Cove Kaz Capital Group and Skyline Builders Group have signed a definitive merger agreement, anticipating the formation of Kaz Resources, a Nasdaq-listed entity under the ticker ‘KAZR’. This strategic consolidation aims to establish a global leader in critical minerals, particularly tungsten and rare earths, destined for the US defense and industrial sectors. The merger, which includes the significant acquisition of Kaz Critical Minerals' 15 licenses in Kazakhstan, is strategically poised to leverage substantial US government financial backing for its advanced exploration and late-stage projects.
Kodiak Copper and Teck Resources have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Kay Copper to establish a new US-focused copper exploration company, slated for a TSX Venture Exchange listing. This strategic partnership involves transferring Kodiak's Mohave project and Teck's Copper Hill project, both located in Arizona, into a subsidiary of Kay Copper. The collaboration aims to advance these promising porphyry copper assets amidst growing global demand for the critical metal.
LaFleur Minerals has announced a strategic acquisition of the McKenzie East Gold Project in Québec’s prolific Val-d’Or mining district. This move positions LaFleur adjacent to Fresnillo’s significant McKenzie Break Gold Deposit and aims to bolster the company's vertically integrated mine-to-mill strategy by defining new resources to feed its nearby Beacon Gold Mill. The acquisition, valued at C$30,000 cash and 175,000 common shares, underscores LaFleur's aggressive expansion in one of Canada's premier gold-producing regions, complemented by promising drilling results from its Swanson Gold Project.
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<p>In a strong start to the year for the mining sector, McCarthy Tetrault and Fasken Martineau DuMoulin emerged as the leading legal advisors for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) during the first quarter of 2026. McCarthy Tetrault secured the top position by deal value, advising on transactions totaling an impressive $7.3 billion, while Fasken Martineau DuMoulin led by deal volume, handling seven distinct transactions. This robust activity, highlighted by a league table from data analytics company GlobalData, signals a buoyant M&A environment and continued strategic reshuffling within the global metals and mining industry.</p>
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Barrick Mining is moving forward with plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of a minority stake in North American Barrick, a newly formed entity comprising its key gold assets in North America and the Dominican Republic. Expected to complete by the end of 2026 with primary listings in New York and Toronto, this strategic unbundling aims to unlock value from top-tier assets like Carlin, Cortez, Turquoise Ridge, and Pueblo Viejo, which collectively produced around two million ounces of gold in 2025. The initiative, overseen by a dedicated management team, seeks to accelerate momentum and highlight the attractiveness of these assets, while Barrick maintains a controlling interest and engages with Newmont, its joint venture partner in Nevada Gold Mines.
Underground mining presents inherently hazardous conditions within confined spaces, necessitating rigorous rescue training and robust regulatory compliance. This article, published on April 27, 2026, explores the global frameworks, detailed training components, and essential equipment required to safeguard workers and ensure effective emergency response in these challenging environments. It highlights the critical role of systematic preparedness and technological integration in meeting the evolving safety demands of the modern mining industry.
Power Minerals has successfully completed the acquisition of the high-grade Morro do Ferro (MDF) rare earths project in Brazil from Mineração Terras Raras, strengthening its critical minerals portfolio in the region. This strategic move, finalized on April 27, 2026, positions Power Minerals in a region known for its rare earth resources and significant concentrations of magnetic rare earth oxides vital for modern technologies. The project’s promising drill results and plans for extensive exploration underscore its potential to contribute to a diversified global rare earth supply chain.
As of April 23, 2026, the mining industry faces increasing challenges from component obsolescence in its aging assets, a predicament that engineering specialists highlight as a critical risk to safety, production, and profitability. While asset degradation is inevitable, the substantial costs and operational disruptions associated with reactive maintenance can be mitigated through proactive obsolescence management strategies. This approach, which includes early assessment and re-engineering of critical components, offers a path to significant savings and enhanced operational resilience, preventing costly full-system replacements and unplanned downtime.
