Mining

Fossil Fuels

South Korea places critical minerals and energy at the forefront of the inaugural Central Asia Summit

The first South Korean summit between the leaders of Central Asian countries and President Lee Jae Myung took place on Wednesday. Seoul is focusing its efforts to strengthen ties with this resource-rich area by promoting cooperation in the areas of minerals, energy, and supply chains. The summit was attended by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Turkmenistan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan. It concluded three days of bilateral discussions that resulted in more than 70 agreements, memorandums and understandings spanning energy, mines, infrastructure, technology, and investment. Lee, speaking at a forum for business after the summit, said that South Korea wanted to extend cooperation...








Asia

North America

Mineral Resources

Agnico Eagle has said it will not participate in Barrick's North American IPO

Ammar Al-Joundi, CEO of Agnico Eagle in Canada, said that the company is not interested in Barrick Mining's proposed North American initial public offering. Al-Joundi stated that it would be a waste of money for Agnico Eagle to invest in Barrick Mining's proposed North American IPO ...,". He said that it was not a matter of valuation, or whether the deal is a good one or not. Al-Joundi said that it was up to Barrick's board and management at this point to decide if Agnico will attempt to buy the Nevada assets of Barrick in the future. Barrick declined comment....

Mineral Resources

Interior Secretary Burgum: US wants to issue deep sea mining permits in a few months

The Trump administration announced on Monday that it was close to approving permits to'mine' the deep sea as part of an broader effort to increase U.S. access to the vital minerals needed across the U.S. economy. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told a G20 gathering in Houston of energy ministers that the permits could be issued within months, as the administration pursues its strategy of "energy add" to expand the supply chains of the country and its allies. Donald Trump, since returning to office in 2017, has taken steps to bolster the deep-sea mine industry. However, he still hasn't issued operational...

Mineral Resources

WSJ reports that the Pentagon is in talks with Fluidstack to lend $5 billion.

Wall Street Journal reports that the Pentagon is in talks to loan $5 billion to the AI cloud computing startup Fluidstack to shore up the U.S. Data Center Supply Chain. The newspaper reported that the money would be coming from?the Pentagon Office of Strategic Capital. Fluidstack 'would use the loan to shore -up?the U.S. manufacturing capacity and supply chain for certain data centre-related components rather than funding a brand new AI 'facility, WSJ said. The U.S. The Department of Defense and Fluidstack have not responded to requests for comments immediately. Last month, U.S. president Donald Trump signed a presidential order...

Mineral Resources

Alcoa: Cutting Canada tariffs will not be enough to reduce the US aluminum premium.

Alcoa's chief financial officer said that the steep price of aluminum in the U.S. would not?drop much even if Washington halved the tariffs on metals imported from Canada because other countries are still needed. The price that U.S. The price?U.S. Molly Beerman, Alcoa's Chief financial officer, said that the U.S. needs to import around 4 million tonnes of aluminum each year. Canada can only provide 3 million tonnes of this. Beerman stated that Midwest would not drop significantly, even if the U.S. were to receive a favorable rate from Canada. "It may come down a bit, but it won't return...

Mining

Gold drops over 1% after U.S. data on inflation boosts Fed rate hike bets

Gold prices dropped by over 1% after?robust U.S. data on inflation and rising oil costs increased bets that the Federal Reserve will raise rates next week. Spot gold fell by 1.2%, to $4349.32 an ounce, at 9:24 am EDT (1324 GMT), whereas U.S. Gold Futures dropped 1.6%, to $4391.30. The data from the producer price index "sort of tells [us] that there has been an increase in inflation underlying in?the?U.S. The rising cost of energy is a major factor in the economy. U.S. Producer Prices increased in August in line with expectations, despite a rise in the cost of energy....

Mining

US to help Kenya develop its critical mineral processing

A senior American official stated on Wednesday that the United States would help Kenya develop an important minerals processing industry. This was in response to the rivalry between China &?the US. Over access to essential minerals. Kenya is considering bids for the development of Mrima Hill, a coastal deposit that is estimated to contain rare earth minerals worth tens and billions of dollars, as well as niobium - a metal commonly used in aerospace manufacturing. Frank Garcia, Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, said at a meeting of a Kenyan business lobby group, the American Chamber of Commerce, that "critical...

