The Mining Insider
The Mining Insider is a daily mining podcast hosted by Logan Ore, providing a five-minute briefing on breaking news, market trends, ESG updates, and technological innovations in the global mining industry. It targets industry professionals, investors, and decision-makers seeking critical updates and analysis. Each episode covers mergers, acquisitions, policy shifts, commodity prices, and sustainability efforts.
Episodes
BHP Hands San Manuel to Faraday, Pilbara Workers Settle, Congo's Cobalt Customs Freeze, and Gold's Comeback Week
The Mining Insider — July 3, 2026
Today's episode covers four material developments from July 2–3, 2026.
BHP — San Manuel Copper Transfer to Faraday: BHP has finalized its agreement to transfer the historic San Manuel copper property in Arizona to Canada's Faraday Copper Corp. In exchange, BHP receives a 30% equity stake in Faraday — bringing its total holding to approximately 32.5% on
Agnico Eagle's Barnat Blow, Cigar Lake Goes Dark, Northern Star's New Hand, and India's Aluminum Bet
The Mining Insider — July 2, 2026
Today's episode covers four material developments from July 1–2, 2026.
Agnico Eagle — Barnat Pit Wall Movement: A rock mass movement on July 1 along the north wall of the Barnat open pit at Canadian Malartic in Quebec has prompted a temporary suspension of open-pit mining. No injuries or environmental impact. The company expects the disruption to reduce
South32 Turns Copper, BHP's Diesel Dilemma on Day One, Ghana GoldBod Goes Live, and Iran Walks Away From Doha
July 1, 2026 — The Mining Insider with Logan Ore
Today's stories:
1. South32 Sells Aluminium to Alcoa for $5.6B — Copper Takeover Target: Reuters Breakingviews analysis: South32, freed from its largest non-copper asset, becomes a lean copper miner likely to attract Glencore or BHP (its former parent). Departing CEO Graham Kerr's transformation complete. Brandon Craig starts as BHP CEO t
Hormuz Stand-Down Holds as Doha Talks Begin, BHP Craig Takes Command Tomorrow, Murray & Roberts Escapes Business Rescue, and the Copper Tariff Verdict
June 30, 2026 — The Mining Insider with Logan Ore
Today's stories:
1. Hormuz Doha Talks — Fragile Stand-Down: Trump declared Iran requested a meeting in Doha. Kushner and Witkoff flew to Qatar. Iran says its delegation is there to review MOU implementation, not to meet Americans directly. Qatar, Oman and Pakistan mediating. Goldman Sachs: Gulf flows could return to 23M bpd pre-war level
Hormuz Ceasefire 2.0, Trump's New Metal Tariff Move, Canada Opens Greenland, and the Copper Tariff Verdict That Arrives Tomorrow
June 29, 2026 — The Mining Insider with Logan Ore
Today's stories:
1. US-Iran Stand Down and Doha Talks: Both sides agree to halt strikes. Talks in Doha begin today, focused on Hormuz shipping operations before wider nuclear/sanctions issues. Iran asserts sole control of corridor; warns ships not to bypass its chosen route (WSJ, Straits Times). Hormuz traffic declining (Bloomberg). IMO
Electric Haulage Hits the Pilbara, Iran Eyes Hormuz Control, Barrick Breaks Ground at Fourmile, and the New US Metal Tariff Rulebook
June 28, 2026 — The Mining Insider with Logan Ore
Today's stories:
1. BHP, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar — Battery-Electric Haul Truck Trial Milestone: The two Cat 793 XE Early Learner trucks at BHP's Jimblebar iron ore mine in the Pilbara have logged 100+ operating hours and 200+ test laps. Trial enters dynamic charging phase. Quotes from BHP Australia President Geraldine Slattery and Rio
Hormuz Flares Again as Copper Tariff Deadline Looms, BHP Changes Guard, Hudbay Builds a Copper Empire in Arizona
June 27, 2026 — The Mining Insider with Logan Ore
Today's stories:
1. Hormuz Re-Escalation: US and Iran exchange strikes after the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely is hit by a drone. A second tanker struck Saturday. UK MTOS raises threat to 'substantial.' IMO suspends convoy evacuations. Shipping normalization stalls — direct implications for commodity supply chains.
2. Copper Tariff Dead
BHP's New CEO Inherits a Full Inbox, Gold Breaks $4,000, SSR Mining Closes $1.49B Çöpler Sale, Paladin Hits New Uranium Discovery
The Mining Insider | June 25, 2026
Story 1 — BHP's Brandon Craig Takes Over July 1
Brandon Craig (53) starts as BHP CEO July 1, 2026. Immediate challenges: Port Hedland three-union ultimatum (July 7 next session); $2.3B Jansen Stage 2 overrun (was under Craig's Americas oversight); year-end Copper South Australia smelter expansion decision; Vicuna copper JV (Argentina/Chile). On uranium:
Anglo-Codelco Copper Deal Done, Sherritt Shuts Canada's Only Cobalt Refinery, BHP Ultimatum at Port Hedland, Wall Street Cuts Gold Targets
The Mining Insider | June 24, 2026
Today's dispatch covers a landmark copper supply deal, a cobalt supply chain disruption driven by geopolitical sanctions, the most serious escalation yet in the Port Hedland labor standoff, and a wave of gold price downgrades from major Wall Street banks.