Mariana Minerals and Sandvik have forged a significant partnership to deploy autonomous drilling technology at Mariana’s Copper One mine in south-eastern Utah, US. This collaboration integrates Sandvik’s AutoMine Surface Drilling platform directly into MarianaOS, Mariana’s proprietary software, creating a unified, data-driven system designed to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and inform superior downstream decision-making. The initiative represents a pivotal step towards a fully autonomous mining operation, strategically bolstering domestic copper production amidst rising US demand.
Zambia's Luanshya Copper Mine is slated to restart production at its upper section in August 2026, marking a significant milestone in revitalizing the nation's mining sector. Acquired by China Nonferrous Mining Corporation (CNMC) in 2009, the mine is targeted to produce approximately 100,000 tonnes per annum of copper by 2030, supported by a substantial $710 million investment in infrastructure and shaft redevelopment. This phased recommissioning, beginning with the upper section and extending to the lower section by 2029, is expected to generate 3,000 jobs and bolster Zambia's position in the global copper market.
Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine (SMM) has commenced construction of its new monazite processing plant in the Western Cape, South Africa, a significant development positioning the nation as a prospective producer of high-grade rare earth feedstock. This project, fully permitted and owned by Steenkampskraal Holdings and Bora Mining Investments, aims to produce 13,400 tonnes per annum of monazite concentrate containing over 50% total rare earth oxides, contributing vital critical minerals to global supply chains for renewable energy and defence sectors.
Silver Crown Royalties Inc. has forged a strategic partnership with Emergency Material Services (EMS) to significantly expand its US silver royalty platform. This collaboration, announced on April 22, 2026, aims to infuse non-dilutive capital into domestic silver production, recycling, smelting, and refining operations, leveraging a structured financing model that mitigates operational risks while capitalizing on the surging demand for silver in electrification and advanced manufacturing. The initiative positions Silver Crown to scale its exposure to the growing US silver market through royalties and streaming agreements, offering investors a de-risked pathway to participate in the commodity's anticipated growth.
Magnetite Mines announced on April 21, 2026, the initiation of up to 2,000m of air core drilling at its Ironback Hill rare earth element (REE) project in north-east South Australia. This program, following delays from significant rain and flooding, aims to define the extent and characteristics of the near-surface, clay-hosted REE mineralisation discovered in 2025. The exploration is a pivotal step for the company in advancing what could become a strategically important source of critical minerals within Australia.
Spanish Mountain Gold has entered a definitive royalty agreement with Wheaton Precious Metals, divesting a 1.5% net smelter returns (NSR) royalty on its British Columbia gold and silver production for $55 million. This crucial financing injection will accelerate the feasibility study for the Spanish Mountain Gold project, providing the necessary capital to target a build decision in 2028. The deal underscores the strategic importance of non-dilutive financing mechanisms for advancing significant precious metal assets in Tier 1 mining jurisdictions.
On April 21, 2026, the <em>Energy Technology</em> podcast released a special Earth Day episode delving into the implications of electric vehicle (EV) adoption across the power, oil and gas, and mining sectors. Featuring insights from industry editors, the discussion covered the evolving EV market landscape, associated infrastructure demands, emerging battery technologies, and the significant shift in mineral demand, underscoring the critical role mining plays in the global energy transition.
Chile is aggressively moving to streamline its mining permit approval process, aiming to unlock over $100 billion in investment and revitalize its pivotal copper sector. This initiative, spearheaded by Economy and Mining Minister Daniel Mas, seeks to reduce processing times by 30% for approximately 200 procedures without compromising environmental standards, fostering legal certainty and attracting significant capital to key projects across copper and lithium.
Banyan Gold, a Vancouver-based gold explorer, recently secured C$46.5 million ($34 million) through a strategic capital raise, propelling its stock to an all-time high. The significant financing is earmarked for advanced exploration at its flagship AurMac property in Canada's Yukon Territory, where the company has defined substantial indicated and inferred gold resources totaling over 7.7 million ounces. This development signifies strong investor confidence in Banyan Gold's project potential and Canada's role as a premier jurisdiction for gold exploration.
