Category: Economics & Commodity Prices

The WA resources sector reported a record $166b spend in 2025 —the equivalent of $454m every day — according to the Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) WA’s latest economic contribution survey.

Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC) and Japan Australia Rare Earths (JARE) have extended their rare earths supply deal through 2038, locking in a market-linked floor price of US$110/kg for neodymium and praseodymium.

Global lithium demand could exceed 13mt by 2050 under an accelerated energy transition, according to Wood Mackenzie’s latest Energy Transition Outlook for Lithium.

Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC) has reported its best first-half profit in three years as global demand for critical minerals surged and commodity prices remained elevated.

BHP (ASX: BHP) is cashing in on the global clean energy transition with copper overtaking iron ore as the company’s biggest earner for the first time ever.

PLS (ASX: PLS) has secured an offtake deal with Canmax through mid-CY28 that includes a price floor of $1400/t (US$1000/t) for spodumene from the Pilgangoora operation.

Vanadium miners will be afforded significant royalty relief with the WA Government capping royalties for vanadium products at 2.5%.

Coal-fired generation for the National Electricity Market (NEM) fell to an all-time quarterly low, down 4.6% year-on-year, as renewables account for a record 52.4% of total energy needs during Q4 CY25.

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) reported increased lithium production during Q2 FY26, confirming its Bald Hill lithium operations may have hopes of resurrecting as prices rebound.

China has warned the Federal Government that imposing tariffs or quotas on steel imports could damage Australia’s iron ore industry.

Despite an increase in operating costs, Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has delivered record iron ore shipments and landed within production guidance for Q2 FY26.