Story 1 — Anglo American + Codelco: Los Bronces–Andina Joint Mine Plan Completed
Anglo American (t
Energy Fuels Acquires Germany's VAC for $1.9 Billion, BHP Tables Port Hedland Offer, Mali Presses $512M Barrick Claim, Minnesota Mining Ban Overturned
The Mining Insider | June 23, 2026
Today's dispatch covers four developments that span rare earth supply chain consolidation, one of Australia's most consequential labor standoffs in decades, a high-stakes sovereign dispute in West Africa, and a landmark policy reversal in the American heartland.
Story 1 — Energy Fuels + VAC: A $1.9 Billion Mine-to-Magnet Bet
Energy Fuels (NYSE: UUUU) a
US-Iran Talks Secure Hormuz Roadmap, China Bans Rare Earth Exports to MP Materials, Pentagon Backs Energy Fuels With $725 Million, and Newmont Cadia Hit by Twin Quakes
Episode Date: June 22, 2026 | Host: Logan Ore
On today's Mining Insider:
US-Iran Switzerland talks: 60-day roadmap agreed; Hormuz communication line established; Brent at $78; VP Vance calls talks 'historic'; technical discussions continue through the week
China rare earth ban: 10 US entities on export control list — MP Materials and USA Rare Earth named; immediate full prohibition (upg
Iran Closes Hormuz Again, Trump's Copper Tariff Decision Looms, and All Three BHP Port Hedland Unions Now Have Active Strike Ballots
Episode Date: June 21, 2026 | Host: Logan Ore
On today's Mining Insider:
Strait of Hormuz: Iran re-closes June 20 citing Israeli ceasefire violations; 55 merchant ships still transited per US CENTCOM; Brent at $80, 30% below March peak of $118; US-Iran talks in Switzerland; energy costs and LNG directly affecting global mining operating economics
Trump Copper Tariff: Commerce Department
Newmont's Red Chris Block Cave Gets BC Green Light, Vale and Glencore Form Sudbury Copper Partnership, Ghana Weighs Seizing Gold Fields' Biggest Mine, and Pilbara Minerals Doubles Down on Lithium
Episode Date: June 20, 2026 | Host: Logan Ore
On today's Mining Insider:
Newmont Red Chris Block Cave: BC grants Environmental Assessment Certificate and Mines Act permit; 20Moz gold + 13B lbs copper resource; several billion in capex; FID targeted late 2026; 1,800 construction jobs; mine life to mid-2040s
Vale Base Metals + Glencore Sudbury JV: brownfield copper project; 880,000t coppe
BHP's $2.3 Billion Potash Blowout, Port Hedland Strike Ultimatum, Rio Tinto's Structural Reset, and Alamos Gold Cuts Full-Year Guidance After Mine Seismicity
Episode Date: June 19, 2026 | Host: Logan Ore
On today's Mining Insider:
BHP flags a $2.3 billion impairment on Jansen Stage 2 as costs rise to $6.9 billion — third overrun in three years; first production pushed to FY2031
Three unions (AWU, AMWU, ETU) issue joint final ultimatum to BHP at Port Hedland; $120M/day revenue and $7M/day WA royalties at risk
Rio Tinto restructures into three
BHP Port Hedland Strike Widens as Third Union Joins, Oyu Tolgoi Blockade Tests Mongolia's Revenue Patience, China Hits Back at G7 Minerals Cap, and Hudbay Breaks Ground at Copper Mountain
The Mining Insider — June 18, 2026. Host: Logan Ore.
Today's stories:
1. BHP Port Hedland faces a three-union strike as the AWU files a protected action ballot — joining ETU (100% vote) and AMWU (89% vote); Resources Minister Madeleine King issues a public please explain to BHP; strikebreakers reportedly recruited at up to $93/hr; BHP warns $120M/day in revenue and $7M/day in WA royaltie
Ichthys LNG Strike Ends After $200 Million in Losses, G7 Sets 60% Cap on China Mineral Imports, Simandou Rail Spur Complete, and Marathon Palladium Project Locks In CAD$769 Million
The Mining Insider — June 17, 2026. Host: Logan Ore.
Today's stories:
1. Offshore Alliance and Inpex reach Enterprise Bargaining Agreement ending the Ichthys LNG strike — 400+ members endorse 3.75% annual wages, improved job security; one liquefaction train was shut down, approximately US$200M in production lost; cargo loading resumes by 6 PM AWST.
2. G7 summit closes in Évian-les-Bains
Ichthys LNG Shutdown Now Imminent, Lobito Corridor Reopens DRC Copper Route, Collahuasi Commits US$345 Million, and Japan Proposes a G7 Joint Minerals Reserve
The Mining Insider — June 16, 2026. Host: Logan Ore.
Today's stories:
1. Inpex SVP Bill Townsend confirms Ichthys LNG production disruption is 'imminent and significant'; Offshore Alliance extends strikes to July 6, threatening 2% of global LNG output and 9.3 Mtpa of exports mainly to Japan.
2. Lobito Atlantic Railway receives the first copper train from the DRC since reopening the flood
China Locks Down 36 Strategic Minerals as Australia's Pilbara Faces Twin Strike Threats, Surge Copper's Berg Project Posts C$4.6 Billion NPV, and the G7 Opens in France
The Mining Insider — June 15, 2026. Host: Logan Ore.
Today's stories:
1. China's State Council Decree 839 takes effect — 36 minerals including rare earths, lithium, cobalt, gallium and germanium formally designated as national strategic minerals under full-chain state control, with centralized mining rights, joint export review, and a three-tier reserve system.