Copper prices are rapidly approaching an all-time high, driven significantly by a substantial resurgence in Chinese smelter activity. Satellite data from Earth-i reveals a dramatic increase in operational capacity across China, while global concentrate supply faces unprecedented tightening due to geopolitical conflicts and strategic shifts in major mining nations, pushing treatment and refining charges into negative territory for the first time on record. This dynamic environment offers both opportunities and significant challenges for global mining companies and investors.
An environmental advocacy group, the National Parks Conservation Association, represented by Earthjustice, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Interior over its 2025 approval of Dateline Resources' Colosseum rare earth mining project within the Mojave National Preserve. This legal challenge, citing alleged violations of federal laws and a lack of proper permits, positions a vital critical minerals initiative against long-standing environmental protections for one of California's most significant national park sites. The dispute underscores the persistent tension between domestic resource extraction and conservation, with potential implications for the broader U.S. critical minerals supply chain and investor confidence in such projects.
Northern Lithium, a crucial player in the UK's emerging critical minerals sector, has secured £600,000 in UK Government funding alongside £5 million in equity investments to accelerate its 2026 development plans. This capital infusion will support a vital front-end engineering design (FEED) feasibility study for a commercial-scale lithium-from-brines plant at Ludwell Farm, County Durham, with commercial production targeted for 2028. The initiative aims to significantly bolster the UK's domestic lithium supply, reduce its 100% import dependency, and contribute to its ambitious net-zero and electric vehicle manufacturing goals.
News Century Aluminum starts production at expanded Mt. Holly plant The expansion is projected to boost US primary aluminium production by 10%. Shree Mishra April 17, 2026 Share Copy Link Share on X Share on Linkedin Share on Facebook The facility is expected to add 750,000t to the nation’s aluminium production capacity. Credit: Lovember06/Shutterstock.com. Century Aluminum has initiated hot metal production at its expanded Mt. Holly facility in South Carolina, US. This expansion, aimed at reaching full capacity by June 2026, is expected to boost US primary aluminium production by 10%. Go deeper with GlobalData Reports Mountain Laurel Mine Reports Twentymile Coal Mine Go deeper with GlobalData The gold standard of business intelligence. Find out more Discover B2B Marketing That Performs Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms. Find out more The project has resulted in the creation of more than 125 jobs. Additionally, Century, in collaboration with Emirates Global Aluminum, announced plans for a new primary aluminium smelter in Oklahoma. This facility is expected to add 750,000t to the nation’s aluminium production capacity, effectively doubling it. The project represents a significant investment in US metal production and is set to generate...
<p class="summary">The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has announced its commitment to take definitive action by June 2026 on reforms for large load interconnection, a directive issued by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. This initiative, strongly commended by Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly, aims to streamline the grid integration of major industrial and commercial consumers, support the co-location of generation and demand, and accelerate new power infrastructure to achieve American energy dominance and ensure affordable, reliable energy for the nation. For the mining industry, which depends heavily on substantial, consistent power supplies, these reforms promise to unlock bottlenecks, improve project viability, and strengthen domestic mineral production.</p>
USA Rare Earth, through its UK-based subsidiary Less Common Metals (LCM), has announced the commercial production of 99-99.5% pure yttrium metal at its facility in Cheshire. This achievement positions the company as one of the few non-Chinese producers of this critical rare earth metal, which is essential for high-performance applications in aerospace, defense, electronics, and energy systems. The development is a significant step in USA Rare Earth’s strategy to build an integrated, Western-aligned rare earth supply chain from mining to magnet manufacturing, reinforcing national security and technological independence.
