Today’s Stories
Source: The Gold Room Podcast (via YouTube)
Scott North, co-founder of Yeti Ventures and Kamoa Capital, joins The Gold Room Podcast to discuss how Yeti aims to cut exploration costs by combining hardware, software, and emerging technology to improve drilling economics. The conversation also covers Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding mining ecosystem, where government-backed investment and aggressive exploration programs are drawing international expertise at a scale Australia has yet to match.
Source: Ames National Laboratory
The US Department of Energy’s Critical Materials Innovation Hub has announced a collaboration with Amazon to develop technologies that recover and recycle critical materials, including battery-grade graphite from discarded textiles and gallium from end-of-life IT hardware. Amazon will contribute its AI capabilities and supply chain scale, while CMI provides materials science expertise aimed at reducing import reliance and strengthening domestic critical minerals supply chains.
Source: Investing News Network
Galan Lithium (ASX: GLN) has completed Phase 1 construction at its Hombre Muerto West lithium project in Argentina, with all major infrastructure including the nanofiltration plant and evaporation ponds now installed. The project has moved into testing and commissioning, with first lithium chloride concentrate production targeted in the first half of 2026 and permits in place to expand output to 21,000 tonnes per annum LCE under Phase 2.
Source: Mining.com
The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan has filed for judicial review in the Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench, challenging the February 2026 ministerial approval of Paladin Energy’s environmental impact statement for its Patterson Lake South uranium project. The application alleges the province inadequately consulted the Métis Nation before granting approval, and seeks an interim injunction preventing Paladin from acting on the decision pending the outcome.
Source: Financial Times
The US has secured rare earths supply through a $565M loan to a Brazilian mining group, with offtake controls ensuring metals flow to the United States and US-aligned parties. The deal represents a strategic move to secure critical minerals supply chains amid global competition for these materials.
Source: MINING.COM
Kinross has begun the environmental permitting process for its $1.5 billion Lobo Marte gold project in Chile. The development represents a significant investment in Chile’s mining sector as the company advances the project toward production.
Source: Reuters
US firm Virtus Minerals is working to restart Congolese mining operations through a partnership with Chemaf. The partnership represents efforts to revive mining activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Source: Mongabay
A Thai court has ruled a gold mining company liable for environmental damage and health impacts, ordering compensation for nearly 400 villagers. The ruling addresses longstanding environmental concerns from mining operations but leaves uncertainty about implementation.
Source: MINING.COM
Ivanhoe has slashed near-term production estimates for its Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo following an updated independent study. The revised plan prioritizes operational stability and long-term efficiency gains over immediate volumes at the vast copper mine complex.
Source: Reuters
India does not plan to revive offshore mining auctions in the near term, though authorities may explore auctioning different blocks to test miner interest. The decision affects potential offshore mineral exploration opportunities in Indian waters.
Source: MINING.COM
Trump is expected to overhaul steel and aluminum tariffs through a presidential proclamation that could be issued as soon as this week, according to the Wall Street Journal. The changes could significantly impact global steel and aluminum markets.
Source: Mining Weekly
AECI chairperson has emphasized the need for increased investment in junior exploration companies to revive South Africa’s exploration activities. The comments highlight concerns about South Africa’s declining exploration activities and the need to rebuild its mining exploration capabilities.
Source: Financial Post
A company is working to extract critical minerals from Alberta’s geological formations, representing potential diversification beyond oil and gas. The effort mirrors Alberta’s success in unlocking shale oil resources but focuses on critical minerals demand.
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