2. Australia's Offshore Al
Ichthys LNG Shutdown Looms as FWC Rejects Inpex Strike Bid, Agnico Eagle Closes Finland's Ikkari Gold Deal, Rio Tinto Proves Pilbara Ore Works in Hydrogen Steelmaking, 54 Nations Build a Minerals Chain Without China
The Mining Insider — June 14, 2026. Host: Logan Ore.
Today's stories:
1. Australia's Fair Work Commission rejects Inpex's bid to terminate industrial action at Ichthys LNG — facility shutdown expected June 16-17, cargo loading bans cutting ~10% of Australian LNG exports to northeast Asia.
2. Agnico Eagle's acquisition of Rupert Resources receives final BC Supreme Court approval — deal cl
BHP Port Hedland Strike Looms as Angus Taylor Invokes the 1980s, Mozambique Mandates 15% State Ownership, POSCO Enters Mongolia, and The Metals Company Eyes the First Deep-Sea Mining Permit
Today on The Mining Insider: The BHP Port Hedland labor dispute has escalated to approximately 450 workers with strikes possible as early as this week. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor warned that WA is repeating the 1980s. A full port shutdown would cost over $120M per day in revenue and $7M per day in state royalties. Bargaining session June 23. Mozambique enacted 15% mandatory state owne
BHP's Port Hedland Workers Authorize Strikes That Could Cost $120 Million a Day, Glencore Reinstates $300 Million at Canada's Only Copper Smelter, Energy Fuels Hits Uranium Guidance by Midyear, and GoGold Greenlights a Fully Funded Mine Build in Mexico
Today on The Mining Insider: More than 200 workers at BHP's Port Hedland iron ore facility in Western Australia have authorized rolling strikes that unions say could cost $120 million per day, with both the ETU and AMWU voting overwhelmingly in favor. BHP is accused of hiring strikebreakers at $93/hour; a bargaining session is scheduled for June 23. Glencore has reversed its February free
Rio Tinto and Glencore Push for More Time on Their $235 Billion Merger, US Strikes Re-Escalate Against Iran and Metals Fall, India Eyes Russian Coking Coal as a Strategic Supply Play, and Venezuela Sends Troops Into Its Gold Belt
Today on The Mining Insider: Rio Tinto and Glencore are seeking to extend the preparation period for their proposed $235 billion merger — the deal that would create the world's largest mining company — as both sides continue to work through valuation. US forces launched new strikes against Iran in retaliation for the downing of a military helicopter even as ceasefire talks continued; gold
US Passes the DOMINANCE Act to Break China's Rare Earth Hold, Ichthys LNG Strike Threatens Asian Cargoes, Eldorado Gold Pours First Copper at McIlvenna Bay, and South Africa's Mining Sector Braces for a Chrome Tax
Today on The Mining Insider: The US House of Representatives passed the DOMINANCE Act on Monday — bipartisan legislation aimed at China's 90% grip on rare earth processing — the same day the Department of Energy committed $134 million to rare earth extraction projects in Louisiana and Oklahoma. In Australia, Inpex has applied to the Fair Work Commission to halt an escalating strike at its
Iran and Israel Halt Attacks, Trump Says Hormuz Opens in Days, Trafigura Cuts Cuba Zinc, Antofagasta Bets $900 Million on Another 25 Years at Zaldivar, and Chile's First Rare Earth Mine Clears the Final Environmental Hurdle
Today on The Mining Insider: Iran and Israel announced a mutual halt to attacks early Monday, and President Trump told reporters that the Strait of Hormuz will open immediately upon signing a deal — which could be in two or three days. Brent crude has retreated to $93.13 per barrel. For mining operators managing three months of elevated energy input costs, a Hormuz resolution would be the
Hormuz Goes Dark at Day 99, OPEC+ Moves for a Fourth Cut, China's Coking Coal Hits a Two-Year High, and GoldMining's Colombia Asset Delivers a One-Billion-Dollar PEA
Today on The Mining Insider:
Story 1 — Hormuz Day 99 / OPEC+ Fourth Hike: Tanker traffic down 90-95% from pre-war baseline; widespread dark shipping eliminates real-time oil/LNG flow visibility. US struck Iranian radar on Goruk and Qeshm islands; Iran's IRGC claims retaliatory strikes on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain; Kuwait reports ballistic missile intercepts. Brent crude above $96/bb
Sherritt Walks Away From Cuba, Vale Opens a C$945 Million Nickel Mine in Sudbury, Chile Rewrites Its Copper Playbook, and REalloys Adds Two Billion Tonnes of Appalachian Rare Earths
Today on The Mining Insider:
Story 1 — Sherritt International Exits Cuba: Trump's Executive Order 14404 (May 1, 2026) sanctioned Moa Nickel SA and set a June 5 deadline for foreign companies to sever ties with Cuba's GAESA conglomerate. Sherritt suspended operations in May and repatriated staff. Cuba owes Sherritt at least $344M, including ~$277M from the Moa Joint Venture (nickel and co
Indonesia Slashes Its Nickel Quota, Orla's Mexican Mine Comes Back Online, Pan American Silver Bets $146 Million on Timmins, and Sunshine Silver Closes Its IPO at $310 Million
Today on The Mining Insider:
Story 1 — Indonesia Cuts Nickel Ore Quota: Indonesia's energy ministry cut the 2026 nickel ore production quota to 260-270 million metric tonnes — below last year's 320 million tonnes produced and far short of FINI's 340-350 million tonne demand estimate. FINI chairman Arif Perdana Kusuma confirmed smelter capacity utilization has dropped to 76% nationally (f
Hezbollah Blocks the Ceasefire, Trafigura Counts 1.1 Billion Lost Barrels, China Gets Into Namibia's Uranium, and Gold M&A Crosses Eight Billion
Today on The Mining Insider:
Story 1 — Hezbollah Rejects Lebanon Ceasefire / Hormuz Day 96: Hezbollah formally rejected the latest US-brokered ceasefire framework, keeping the Strait of Hormuz in effective closure. Trafigura's half-year report calls it the largest energy crisis in history — 14 million barrels per day shut in, over 1.1 billion barrels removed from global markets, diesel u