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<p>In a significant development for the global mining technology sector, UK-based MMD Group has announced its acquisition of the intellectual property rights for TraxIQ from Anglo American. This strategic move, reported on April 16, 2026, positions MMD to industrialize, commercialize, and deploy TraxIQ, a comprehensive and scalable material handling solution featuring modular vehicle structures, advanced energy management, and autonomous control systems. The acquisition underscores the mining industry’s increasing focus on innovation to enhance productivity, reduce emissions, and lower operational costs amidst rising demand for critical minerals.</p>
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SAGA Metals has strategically expanded its critical minerals portfolio by agreeing to acquire Catalyst Rare Metals, gaining full ownership of the royalty-free Wolverine rare earth element (REE) project in Canada. This acquisition, announced on April 15, 2026, positions SAGA to develop a high-potential heavy rare earth asset in a Tier-1 jurisdiction, directly supporting North American supply security for the clean-energy transition and defense industries. The Wolverine project, covering 230.5 km² in Labrador, has shown promising near-surface REE mineralization with significant heavy rare earth enrichment, driving SAGA's plans for a 2026 exploration program aimed at a maiden NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate.
On April 14, 2026, a groundbreaking ceremony in New York City officially commenced construction of the Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) Pipeline, a critical project by Williams Companies aimed at delivering natural gas from Pennsylvania to New York City and Long Island. Expected to be in service by late 2027, the NESE pipeline will add 400,000 dekatherms per day of capacity, poised to significantly lower energy costs for millions and bolster energy reliability across the Northeast. This major infrastructure development highlights a strategic federal initiative to enhance American energy independence and presents substantial implications for the broader U.S. industrial and mining sectors.
The global mining industry is rapidly embracing digitalization, but traditional communication systems often hinder the full potential of advanced technologies. This article details how a strategic partnership between Ericsson and Becker-Lasec is addressing this critical challenge by combining industrial-grade 5G connectivity with mining-specific digital tools, offering a unified, scalable solution for enhanced safety, productivity, and operational intelligence in mines worldwide. Through real-world deployments in Latin America, their integrated approach is proving vital for unlocking data-driven insights from surface to underground.
The global mining industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the adoption of autonomous operations and sophisticated digitalization. Central to this evolution is the deployment of private 5G networks, which are proving instrumental in enhancing safety, optimizing productivity, and enabling precise indoor positioning for both personnel and machinery. This article explores how these advanced technologies are future-proofing mining, with companies like Ericsson leading the charge in delivering crucial connectivity and positioning solutions.
The global aluminium industry is witnessing a significant pivot towards advanced robotics and automation, driven by escalating demand, tightening supply chains, and the inherent hazards of traditional smelting operations. This strategic shift aims to enhance safety, improve operational consistency, and build resilience against disruptions, with key players like AlumatIQ and Autoa Robot Welding spearheading innovative solutions for the notoriously dangerous potroom environment. Market forecasts indicate substantial growth in the smelt robot sector, underlining the industry's commitment to leveraging technology for a more efficient and secure future.
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<p>As mineral deposits become increasingly challenging to access, mining companies are turning to advanced connectivity solutions to prioritize worker safety without sacrificing productivity. A recent development, highlighted by the collaboration between Newmont and Ericsson, showcases how private 5G networks are transforming remote mining operations, addressing the limitations of traditional Wi-Fi and paving the way for significantly safer and more efficient automated systems across vast, hazardous terrains.</p>
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A pioneering collaboration between Ericsson and mining equipment leader Epiroc is fundamentally transforming the global mining sector through the widespread deployment of private 4G/5G cellular networks. This strategic partnership, initiated in 2016, enables enhanced automation, real-time monitoring, and ultra-low latency control across mining operations, addressing critical industry demands for improved safety, productivity, cost efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. The integration of advanced connectivity with modern mining machinery is setting a new standard for the mine of the future, as exemplified by projects like the EU-funded NEXGENS initiative.
Red Mountain Mining is relaunching antimony exploration across its US projects, including Thompson Falls in Montana-Idaho and Yellow Pine and Silver Dollar in Idaho, capitalizing on favorable weather conditions. This strategic move aims to define significant antimony resources, with initial rock chip analysis from Thompson Falls showing up to 36.5% antimony, and is supported by new advisory appointments and expedited environmental approvals. The initiative aligns with US government efforts to secure domestic critical mineral supplies, particularly antimony, reducing reliance on foreign sources.
