InternationalNews Japan’s world-first deep sea mining expedition Last week, a drilling-equipped research vessel, Chikyu, departed Japan’s shores to conduct an experimental extraction of rare earth rich mud from the ocean floor.
InternationalNews Hancock Prospecting re-enters Saudi Arabia Hancock Prospecting has become the first Australian company to enter a joint venture (JV) with Saudi Arabia’s largest miner, Maaden.
Exploration & DiscoveryInternationalNews Summit Minerals acquires historic high-grade mine Summit Minerals (ASX: SUM) has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of the historic high-grade polymetallic Keystone mine in Nevada, US.This forms part of the Keystone project, located within the large-scale skarn district and hosting significant historic and current production of silver, gold, lead, zinc, molybdenum and tungsten.
InternationalNewsTechnology & Innovation Nuton technology produces first copper Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has successfully produced first copper at the Johnson Camp mine in Arizona, US, using its innovative bacteria and acid driven Nuton technology.
InternationalNewsProjects & Operations Glencore eyes $2.4b copper push Vale Base Metals and Glencore Canada have agreed to jointly evaluate a potential brownfield copper development in Canada’s Sudbury Basin.The move comes as copper prices soar, driven by supply crunches, an anticipated shortage and uncertainty as US tariffs loom.
InternationalNewsTechnology & Innovation Fortescue to develop green iron technology with Chinese steelmaker Fortescue (ASX: FMG) will collaborate with Taiyuan Iron and Steel Group (TISCO), a subsidiary of China Baowu, to trial an emerging green ironmaking technology.
InternationalNewsProcurement & SuppliersProjects & Operations Vulcan advances $3.9b lithium project Vulcan Energy (ASX: VUL) has secured $3.9b in funding for the development of its phase one Lionheart lithium and renewable energy project in Germany.
InternationalNewsPolitics & Regulation China escalates BHP iron ore standoff China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG) has ordered steel mills to stop purchasing a certain type of BHP (ASX: BHP) iron ore, Reuters reports.
Economics & Commodity PricesInternationalNews Rinehart drops lithium stakes for rare earths Gina Rinehart has become the majority shareholder in the US’s only rare earths producer, MP Materials, while majorly decreasing her US-listed lithium holdings.
InternationalNewsPeople & WorkforcePolitics & Regulation BHP liable for Brazil dam disaster, UK court rules In a landmark ruling, the High Court of Justice in London has determined BHP (ASX: BHP) can be held liable over the Fundão iron ore tailings dam failure that killed 19 people in 2015.
Economics & Commodity PricesInternationalNews Softening Chinese demand shifts iron ore paradigm Diversification will keep major iron ore mining houses profitable, but waning Chinese demand is likely to push smaller producers out of the market, a new S&P Global report finds.
