Nickel projects worth US$1.8 billion in Brazil gain momentum

Two major nickel projects in Brazil, with combined investments that could reach almost US$1.8 billion, have gained extra momentum amid optimistic expectations in the sector. The Australian miner Centaurus Metals has secured access to power for its US$380 million nickel project in the Brazilian state of Pará. The company received approval from the National Electric System Operator (ONS) to connect its main …

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China’s rare earth export curbs may hit $6.5tn in global production

The full implementation of China’s curbs on rare earth exports could jeopardise $6.5 trillion in downstream production outside the country, potentially crippling several industries across continents, the International Energy Agency has warned. The automotive, high-tech, defence and energy sectors are among the most vulnerable parts of the global economy that could take a hit from Chinese export restrictions, the IEA said in its latest Critical …

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Cuba’s cobalt exposes a Western supply chain weak spot

Canada’s only cobalt refinery has become an unexpected casualty of US sanctions on Cuba, exposing a critical weakness in Western mineral supply chains that extends well beyond geology. The shutdown of Sherritt International’s refinery in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, illustrates how political and regulatory risks can disrupt strategic mineral processing even when facilities are located in allied countries, Patricio Faúndez of GEM Mining …

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