Infographic: Latin America’s top miners may surprise Henry Lazenby | April 10, 2026 | 8:03 am Intelligence Markets Suppliers & Equipment Top Companies Latin America Copper Iron Ore Lithium Rare Earth Specialty Minerals Latin America’s most mining-dependent countries are not always its biggest economies. Our latest infographic ranks the region first by mining’s share of total exports and then by the value of those exports. The comparison shows where metals matter most to trade and where scale still rules, from copper giants Chile and Peru to smaller producers whose economies lean far more heavily on mining. 2026 is shaping to be a key year for Latin America, with resources at the centre of a growing global power struggle, as governments and investors focus on who controls critical minerals and the supply chains behind them. If the region matters to you, don’t miss MINING.COM’s Latin America series tracking the geopolitical forces reshaping it and why markets are increasingly driven by global alliances as much as local politics. Countries in the series so far: Bolivia Chile Colombia Share Comments Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name, email, and website in this browser...
Paramount Gold Nevada has initiated an Initial Assessment (IA) at its past-producing Sleeper Gold Project in Humboldt County, Nevada, a crucial step in evaluating its economic potential under SEC S-K 1300 regulations. This assessment, conducted by SLR International, will focus on a staged, cost-effective development strategy primarily targeting approximately 54 million tonnes of heap-leachable material. The move aims to unlock significant value in a well-established mining jurisdiction amidst a favorable gold price environment, while the company concurrently advances its Grassy Mountain Project.
NioCorp Developments has solidified its pathway to full project financing for its critical Elk Creek project in Nebraska by signing a non-binding agreement with commodity trader Traxys. This landmark deal positions Traxys as the exclusive off-taker and marketing partner for the majority of Elk Creek's planned output for an initial 10-year term, covering 100% of ferroniobium, scandium, titanium dioxide, and rare earth elements, alongside a crucial equity investment of up to $30 million. The agreement is expected to address key diligence items for NioCorp's pursuit of up to $800 million in debt financing from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, significantly advancing a critical domestic source for strategic minerals previously dependent on foreign supply.
California's aggressive energy policies have led to the highest electricity and gasoline prices in the nation, crippling residents and industries while tripling the state's reliance on often volatile foreign oil imports. A recent federal intervention, led by President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, has mandated Sable Offshore Corp. to resume operations of the Santa Ynez Unit and its associated pipeline, significantly boosting California's domestic oil production by 15 percent and replacing vital foreign crude supplies. This strategic move aims to enhance national energy security and mitigate the economic vulnerabilities created by restrictive state policies.
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<p>Mayfair Gold has significantly expanded its land holdings near its Fenn-Gib Gold Project in Timmins, Ontario, through the acquisition of three properties—Guibord, Marriott, and Holloway—from Plato Gold for C$2.5 million. This strategic move, announced on April 6, 2026, consolidates Mayfair’s position along the highly prospective Porcupine-Destor Fault Zone within the renowned Abitibi Greenstone belt, promising enhanced exploration leverage and critical infrastructure access for the proposed Fenn-Gib mine.</p>
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The United States Antimony Corporation (USAC) has recommenced mining activities at its Stibnite Hill property in Thompson Falls, Montana, significantly ahead of schedule due to unexpectedly mild winter conditions. This early restart, coupled with strategic operational enhancements and substantial government contracts totaling up to $272 million, underscores the growing national importance of domestic antimony production for critical mineral supply chain resilience and national defense.
United States Antimony Corp. (UAMY) has officially resumed mining operations at its Stibnite Hill property in Montana, marking a significant step towards establishing the first fully integrated antimony supply chain outside of China and Russia. This restart, following a near five-month weather-related halt, is crucial for bolstering the United States' domestic supply of this critical mineral, vital for numerous defense and industrial applications. The company plans to process ore into concentrates at its Radersburg facility before smelting it into finished products at its Thompson Falls smelter, the only operational antimony smelter in the United States.