Mining

US to help Kenya develop its critical mineral processing

A senior American official said on Wednesday that the United States would help Kenya develop an important minerals processing industry, in the context of a 'rivalry between China and America over access to vital minerals. Kenya is considering bids for the development of Mrima Hill, a coastal deposit that is estimated to contain rare earth minerals worth tens and billions of dollars, as well as niobium - a metal commonly used in aerospace manufacturing. Frank Garcia, assistant secretary of state for Africa at the American Chamber of Commerce in Kenya, said: "Critical Minerals are a priority for President (Donald Trump)...

Mining

Venezuela's mining industry: More data is needed on its geological potential

Here are some facts about Venezuela's Mining Sector, which has attracted the interest of President Donald Trump's Administration. CONFUSION AROUND RESOURCES AND RESERVES Then-Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, and Delcy Rodrguez, the?acting president, announced in 2019 a five-year plan to boost mineral extraction, as an alternative to oil production. The previous year, Venezuela's government published data on its mineral deposits, using terms from the mining industry interchangeably. This included reserves and resources. It was difficult to determine whether Caracas understood its full potential. A reserve is a volume estimate for a mineral which can be economically produced. The volume of a...

Mineral Resources

Investors await US data and tariff clarity as copper prices set to reach $15,000

Analysts?said that copper?prices may break through $15,000 this week for the first-ever time, as investors prepare for another round of U.S.?economic?data and President Donald Trump continues to keep the market guessing about import tariffs. The benchmark copper price on the London Metal Exchange reached a record high of $14,779 a metric ton. This was the fourth session in a row that the rally continued. Will it reach $15,000 this coming week due to Trump's tariff confusion?" "Yes, it's possible," said Panmure Liberum Analyst Tom Price. You can choose any large number when you have this much speculative money behind a...

Environment

Brazilian court suspends licences for Sigma Lithium Mine

Documents reviewed by?showed that a Brazilian judge had ordered the suspension of mining and environmental permits at Sigma Lithium’s?Grota do Cirilo?mine. ?showed. The judge ruled Friday on a civil lawsuit brought by the Federation of Quilombola Communities of Minas gerais, in which the group claimed that the miner’s project was in the area of direct influence of the Bau Quilombola Community. Quilombolas, or traditional communities of African descent, were founded by people who fled slavery. The state protects their territories and requires more licensing for any projects that may impact them. The Judge Antonio Lucio?de Oliveira?Barbosa stated that there was...

Mineral Resources

US imports more Congo Copper as Consumer Acceptance Grows

U.S. consumers are increasingly buying copper from the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is helping to drive record-breaking?imports of the African producer as industrial consumers take advantage of discounts on?COMEX approved brands. According to U.S. Trade data, copper cathode deliveries by the second largest copper producing nation in the world reached a record 53.290 metric tons during July. Congo now has a share of 23.9% of all imports. This is the highest ever. These numbers illustrate the increase in demand for Congo's copper by the United States. The country imported less than 32, 000 tons of?copper in 2024. Congo has...

Mineral Resources

Radiant World sued in Singapore by a fund linked to Jefferies

The website of Singapore's Supreme Court showed that LAM Trade Finance Group II - in which U.S. bank Jefferies holds a minor stake - applied for a freezing order against Radiant World and its founder on Monday. The filing is just one of many challenges that the iron ore traders are facing. Some banks have frozen their accounts, and other trading houses have severed their ties with them over concerns that invoices sent to its banks might not be valid. Radiant World denies any wrongdoing. Last week it was reported that the Jefferies fund had obtained a freezing order from...

Europe

Mining

Ukraine prepares for harsh winter after Russian attacks on economy

Officials in Ukraine warned that the country is bracing itself for a harsh winter, as Russian attacks on its infrastructure and export industries compound a growing budget crisis. The Economy Minister Oleksandr Kravchenko stated that the damage to Russian infrastructure and fixed assets was estimated to be close to $10 Billion this year. In addition, the wider economic costs and de facto blocking of its ports are seen as about 1.5 percentage points on the gross domestic product. Kravchenko stated that "we anticipate a difficult winter, both in terms critical infrastructure which is destroyed by Russian attacks every day, as...

