Mining industry news covering mineral extraction, mining companies, commodities, and global mining sector developments.
Tungsten West announced plans to restart the Hemerdon mine in Devon by early 2027, backed by $95.74 million from the UK's National Wealth Fund. The facility will use advanced sorting technology to provide a non-Chinese source of tungsten for European markets, addressing global supply constraints.
A $105 million deal will see Queensland-mined tungsten sent to the US to bolster non-Chinese supply chains. EQ Resources, backed by Andrew Forrest, will supply 4,000 tonnes over eight years and invest in restarting a historic processing plant in Nevada.
American miner Almonty Industries has signed a binding agreement with Rwanda to source and process tungsten, aiming to reduce Western reliance on Chinese supply chains. The partnership aims to collect ore from small-scale license holders while building a central processing plant, following an introduction by the US Department of State under the 2025 framework.
Queensland's new legislation prevents individuals residing over 125 kilometers from proposed mines from submitting objections. Minister Dale Last argues the changes will expedite approvals by restricting legal challenges, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups who view the move as prioritizing fossil fuel interests over community input.
The Canada Growth Fund committed approximately $140 million to Generation Mining Limited for its Marathon critical minerals project in Northwestern Ontario. The investment includes a $90 million equity stake and a $50 million convertible note within a broader $200 million financing round for the fully permitted copper and palladium production site.
Ghana and China agreed to strengthen cooperation on fighting illegal mining and geological exploration at the 2026 China Mining Conference in Tianjin. The agreement includes collaboration on green mining technology, environmental protection, and satellite surveys, with warnings that Chinese nationals engaging in illegal mining would face sanctions.
Nigeria and the United States are preparing to sign a mining cooperation memorandum during the UN General Assembly in New York. The deal focuses on strengthening critical mineral supply chains and digitizing geological data to attract investment, following recent diplomatic engagements between Nigerian Minister Dele Alake and US officials.
Former Gabon environment minister Lee White argues that responsible mining investment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo offers a superior conservation strategy for the rainforest compared to traditional foreign aid. He contends that leveraging critical mineral resources empowers regional nations economically, thereby incentivizing the protection of the world's second-largest rainforest against deforestation.
Stratex Resources announced the acquisition of African Thunder Platinum, holding the Kalahari Platinum Project in South Africa. The asset contains over 6.288 million ounces of platinum group metals, with plans to develop it via partnership with an existing producer.
Canada Nickel Company selected Komatsu and SMS Equipment to supply its mining fleet for the Crawford Nickel Project in Ontario. The deal involves over 300 machines valued at C$1.5 billion, leveraging automation technology to support low-carbon production goals.