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<p>The Bank of France has finalized its decades-long gold repatriation program, withdrawing the last 129 tonnes stored at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. This strategic move, part of a "gold reserve upgrade" initiative, involved selling non-standard bullion and acquiring new, internationally compliant gold bars in Europe, generating a significant 13 billion euro ($15 billion) capital gain amidst rising gold prices for the 2025 financial year. The nation's total gold reserves of approximately 2,437 tonnes are now entirely consolidated within France, with further standardization efforts planned by 2028.</p>
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REalloys and U.S. Critical Materials (USCM) have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for REalloys to obtain up to 10% of the heavy rare earth production from USCM's high-grade Sheep Creek project in Montana. This strategic partnership aims to establish a crucial domestic supply chain for critical minerals, including dysprosium, terbium, yttrium, and gallium, vital for U.S. strategic defense stockpiles and advanced technology applications, ahead of anticipated restrictions on Chinese rare earth procurement in 2027. The agreement underscores a significant step towards bolstering American critical mineral sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries.
Underground mining continues to face significant safety challenges, particularly in areas with limited visibility such as intersections and blind corners, largely due to the inherent constraints of conventional safety systems and GNSS-denied environments. Emerging technologies like Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication and advanced wearable devices are proving instrumental in enhancing real-time awareness and improving emergency response times. Despite these technological advancements, the critical importance of human oversight and robust safety protocols remains paramount for achieving safer operational environments.
Zacatecas Silver has commenced its 2026 diamond drilling program at the high-potential El Cristo Project within Mexico’s historic Zacatecas Mining District. The initial hole, completed by Major Drilling Mexico, successfully intersected a mineralized brecciated structure featuring visible sulfides such as galena and sphalerite, validating the company's targeting strategy. This early success signals promising potential for high-grade silver and base metal mineralization in a region renowned for its rich epithermal deposits.
China's Zijin Mining, following its 2025 acquisition of RG Gold, is set to invest $500 million in a new processing plant in Kazakhstan, concurrent with RG Gold's progressive environmental initiatives. Central to this is the 'phytocapture' technology, developed by the Sustainable Kazakhstan Research Institute, which employs scientifically designed vegetative barriers to significantly reduce airborne dust emissions from open-pit gold mining operations near the Raygorodok deposit. This innovative approach, integrating supercomputer modeling and indigenous plant species, marks a significant step in sustainable mining practices in Central Asia and offers a blueprint for environmental stewardship within the global industry.
Canadian critical metals processor pH7 Technologies is expanding its Vancouver facility with C$4 million in funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). This investment will accelerate the scale-up of pH7's proprietary organo-electrochemical technology for recovering platinum group metals (PGMs) from secondary materials and, critically, for unlocking difficult sulfide ores in primary mining applications without toxic reagents or tailings wastewater. The move positions Canada at the forefront of sustainable critical mineral development, addressing both environmental challenges and global supply chain demands.
St Barbara has announced a significant milestone for its New Simberi Gold Project in Papua New Guinea, securing an A$389 million ($269.5 million) investment from Lingbao Gold Group. This capital injection, alongside the approval of the Final Investment Decision, fully funds St Barbara's 50% share of the project's construction costs, paving the way for a substantial expansion that is projected to double mining output to 20 million tonnes per annum and boost gold production to over 200,000 ounces annually. The development is expected to yield an A$0.5 billion gain for St Barbara, marking a strategic move to de-risk and unlock long-term value from the long-life, low-cost operation.
Brazil's iron ore production is poised for significant growth, driven primarily by robust performance from Vale S.A. and strategic expansions across other key mines. Following a 1.9% increase in 2025 to 437.2 million tonnes, the nation's output is projected to climb by an additional 5.9% in 2026, reaching 462.9 million tonnes, with a steady compound annual growth rate anticipated through 2035. This expansion underscores Brazil's enduring role as a critical supplier to the global steel industry, even as it navigates complex environmental, social, and governmental challenges.