USA Rare Earth Locks In $1.6 Billion, Sunshine Silver Hits the NYSE, and Iran Entangles Lebanon With Hormuz
USA Rare Earth (Nasdaq: USAR) executed definitive agreements with the US Department of Commerce to unlock nearly $1.6 billion in CHIPS Act funding — the largest US rare earth government financing on record. Package: $277 million in federal grants + up to $1.3 billion in senior secured loans, milestone-based disbursements. Total capital now $3.5B. Funding supports integrated mine-to-magnet
Iran Fires Missiles Into the Gulf, Goldman Bets $14,500 on Copper, and Zambia's Smelters Go Dark
Iran fired ballistic missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain on Tuesday — the most serious direct military exchange yet. Iranian missiles aimed at Kuwait disintegrated mid-flight; those targeting US Navy 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain were intercepted. US Central Command struck an Iranian ground control station on Qeshm Island. The IRGC stated: 'We had previously cautioned that any act of aggre
Iran Walks Away From the Table, Elliott Moves on Northern Star, and Barrick Eyes a London Spinoff
Iran's semi-official Tasnim agency reported Monday that Iranian negotiators ceased all indirect communications with the United States, citing Israel's renewed strikes on Hezbollah in Beirut as a ceasefire violation. Iran and affiliated groups committed to "entirely obstruct the Strait of Hormuz" and activate the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Foreign Minister Araghchi: "A violation on one front co
Trump Hardens the Iran Deal, Cameco Consolidates Cigar Lake, and the DRC Raises the Stakes on Lithium
The US-Iran framework to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz remains unsigned. Trump emerged from a two-hour Situation Room meeting Friday without an announcement, then sent a revised draft to Tehran with tougher terms on Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile and Hormuz transit fees. Over the weekend, the US military struck Iranian radar and drone sites near Goruk and Qesh
Trump Reworks the Iran Deal, Zimbabwe Lands $1 Billion for Lithium, and China's Top Copper Giant Meets BHP's Next CEO
The Hormuz ceasefire is holding — barely. The framework that US and Iranian negotiators had tentatively agreed to earlier in the week has been sent back to Tehran after President Trump requested multiple amendments, primarily focused on Iran's nuclear materials management. US officials said Iran could take several days to respond. Trump said he is in no rush, but added there will be a dea
Anglo American Takes a $3.7 Billion Hit on De Beers, the Hormuz MOU Awaits a Signature, and Idaho's DeLamar Clears Federal Permitting
Today on The Mining Insider:
1. Anglo American $3.7B Loss / De Beers Writedown — Anglo posted a $3.7B net loss after a fresh $2.3B pre-tax impairment on De Beers. Total De Beers writedowns: $6.8B over the past year. Third straight annual production decline; 2026 output forecast cut. CEO Duncan Wanblad: 'There is at the moment a plentiful supply of rough diamonds in the market.' Two flags
A Hormuz Deal Takes Shape, the DRC Fights for Its Coltan, and Silver Makes Its Case on the NYSE
Today on The Mining Insider:
1. US-Iran Hormuz Ceasefire Deal — US and Iranian negotiators reached tentative agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding: Iran removes mines within 30 days; US lifts naval blockade of Iranian ports and provides limited sanctions waivers on Iranian oil sales; framework opens pathway to nuclear talks. Trump had not yet approved as of May 29. Iran's Tas
Japan Merges Its Copper Smelters, MP Materials Takes USA Rare Earths to Court, and Gold Breaks a Key Technical Floor
Today on The Mining Insider:
1. Japan Copper Smelter Consolidation — JX Advanced Metals, Mitsui Kinzoku, Marubeni, and Mitsubishi Materials signed a definitive agreement on May 28, 2026 to consolidate copper operations under Pan Pacific Copper. Mitsubishi Materials splits off its concentrate purchasing and refined product sales into PPC via an absorption-type company split. Transaction e
Tankers Clear Hormuz, BlackRock Backs a Bigger Mining World, and the US-India Minerals Pact Takes Shape
Today on The Mining Insider:
1. LNG Tankers Exit Hormuz — For the first time since late February, LNG tankers are transiting the Strait of Hormuz. ADNOC's Umm Al Ashtan reappeared northwest of Muscat on May 23, loaded for India. Two Qatar LNG tankers have also cleared the strait. A US-Iran 60-day ceasefire extension is reportedly being finalized — Iran would remove mines, allow unrestric
US Strikes Iran Near the Strait as Deal Talks Continue, Russia's Second UGC Auction Fails Again, Guinea Moves to Restrict a Third of Global Bauxite Supply, and Mineral Resources Takes a Half-Billion-Dollar Lithium Bet
In today's episode of The Mining Insider, Logan Ore covers four major developments shaping the global mining industry:
1. US Strikes Iran Near the Strait as Deal Talks Continue — US and Israeli jets struck Iranian vessels attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted missile sites near Bandar Abbas. Secretary of State Rubio confirmed the strikes and said the Strait must re
Iran Deal Hopes Crash Oil Past Five Percent, Copper's Q1 Surplus Tells a Different Story Than the Price, Gold Retreats From the Summit, and Mount Holland Gets Cleared to Double
In today's episode of The Mining Insider, Logan Ore covers four major developments shaping the global mining industry:
1. Iran Deal Hopes Send Oil Below $100 — President Trump says a US-Iran framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is largely negotiated. Brent crude falls 4.6% to $98.80/bbl, WTI drops 4.7% to $92/bbl. The Strait has been effectively closed since February 28, cutting ~20%
China's Coal Mine Rescue Enters Day Three, Greenland Mines Secures a Rare Earth Deal for the Western Supply Chain, and Stillwater Critical Flags America's Largest Rhodium Resource
