Core Insights - A joint fund of $1 billion has been established by Appian Capital Advisory and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to promote critical mineral development in emerging markets [1] - This fund represents the first mining fund specifically targeting emerging market countries [1] - The initial investment project for the fund is the Santa Rita nickel mine in Bahia, Brazil, which is operated by Atlantic Nickel, a company controlled by Appian Capital Advisory [1] - The Santa Rita mine is one of the largest sulfide nickel mines globally, with an expected annual production capacity of 30,000 tons [1]