rate exceeding 100 tonnes per day for over 30 consecutive days. The milestone is further underscored by a C$3 million strategic equity investment from offtake partner Ocean Partners Holdings, signaling strong market confidence in the project's future.

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MAX Power secures $18M from Sprott in boost to plans for Canadian hydrogen

MAX Power Mining has secured a significant C$25 million ($18 million) investment from prominent mining investor Eric Sprott, bolstering its efforts to accelerate the commercial validation of Canada’s first natural hydrogen system at its Lawson project in Saskatchewan. This capital injection is set to fund an expanded multi-well drilling program targeting high-priority areas identified through 3D seismic data, with the aim of confirming what the company believes could be the world’s inaugural large-scale commercial natural hydrogen discovery, alongside substantial helium potential. The development positions Saskatchewan to potentially emerge as a crucial hub for this nascent primary energy source, signaling a pivotal moment for both MAX Power and Canada's clean energy ambitions.

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Stillwater Critical flags Montana rhodium, resource upside

<p>Stillwater Critical Minerals (TSXV: PGE) is making significant strides in advancing its Stillwater West multi-metal project in Montana, leveraging new rhodium assay results and a comprehensive chromium inventory to highlight its potential as a crucial future domestic source of critical minerals for the United States. Following an extensive 3,472-meter expansion drilling campaign conducted last year, the company is preparing to release an updated resource estimate next month, a pivotal step preceding the initiation of a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) later this year. This strategic progression positions Stillwater West as a key asset in the broader context of U.S. endeavors to secure its critical mineral supply chains, attracting both policy attention and investor interest, including a significant stake from Swiss-based bulk trader Glencore.</p>

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Secretary Wright Announces Leadership Changes to Deliver Affordable, Reliable and Secure Energy to the American People

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced significant leadership changes, with Kyle Haustveit confirmed as Under Secretary of Energy and Alex Fitzsimmons appointed as Associate Deputy Secretary and Senior Advisor to Secretary Chris Wright. These appointments, occurring on May 22, 2026, signal a potential continued emphasis on domestic energy production, including hydrocarbons and geothermal, aligning with President Trump’s energy agenda and holding substantial implications for the U.S. mining sector, particularly coal and critical minerals.

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Banana waste finds new role in Australian mining blast operations

Papyrus Australia has successfully pioneered a novel approach to sustainable mining by converting discarded banana plantation waste into biodegradable blast collars for open-cut operations. This innovation, highlighted by a A$4.2 million supply deal with TBS Mining Solutions, offers a compelling circular economy solution, addressing both agricultural waste challenges and the mining industry's demand for environmentally responsible consumables. The initiative aims to reduce methane emissions from decaying biomass while providing an effective, eco-friendly alternative for critical blasting operations.

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Tungsten West secures $25m loan for Hemerdon mine restart

<p></p> <p>In a significant development for the European critical minerals sector, Tungsten West has secured a $25 million bridging loan to propel the phased restart of its Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine in Devon, UK. This financial injection, provided by an entity controlled by substantial shareholder Gregory Coffey, is designed to maintain the project's rapid development pace, with fines gravity processing slated to commence in Q3 2026. The company is concurrently progressing towards finalising a larger $85 million debt package, which will ultimately repay the bridging loan and fully fund the mine's restart to a targeted capacity of 500 tonnes per hour by Q1 2027.</p> <p>

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Great Southern initiates AMT survey at La Colorada prospect

Great Southern Copper has launched a sophisticated audio-frequency magneto-telluric (AMT) geophysics survey at its La Colorada prospect within Chile’s Especularita Project, covering 33km² to identify hidden porphyry copper deposits beneath a high-sulphidation lithocap. This strategic move, conducted by Southernrock Geophysics, aims to map depths over 1,000m and will directly inform first-pass scout drilling, poised to commence in the second half of 2026. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to unlocking significant copper resources in a geologically prospective region of Chile, known for hosting world-class deposits like Los Pelambres and El Pachon.

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Arafura announces FID on Nolans project in Australia

Arafura Rare Earths has announced its Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Nolans Rare Earths Project in Australia’s Northern Territory, marking a significant step towards establishing the country's first fully integrated ore-to-oxide rare earths operation. This pivotal development, supported by strong financial commitments from the Australian government and robust international offtake agreements, positions Nolans to deliver 4,440 tonnes per annum of neodymium-praseodymium oxide, crucial for the automotive, wind energy, and high-technology sectors amidst a global drive to diversify critical minerals supply chains. Construction for the project is slated to commence in September 2026, with Hatch leading engineering, procurement, and construction management.