In today's episode of The Mining Insider, Logan Ore covers three major developments in global mining:
1. China's Coal Mine Rescue Enters Day Three — The official death toll at the Liushenyu mine in Shanxi province stands at 82, with 2 miners still unaccounted for. Reconnaissance robots have been deployed after toxic gases blocked human rescue teams from going deeper. Authorities confirm
China's Worst Coal Disaster in 16 Years, Copper Closes In on a Record, Thacker Pass Hit by War and Tariff Inflation, and Russia Tries Again to Sell Its Seized Gold Mine
In today's episode of The Mining Insider, Logan Ore covers four major developments shaping the global mining industry:
1. China's Worst Coal Disaster in 16 Years — A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi province kills at least 90 miners, with 9 still missing. The mine had been flagged by China's National Mine Safety Administration for severe safety hazards, including elevat
EXIM's $2.9 Billion Bet on Idaho Antimony, Zambia Reopens a Copper Mine After 18 Years, Deep-Sea Mining Faces a Legal Reckoning, and US Tariffs Close In on Russian Palladium
May 22, 2026 | Host: Logan Ore | Runtime: ~12 minutes
Today on The Mining Insider:
1. EXIM BANK $2.9B IDAHO ANTIMONY LOAN — Export-Import Bank unanimously approves 13-year senior secured loan to Perpetua Resources (Nasdaq: PPTA) for Stibnite gold-antimony project in Valley County, Idaho. Structure: $2.4B upfront facility + capitalized interest + exposure fee = $2.9B total. Rate: long-da
South Crofty Gets Its Financing, Grasberg Resets Its Timeline, Codelco Eyes $2 Billion in Savings, and Gold Navigates Rising Bond Yields
May 21, 2026 | Host: Logan Ore | Runtime: ~11 minutes
Today on The Mining Insider:
1. SOUTH CROFTY FINANCING SECURED — Cornish Metals (AIM: TIN) announces £52M credit facilities from National Wealth Fund (28.45% shareholder, £35M) and Vision Blue Resources (29.08% shareholder, US$22.75M). Six-month term, 13% p.a. interest compounding daily. Up to £16M earmarked for bond escrow required
Core Lithium Restarts, Indonesia Rewrites Coal Export Rules, and Gold Navigates the Iran Ceasefire Trade
May 20, 2026 | Host: Logan Ore | Runtime: ~11 minutes
Today on The Mining Insider:
1. CORE LITHIUM RESTARTS FINNISS — Core Lithium resumes blasting and excavation at its Finniss project in the Northern Territory, 90 km south of Darwin, after a two-year price-driven shutdown. The restart is backed by a $170M initial investment and a planned $120M equity raise. Lithium prices are at ~$4,2
Agnico Eagle Pulls the Trigger on Hope Bay, Anglo American Sells Its Australian Coal for $3.9 Billion, MinRes Restarts Bald Hill on a Lithium Recovery, and Russia Can't Find a Buyer for Its Seized Gold Miner
Today on The Mining Insider:
Agnico Eagle this morning formally approved the Hope Bay investment decision — the largest gold mine development in Nunavut's history. Development capital: approximately $2.4 billion. Expected annual gold production: 400,000 to 435,000 ounces. Initial mine life: 11 years, with approximately 4.5 million ounces total. Production targeted from 2030; full design
J.P. Morgan Slashes Its Gold Forecast, Zambia Reopens the Acid Pipeline to the DRC, A New DRC–US Cobalt Chain Takes Shape, and Zambia's State Miner Wants a Bigger Cut
Today on The Mining Insider:
J.P. Morgan revised its 2026 average gold price forecast sharply lower on Monday, cutting from $5,708/oz to $5,243 — a reduction of $465/oz. The bank cited low COMEX futures open interest, contracted trading volume, subdued managed fund positions, and limited ETF inflows. Gold has fallen 14% since the onset of the US-Iran conflict in late February. The sequen
Trump Leaves Beijing Without a Rare Earth Deal, Agnico Eagle's Hope Bay Decision Is Days Away, Gold Extends Its Slide to a 2026 Low, and Exxaro Locks South Africa's Matla Mine In for 17 More Years
Today on The Mining Insider:
President Trump wrapped up his two-day summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday and departed without a confirmed rare earth agreement. China's export controls on rare earths, heavy rare earth processing, and battery mineral precursors — imposed in early April as trade leverage — remain in place. A short-term bilateral arrangement was reportedly "still in
Gold Hits a Six-Week Low, Cornish Metals Clears Its Last Hurdle, Nouveau Monde Pulls the Trigger on Canada's Biggest Graphite Mine, and Sherritt Walks Away from Cuba
Today on The Mining Insider:
Gold fell sharply on Friday, dropping more than 3% to $4,530 per ounce — its lowest since mid-March — as April US consumer prices rose 3.8% year-over-year, wholesale inflation hit its fastest pace since 2022, and bond yields surged globally. Markets have now fully priced out Fed rate cuts in 2026 and are placing better than 50% probability on a rate hike by J
Argentina Unleashes $2 Billion in Mining Incentives, Copper Snaps Back, The Metals Company Reveals Its Cost-Sharing Deal, and South Crofty's Clock Runs Down
Today on The Mining Insider:
Argentina's government approved two major mining projects under its RIGI large-investment incentive program on Thursday. The Cauchari-Olaroz lithium expansion, backed by China's Ganfeng Lithium Group and Lithium Argentina AG, will invest $1.24 billion to add 45,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent capacity. The San Jorge copper project in Mendo
Agnico Eagle Bets $10 Billion on Ontario Gold, Deep-Sea Mining Gets Its First Commercial Contract, Copper Pushes Past $14,000, and the Fortescue Native Title Fight Isn't Over
Today on The Mining Insider:
Agnico Eagle has announced a C$14 billion (~US$10 billion) investment in Ontario gold operations by 2030, including C$2 billion for the Detour Lake underground expansion and the Upper Beaver gold-copper project. It is one of the largest private sector mining capital commitments in Ontario's history.