Mining

GE Aerospace's jet engine supply is dependent on the 'black arts' of castings

GE Aerospace, a leader in the aerospace industry, has acted to reduce shortages of precision parts for jet engines while securing valuable technologies. It did this by purchasing Consolidated Precision Products at a price of $12 billion. The purchase of CPP, the world's third largest manufacturer of metallic components for engine blades, is part and parcel of a long-term effort to improve aerospace supply chains. Larry Culp of GE Aerospace, who announced his largest acquisition after splitting the industrial giant General Electric and turning it around, described this capacity as "mission-critical". The deal shows a shift in focus from winning...

Mining

MMG faces EU Antitrust Warning over Anglo American Deal, Sources say

EU regulators are about to issue a warning to Hong Kong listed mining and metals company MMG regarding its plans to purchase 'Anglo American’s Brazilian nickel business due to 'competition concerns. This move reflects the growing concern of the European Union about its reliance on China to supply critical minerals for defence, technology, and renewable energy. Beijing also uses export control measures?on these critical mineral supplies. According to the people, the European Commission, acting as the EU's "competition enforcer", is planning to send this month a document known as a "statement of objections" or "charge sheet", which will outline the...

Western Europe

East Asia

Mining

The share of Chinese copper in LME stock rose to 44% by August

Data from the London Metal Exchange showed that, in August, 44% of all copper stocks were Chinese origin, up from 42% one month earlier. Overall inventories also increased. Total copper stocks in LME warehouses 0#MCUSTX-LOC> rose to 111.17 metric tons by the end August, up from 101.425 tons in July. Investors rushed to cover their bearish positions, pushing prompt copper prices sharply backwards, which attracted some inflows. The amount of 'Chinese Copper' available has increased from 49,400 to 66,350?tons. In August, 95% of the LME's aluminium was made up by aluminium from Russia, which is unchanged from last month, despite...

Mining

Solvay and One Investment Management discuss rare earths partnership

Solvay, a Belgian chemicals company, is currently in discussions with One Investment Management regarding a possible strategic partnership for its rare earths division. Solvay announced this on Tuesday. OneIM, led by Rajeev Misra (former SoftBank executive), would gain exposure to rare-earths processing. This would complement its existing investments in this sector, which is dominated primarily by China. Sources with knowledge of the situation said that Solvay has been in talks with OneIM about Solvay’s rare earths operations since March. The West is looking to reduce its reliance on China as a supplier of rare earth minerals. These minerals are essential...

Energy Markets

China's August imports of iron ore exceeded expectations as typhoons delayed July customs clearance

China's iron ore imports rose by 0.4% in August compared to a month ago, defying analyst's expectations of a drop, after multiple typhoons hit ports and delayed clearance. Data from the General Administration of Customs revealed on Tuesday that the world's biggest iron ore consumer imported 108.54 metric tons of this key ingredient for steelmaking last month. This is a 3.1% increase from the previous year. Four analysts predicted August ore imports between 107 and 108 millions tons before the release of data. Steven?Yu is a senior analyst with Mysteel. The monthly increase in ore imports could be due to...

Environment

EU proposes a ban on exports of waste, including aluminum scrap, to non OECD countries

Sejourne’s 'cabinet' released a statement on Friday stating that the EU's Industry Chief Stephane 'Sejourne decided to propose a 'broad ban' on the export of wastes, including aluminum scrap, 'to non-OECD nations'. Sejourne was expected to announce long-awaited measures for trade on September 23. These would only limit exports of aluminum scrap. In the internal discussion, it was revealed that the tool could only cover?around half of the scrap import. The Executive Vice President has withdrawn the proposal in order to look at a different proposal that is independent of trade instruments. We are currently working on a?act delegated under...

Mining

Sources say that Baowu, a top Chinese steelmaker, is interested in acquiring a stake in BHP's iron ore mine.

According to two sources briefed about the matter, China Baowu Steel Group is interested in a minority stake at BHP's Jimblebar iron ore mine located in Western Australia. Sources say that Baowu may seek a stake between 15% and 25 percent of BHP's project. They did not provide any other information or a possible valuation, but spoke anonymously due to commercial sensitivities. BHP, in a filing to the stock exchange after publication of the article, said that it has a history of partnerships with its assets and explores options that could create value for its shareholders. BHP also stated that...