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Perpetua Resources receives $2.9bn loan from EXIM

Perpetua Resources has secured a landmark $2.9 billion senior secured long-term loan from the Export-Import Bank of the US (EXIM) to finance its Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho. This significant funding, announced on May 22, 2026, positions the project to become the United States' sole domestic producer of antimony, a critical mineral for national security, while also advancing gold production and comprehensive environmental remediation of an abandoned mining district. The loan underscores a concerted effort to enhance American mineral independence and domestic manufacturing under EXIM’s Make More in America Initiative.

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Helix buys 50% stake in Weerianna Gold-Lithium Project

Helix Resources has strategically acquired a 50% interest in the Weerianna Gold-Lithium Project in Western Australia's West Pilbara from Western Metals, a move valued at A$1,327,915. This acquisition positions Helix in a Tier 1 mining region known for both established gold resources and rapidly emerging lithium potential, underscored by a historical JORC inferred gold resource of 62,700 ounces and documented lithium occurrences. The company plans immediate exploration to delineate these dual-commodity prospects, further diversifying its growing portfolio.

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Botswana Minerals’ AI study uncovers 36 copper anomalies

Botswana Minerals has announced a significant exploration breakthrough, leveraging Planetary AI’s Xplore platform to identify 36 copper anomalies across two of its northern Botswana licences. This AI-assisted study revealed targets in an under-explored corridor linking Namibia's Damara Belt with the geologically prolific Central African Copperbelt, exhibiting similarities to world-class deposits like Kamoa-Kakula and Tsumeb. The company plans to initiate fieldwork within three months to prioritize and advance these promising targets, underscoring the transformative role of artificial intelligence in modern mineral exploration and its potential implications for global copper supply.

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Mining enters the age of geopolitical supply chains: refining and EoL (Part II)

<p><strong></strong></p> <p>The global mining industry is undergoing a profound strategic reorientation, where the focus on critical minerals extends far beyond extraction, according to analyst Alejandro Gonzalez on May 21, 2026. Geopolitical forces are actively reshaping supply chains, transforming refining, recycling, and comprehensive supply chain control into the new primary battlegrounds. This shift necessitates a holistic approach to mineral security, emphasizing downstream processing and a circular economy to mitigate risks and secure vital resources for modern economies.</p> <p><strong>

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United States and Bangladesh Strengthen Alliance with Energy Cooperation Agreement

The United States and Bangladesh have formalized a significant energy cooperation agreement, with the U.S. Department of Energy and Bangladesh's Energy and Mineral Resources Division signing a Memorandum of Understanding on May 14, 2026. This accord aims to bolster Bangladesh's energy security and industrial development through increased imports of U.S. energy products, including LNG and LPG, while facilitating millions of dollars in energy infrastructure projects. The agreement underscores the U.S.'s strategy to expand its energy exports and global partnerships, presenting substantial implications for the global mining sector due to the extensive mineral demands of large-scale energy infrastructure and technology development.

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Energy Secretary Issues Emergency Order to Deploy Backup Generation in the Mid-Atlantic Amid Heatwave

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued an emergency order on May 18, 2026, authorizing PJM Interconnection, LLC to deploy backup generation in the Mid-Atlantic to mitigate potential blackouts during a heatwave and amid seasonal maintenance outages. This move, prompted by a request from PJM, underscores the critical importance of grid stability for industries like mining, which are heavily reliant on continuous, reliable power. The order highlights ongoing national energy security concerns and the economic impact of power outages, which cost the U.S. economy an estimated $44 billion annually.

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Jeff Currie sees gold price pullback before $10,000 run

Veteran commodities strategist Jeffrey Currie forecasts a significant near-term pullback for gold, potentially to $4,000 per ounce, driven by geopolitical tensions and central bank gold sales. However, Currie maintains his long-term bullish stance, projecting a surge to $10,000 per ounce as part of a multi-decade commodity super cycle fueled by massive capital expenditure in the technology sector and persistent underinvestment in physical assets.