The Metals Company signed a commercial agreement with Dutch
CPI Hits 3.8% and Gold Stumbles, Copper Targets a New Record, Peru's Election Puts Billions at Stake, and Fortescue Faces a Landmark Ruling
Today on The Mining Insider:
The April Consumer Price Index came in at 3.8 percent year-over-year — one tenth above consensus — driven by energy costs surging 17.9 percent annually. Gold fell below $4,700 an ounce after the release and Fed rate hike odds climbed to roughly 30 percent by year-end per CME Group. For miners, the print confirms input cost pressures are not easing.
Copper br
Mosaic Pulls the Plug on Phosphate, the CPI Print That Could Move Gold, and Tin's Make-or-Break Moment
Today on The Mining Insider:
Fertilizer giant Mosaic has pulled nearly two million tonnes of US phosphate production off the market and withdrawn its full-year output forecast, citing runaway input costs driven by the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The company posted a Q1 net loss of $258 million — well below the $71.5 million profit analysts had expected.
Meanwhile, the US Bu
Barrick Blows Past Its Numbers, Iran Talks Hit a Wall, and China's Gold Output Is Shrinking
Today on The Mining Insider: Barrick Mining released Q1 2026 results before market open — one of its strongest quarters on record. Gold production of 719,000 oz beat guidance of 640,000–680,000 oz by 5.7%. Three drivers: Nevada Gold Mines strong underground performance, Veladero higher throughput/grades, and Loulo-Gounkoto in Mali ramping faster than guided. Revenue $5.22B (+67% YoY). Adj
Iran Holds Its Answer, Minnesota Iron Ore Finds a Royalty Buyer, and Argentina Puts a Number on Its Mineral Decade
Today on The Mining Insider: The week ended with Iran still reviewing a 14-point US peace proposal submitted through Pakistani intermediaries. Trump said Friday the conflict "is not over yet" and the US Navy fired on Iranian ships attempting to breach the Hormuz blockade, pushing oil prices higher. Gold closed above $4,700/oz and silver above $80/troy oz. For miners, the equation is direc
Grasberg Slips to 2028, China Eyes a Giant New DRC Mine, and Washington Opens the Door in South Africa
Today on The Mining Insider: PT Freeport Indonesia has confirmed the full restart of the Grasberg Block Cave copper mine in Central Papua has been pushed to early 2028 — a full year later than prior guidance. Operations are currently running at 40-50% of capacity. The company is targeting 65% in H2 2026, 80% by mid-2027, near-full by end-2027, and full capacity in early 2028. 2026 copper
South Crofty Gets Its Money, Simandou Ends Its Strike, and Gold Fields Counts the Cost of the Iran War
Today on The Mining Insider: Cornish Metals has closed a $210 million Nordic bond offering to fund construction of South Crofty in Cornwall, England — the highest-grade undeveloped tin deposit in the world. The six-year bonds carry a 13.5% fixed coupon and were significantly oversubscribed. CEO Don Turvey says the company expects to be fully funded and to announce a final investment decis
Ivanhoe Beats Its Cost Target at Kamoa, the G7 Draws a Line on Critical Minerals, and Washington's Copper Tariff Clock Is Running
Today on The Mining Insider: Ivanhoe Mines released its Q1 2026 financial results after market close on Wednesday. Kamoa-Kakula delivered $862 million in revenue and $397 million in EBITDA — a 46% EBITDA margin — and beat the low end of its C1 cash cost guidance at $2.58 per pound, compared with guidance of $2.60 to $3.00. The headline net loss of $2 million was driven entirely by a $183
Sibanye Retires $675 Million in Debt, Western Copper Smelters Face a Negative-Fee Crisis, and Pan American Silver Hits a Record Cash Balance
Today on The Mining Insider: Sibanye-Stillwater launched tender offers on May 6 to retire all $675 million outstanding of its 4% senior notes due 2026 — a full any-and-all offer — and up to $75 million of its 4.5% notes due 2029 at $962.50 per $1,000, funded by a new dollar-denominated bond issuance. The 2026 notes are set to settle May 15. The move is part of Sibanye's multi-year restruc
Australia's Biggest Gold Merger, a Fatal Shaft Accident at Sibanye, and Pakistan's Insurgency Puts Barrick's Reko Diq in Question
Today on The Mining Insider: Regis Resources and Vault Minerals announced a 100% all-scrip merger creating a combined company with a pro forma market cap of approximately A$10.7 billion (US$7.67 billion) — Australia's third-largest primary ASX-listed gold producer. The merged group will produce over 700,000 ounces per year from five Western Australian assets, entering life debt-free with
ADB Backs a $1 Billion Minerals Push, Anglo Teck Gets the Green Light, and Nickel Climbs to a Two-Year High
Today on The Mining Insider: The Asian Development Bank launched its Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility at its 59th annual meeting in Samarkand on May 3. Korea Eximbank and the Korean Trade Insurance Corporation (K-SURE) each signed $500 million memoranda as founding partners, alongside $20 million from Japan and $1.6 million from the UK as seed grants. ADB
Uzbekistan Pulls the Navoi IPO, Byproducts Make Copper Free to Mine, and Chile's Acid Clock Is Ticking