Mining

The soft dollar sets a 10-week streak of saving

The copper price was'stable' on Friday but is expected to end the week higher due to a drop in the U.S. Dollar, which has offset any pressure caused by falling supply fears. By 0710 GMT, the benchmark three-month copper price on London Metal Exchange had risen only by 0.03% to $14,337.5 per metric tonne. This put the metal on course to gain?by the exact same amount this week. It would be the tenth consecutive weekly gain. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most traded?copper contract advanced 0.22%, to 108 780 yuan (16,208.24 dollars) per ton. After dovish comments by Fed Governor Christopher...

Mining

Sources say that Baowu, a top Chinese steelmaker, is interested in acquiring a stake in BHP's iron ore mine.

According to two sources briefed about the matter, China Baowu Steel Group is interested in acquiring a minority stake?in BHP's Jimblebar Iron Ore Mine located in Western Australia. Sources say that Baowu may seek a stake between 15% and 25 percent of BHP's project. They did not provide any other information or a possible valuation, but spoke anonymously due to commercial sensitivities. BHP declined to comment. Baowu has not responded to a comment request. There has not been a decision made, and it is not certain that Baowu will be able to complete a deal. BHP holds 85%, while Japanese...

Mineral Resources

The soft dollar sets off a 10-week streak of saving copper

The U.S. Dollar's overnight drop has helped to offset the pressure of receding supply fears. By 0300 GMT, the benchmark three-month copper price on London Metal Exchange had risen 0.06% to $14,342 per metric tonne. This puts the metal on course to gain 0.03% in this week's trading, marking its tenth consecutive weekly gain. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most traded copper contract rose by 0.58%, to?109.170 yuan (16,254.73) per ton. After comments from Fed Governor Christopher Waller, the dollar fell overnight as expectations of a rate hike dwindled. CME's Fedwatch shows traders are now pricing in an even chance of...

Mineral Resources

Strong dollar weighs down on industrial metals, causing copper and zinc to fall

Copper and zinc declined?on Wednesday as a stronger dollar and concerns?of higher interest rates for longer weighed down on the wider industrial metals complex. This offset support from tight supply. The benchmark three-month copper price on the London Metal Exchange fell 0.86% to $14,152 per metric tonne by 0700 GMT. Shanghai Futures Exchange's most traded copper contract fell by 1.35%, to 108.040 yuan (16,069.97 dollars) per ton. The dollar held steady after overnight gains as renewed hostilities erupted in the Middle East, pushing oil prices higher. Inflation concerns were revived and the bond market was sparked by a sale. Analysts...

Mineral Resources

Zinc reaches a four-year high amid supply concerns

London zinc prices rose Tuesday to their highest level in more than four years, supported by concerns about supply and the limited availability of zinc outside China. As of 0300 GMT, the benchmark three-month 'zinc contract on the London Metal Exchange was up by 2.29% at $3,972 per metric ton. The contract had reached $3,990 earlier, its highest level since May 2022. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most traded zinc contract was up 2.71 percent at 27,070 Yuan ($4,027.97). The price of zinc reached a high of 27,165 yuan per tonne earlier this year, the highest level since January 2026. Zinc...

Mineral Resources

Radiant World's China ore head is leaving, according to sources

Two?sources who are familiar with the situation said that the head of China Iron Ore at Radiant World is leaving the company. The trading 'company' has been under scrutiny and many counterparties have stopped doing business with it. Sources said that Leon Jin was on his last day of work at the trading house, Monday. According to 'his LinkedIn profile', he joined Radiant World after spending more than 10 year with Trafigura. The sources requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak with media. Some banks have frozen accounts of 'Radiant World,' and some trading houses have cut ties...

Mining

Shanghai copper prices fall as fears over rate rises offset supply support

On Monday, copper fell on the Shanghai Futures Exchange, after bets that U.S. interest rates would rise for a longer period of time offset supply concerns. Earlier, the metal had seen a monthly increase in August. The SHFE's most traded copper "contract" fell 0.2% to 108.400 yuan (16,129.27 dollars) per ton. The London Metal Exchange was shut on Monday due to a British public holiday. Analysts at Chinese broker Galaxy Futures stated in a report that the hawkish comments by U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Kevin Warsh about interest rates are pushing down copper prices. Warsh said in a speech at...