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AML awarded $2M US defense contract for domestic heavy magnets

Advanced Magnet Lab (AML) has secured a significant $2 million contract from the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to qualify domestic production of high-grade sintered NdFeB permanent magnets. This strategic award, announced on May 19, 2026, aims to bolster U.S. defense capabilities and commercial reliance on a secure, domestically sourced supply chain for critical magnet materials, leveraging AML's innovative PM-Wire manufacturing process and collaborative partnerships across the rare earth sector. The initiative is set to rapidly scale the manufacturing of these essential components, reducing dependence on foreign supply and enhancing national security.

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Graphite One secures site for Alaska-Ohio supply chain

Graphite One has announced it has secured a critical site in Conneaut, Ohio, for its Active Anode Materials (AAM) facility, a pivotal step in establishing a fully integrated U.S.-based graphite supply chain. This strategic location, offering extensive logistics and infrastructure advantages, will process graphite from the company's flagship Graphite Creek project in Alaska, which boasts the largest graphite deposit in the United States. Supported by over $2 billion in potential funding from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, this initiative is set to deliver essential anode materials for electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, and data centers by Q4 2027, significantly bolstering domestic critical mineral independence.

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Rokeby announces 20-year licence renewal for Omeo Gold Project

Rokeby Resources has secured a crucial 20-year renewal for Mining Licence MIN 4921 (ML 4921), a key component of its Omeo Gold Project in Victoria, Australia, ensuring tenure until May 2044. This extension strengthens the company's control over the Mt Wills goldfield, home to the Maude and Sunnyside deposits with a historical estimate of 320,000 ounces of gold at 4 grams per tonne, enabling robust long-term exploration and development strategies. The renewal provides a solid foundation for Rokeby to advance its high-grade gold asset amidst a dynamic global commodities market.

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Anglo coal sale highlights broader Australian coal transition: GlobalData

Anglo American's recent divestment of its Queensland steel-making coal portfolio to Dhilmar for up to $3.88 billion marks a pivotal acceleration in the mining giant's strategic pivot towards copper and critical minerals. This move, reported by GlobalData, underscores broader shifts within Australia's coal sector and highlights the intensifying global push by major mining houses to de-risk portfolios from fossil fuels while capitalizing on the burgeoning demand for commodities vital to the energy transition. The transaction signals a decisive step in Anglo's portfolio optimization, indicative of a wider industry trend embracing a more sustainable and future-oriented commodity focus.

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Australia orders six Northern Minerals investors to divest stakes

Australia has mandated six China-linked investors to divest approximately 17% of their shares in Northern Minerals within two weeks, citing national interest concerns over attempts to gain control of the company. This action, following a similar intervention in 2024, underscores Australia's commitment to securing its critical minerals supply chain, particularly for heavy rare earths like dysprosium and terbium from the pivotal Browns Range project, central to Western nations' efforts to reduce dependency on China.

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Inspiration Mining starts drilling at Rottenstone North project

Inspiration Mining has commenced its inaugural drilling program at the Rottenstone North Gold-Copper Project in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Targeting volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits, the drilling is strategically positioned near established mineralized trends and recent high-grade discoveries by Ramp Metals. This initiative follows nearly two years of meticulous groundwork and satellite data analysis, with the company’s CEO expressing high optimism for uncovering significant VMS-style mineralization.

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ZCCM-IH aims for bigger stakes in Zambian mines

ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH), Zambia’s state investment company, is actively pursuing a strategy to significantly increase its minority stakes in key Zambian mining operations. This move, articulated by CEO Kakenenwa Muyangwa, forms part of a broader drive by African nations to secure greater revenue from their critical mineral resources amid surging global demand from the electric vehicle and clean energy sectors. The initiative involves boosting existing holdings, implementing 'free carry' provisions on some licenses, and extending a successful royalty-to-revenue model, all aimed at supporting Zambia's ambitious goal of reaching three million tonnes of copper production by 2031.

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Honda halts $11B Ontario plant amid losses

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

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

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

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

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

<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

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

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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AOMC and Odyssey advance merger with SEC filing

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

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

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

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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Larvotto identifies tungsten opportunities at Curry’s Block prospect

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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Ontario’s Darlington SMR renews Canada’s nuclear maturity

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

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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Freeport delays Grasberg full restart to early 2028

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

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

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

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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Gold Reserve launches American Heralds in the US

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Falcon Copper, Glencore to boost US minerals supply chain

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

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

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

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

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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Cove Kaz, Skyline sign merger agreement

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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