Today on The Mining Insider: Work on the IPO of Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company — Uzbekistan's state-owned gold miner and the world's fourth-largest gold producer — has been paused, with the Uzbek government weighing the right moment to list. The company produced 3.2 million ounces of gold in 2025, with revenue of $10.8 billion and pre-tax profit of $6.1 billion. Separately, a stru
Venezuela's Mineral Opening, Seabed Mining's Legal Breakthrough, and Ontario's Defence Pivot
Today on The Mining Insider: Mercuria Energy Group and Heeney Capital announced May 1 that they had secured White House-backed offtake agreements for Venezuelan bulk commodities and gold, projected to generate $2.2 billion in annual mineral export value — with aluminum, nickel, and ferrous metals negotiations ongoing that could add another $3 billion. NOAA certified on May 1 that TMC the
China Cuts the Acid Supply, First Quantum Takes the Hit, and Brazil Draws a Line on Critical Minerals
Today on The Mining Insider: China's ban on sulphuric acid exports takes effect today, May 1 — a structural disruption that threatens roughly a fifth of Chile's copper output and has pushed Copperbelt acid prices near all-time highs of $700 to $800 per tonne in the DRC. First Quantum Minerals reported Q1 2026 results on April 28, posting a net loss of $196 million as Sentinel and Kansansh
First Quantum's Zambia Reckoning, Fortescue's China Deal, and the DRC's New Mining Army
Today on The Mining Insider: First Quantum Minerals released its first quarter 2026 financial and operating results on April 28, with Sentinel's ball mill constraints remaining a drag and Kansanshi's S3 expansion continuing its ramp. Separately, Fortescue is moving toward a long-term iron ore supply deal with China Mineral Resources Group following BHP's recent settlement. In the Democrat
CMOC's Ecuador Bet, Fortescue's China Iron Ore Standoff, and Tía María's Long-Awaited Green Light
China's CMOC Group signed a $1.7 billion mining contract with Ecuador on April 27 for the Los Cangrejos gold-silver project in El Oro province, developed through local subsidiary ODIN Mining del Ecuador. Structure: state receives 50% of project value; $54M advance royalties ($34M on signing, balance at construction milestones). Projected state revenues: $4.39B. Ecuador's only two large-sc
Brazil's Supreme Court Challenge, Luanshya's 20-Year Comeback, and the US-Brazil Minerals Deal in Trouble
Brazil's Rede Sustentabilidade party petitioned the country's Supreme Court on April 25 to suspend the $2.8 billion acquisition of Serra Verde Group by USA Rare Earth Inc. (NASDAQ: USAR). The party argued Brazilian legislation lacks constitutional safeguards over strategic mineral assets. Serra Verde's Pela Ema operation in Goiás produces ~100 metric tons of rare earth oxides/year, target
The Lobito Copper Rail Gets Funded, Agnico Eagle Bets $3.7 Billion on Finland, and China Eyes Myanmar's Mines
The 830-kilometer Lobito Corridor railway — the biggest new build in Zambia since the 1970s — secured $1.32 billion in committed financing at a Nairobi conference on April 24. Africa Finance Corp. ($500M), African Development Bank ($500M), and Italy ($320M) committed the funds. Total project cost is up to $5 billion. EPC bids are due in May, contractor selection targeted by July-August, g
The US-EU Minerals Pact, Eramet's Indonesia Halt, and Pilbara's Record Quarter
The United States and European Union formalized the US-EU Action Plan for Critical Minerals Supply Chain Resilience on April 24, announced by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. The plan establishes border-adjusted price floors as the primary trade mechanism to prevent Chinese producers from undercutting allied producers in rare earths, battery
Freeport's Grasberg Setback, IGO's Lithium Miss, and Anglo's Coal Revival
Freeport-McMoRan reported Q1 2026 earnings Thursday, beating profit estimates but shocking the market with a significant downgrade to the Grasberg mine ramp-up timeline. After last September's fatal mud-rush, the company now expects the world's second-largest copper mine to reach only 65% of capacity in the second half of 2026 — down from the 85% target outlined in January. Full recovery
Newmont's Record Quarter, Ghana's New Gold Royalty, and Copper Holds Above $6 (2026-04-24)
Newmont's Record Quarter, Ghana's New Gold Royalty, and Copper Holds Above $6
Newmont Q1 2026: record net income $3.3B, FCF $3.1B, avg realized gold $4,900/oz, AISC $1,029/oz, production 1.30M oz (down 16% YoY due to Australian bushfires/rainfall + planned maintenance), $6B buyback authorized, full-year guidance maintained at 5.26M oz. CEO Natascha Viljoen: "all-time record $3.1 billion
USA Rare Earth's $2.8 Billion Rare Earth Bet, BHP Sets Records and Shuffles Leadership, and Peru's Election Keeps Mining Investors in Limbo (2026-04-22)
USA Rare Earth acquires Serra Verde (Brazil) for $2.8B — only non-Asia producer of all 4 magnetic REEs; DFC-backed; 15-year US government offtake. BHP nine-month review: records at Escondida + WAIO, copper guidance lifted, Brandon Craig to replace Mike Henry as CEO, Queensland coal review. Peru election: Fujimori in runoff, 14,000-ballot gap for second slot.
Argentine Court Halts Vicuña Copper Project, Project Vault Nears $12 Billion Close, and Silver Hits Near-Record $79 (2026-04-21)
Argentine court 30-day injunction halts Vicuña copper project (Filo Corp/BHP). Project Vault $12B critical minerals facility nears first tranche close. Silver at $79.52/oz; Sunshine Silver weighing $400M IPO for Idaho's Silver Valley mine.
Uranium Royalty's $1.1 Billion Bet, Chinalco's $1.7 Billion Peru Overhaul, and the Iran War's Acid Shortage Reaches the Congo (2026-04-20)
Uranium Royalty Corp acquires Sweetwater Royalties — $1.1B deal. Chinalco Toromocho $1.7B overhaul approved by Peru — 45% throughput increase. DRC acid shortage — copper and cobalt miners cutting chemical use as Iran war disrupts leaching reagent supply.
Copper Closes In on Its All-Time High, CATL Goes Upstream With $4.4 Billion, and Ghana Takes Back the Damang Mine (2026-04-19)
Copper at $6.11/lb near all-time high; CATL approves $4.4B mining subsidiary for lithium/nickel/cobalt; Gold Fields hands Damang gold mine to Ghana; Mangrove Lithium opens North America's first electrochemical lithium refinery in Delta, BC.
LME Metals Hit All-Time High, Codelco Eyes 2027 Production Crown, and Chile's Most Audacious Copper Deal Gets Its Permitting Blueprint (2026-04-18)
The London Metal Exchange's six-metal index closed at an all-time high on April 17th, driven by a deepening aluminum supply crisis from Gulf smelter damage and Strait of Hormuz disruption. Chile's Codelco has set an internal 2027 copper target of 1.5 million tonnes to reclaim the world's top producer title from BHP. And Codelco and Anglo American revealed a legally unprecedented dual-trac
Senate Lifts Minnesota Mining Ban, Chile Chases 6 Million Tonnes, and a $2.7B Idaho Gold Loan Hits Its Final Hurdle (2026-04-17)
The US Senate voted 50–49 to repeal the Biden-era withdrawal of 225,000 acres of Minnesota's Superior National Forest from mining, clearing a federal path for Twin Metals' copper-nickel project in the Duluth Complex. Chile's government under President Kast is targeting 6 million metric tonnes of annual copper output in 4–5 years, well ahead of prior projections, with US investors showing
Gold Expansions, Rare Earth Riches & Copper Chaos: Duparquet Drilling, Nyanzaga Launch, and Greenland’s Strategic Find (28/04/25)
Host Logan Ore dissects April 28th’s critical developments:Duparquet’s Drill Surge: First Mining’s second rig accelerates exploration in Quebec’s Abitibi gold belt.Nyanzaga’s $523M Bet: Perseus Mining bets big on Tanzanian gold, targeting 2027 production.Copper’s Price Rollercoaster: Tariff tensions and inventory drops keep traders guessing.Greenland’s Rare Earth Boom: Eclipse Metals’ 2.0
Rare Earth Delays, Indigenous Conservation & U.S. Reform: Russia’s Setback, Brazil’s Ywy Ipuranguete, and Pilbara’s Green Lithium (04/04/25) Show Notes:
Host Logan Ore dissects April 4th’s pivotal developments:Russia’s Rare Earth Delay: Zashikhinskoye’s decade-long postponement tightens global supply and amplifies Western vulnerabilities.Brazil’s Indigenous Stewardship: How Ywy Ipuranguete’s 6M-hectare initiative reshapes mining access and biodiversity protection.U.S. Critical Mineral Act: Bipartisan bill aligns federal lists to streamlin
LME Record Volumes, Zinnwald’s German Boost & Collective Mining’s Drill Blitz: Robex’s Guinea Gold Push, Silver Elephant’s Bolivian Silver, and Royal Road’s Moroccan Copper (02/04/25)
Host Logan Ore analyzes April 2nd’s top mining developments:LME’s Record Trading: How surging nickel and copper volumes reflect global demand for industrial metals.Zinnwald Lithium’s German Backing: The strategic importance of Saxony’s support for Europe’s critical minerals independence.Collective Mining’s Aggressive Drilling: Inside the expanded program targeting Colombia’s Guayabales an
Record Gold Output, Commercial Milestones & Market Debuts: Contango Cash Flow Surge, Luca’s Tahuehueto Success, and Revival Gold’s PEA (31/03/25)
Host Logan Ore covers March 31st's biggest mining developments:Contango ORE's Record Cash Distribution: Peak Gold JV exceeds expectations with strong Q1 performance and $24M cash flow boost.Luca Mining's Commercial Production: Tahuehueto mine hits key milestone with sustained throughput above 800 tpd and ambitious 2025 guidance.Revival Gold's Mercur PEA Results: Promising economics highli
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