Core Insights - Electra Battery Materials Corporation is advancing the construction of North America's first cobalt sulfate refinery, which is a key part of its strategy to enhance the critical minerals supply chain in North America [1][7]. Construction Progress - Construction crews have completed the installation of exterior pipe racks connecting various components of the refinery, with ongoing work focused on civil, structural, concrete, and tankage installations [4]. - The project is progressing well, with construction financing and permits secured, and most long-lead equipment already obtained [5]. Strategic Importance - The cobalt sulfate refinery is crucial for building a resilient North American supply chain for critical minerals, aligning with government and industry efforts to secure domestic processing capacity amid geopolitical changes [7]. - Once operational, the facility is expected to produce battery-grade cobalt, enhancing supply reliability for North American markets [7]. Future Plans - The company is also exploring black mass recycling opportunities to recover critical materials from end-of-life batteries and evaluating growth opportunities in nickel refining and other downstream battery materials [9].

Core Viewpoint - Germanium Mining Corp. has been accepted as a new member of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), which supports collaboration to enhance U.S. national security and the defense industrial base [1][3]. Company Developments - The CEO of Germanium Mining Corp., Mario Pezzente, stated that the membership reflects the company's commitment to aligning its critical minerals strategy with national security priorities and supply chain resilience [3]. - The company plans to engage with NDIA's membership to participate in discussions that support secure access to strategic materials [3]. - An exploration team has been dispatched to the historical Azure Ridge mine in Nevada, with an update on exploration activities expected soon [3]. Exploration Activities - The Azure Ridge Historical Mine, previously known as the Bonelli Mine, has not been active since its last reported production in 1918 [4]. - The mine features five adits totaling approximately 377 feet, one shallow shaft about 11 feet deep, and various surface pits [4]. - A 1994 study identified anomalous values of germanium, gallium, gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and cobalt in the Azure Ridge deposit [5]. Geological Insights - The mineralization at Azure Ridge is characterized as fault-controlled, carbonate-hosted, and interpreted as Kipushi-type mineralization [5]. - Mineralized rock has been observed over an area approximately 5,000 feet long, with structures reaching thicknesses of up to 9 feet [7]. Future Plans - The company is conducting a reconnaissance and maiden exploration program led by veteran geologist William Feyerabend, focusing on geological questions related to germanium-gallium-bearing systems [7]. - There are plans to prepare a NI 43-101 technical report on the Azure Ridge mine, reviewing historical information and evaluating its relevance within the North American critical minerals supply chain [8]. - The company is also evaluating submissions to U.S. federal and state authorities for potential support programs related to critical minerals development [9].

Core Viewpoint - Germanium Mining Corp. is initiating a field exploration program at the Azure Ridge Historical Mine, focusing on critical minerals, particularly germanium and gallium, with plans for a technical report to assess the mine's potential [1][5]. Group 1: Exploration Program - The exploration program is set for late 2025 to early 2026 and aims to enhance the understanding of the property's mineralization styles and target areas [1][2]. - The program will involve detailed site reconnaissance, geological observations, and selective rock sampling [2][4]. - The exploration is expected to address geological questions related to host rock characteristics and mineralizing processes relevant to germanium and gallium [4][6]. Group 2: Technical Reporting - The company plans to collaborate with Amazona on preparing an NI 43-101 Technical Report, which will review historical information and evaluate the property's relevance in the North American critical minerals supply chain [5][6]. - The report will include results from planned field activities and a geological context of the Azure Ridge Historical Mine [5]. Group 3: Historical Context - The Azure Ridge Historical Mine, previously known as the Bonelli Mine, last reported production in 1918 and has remained largely inactive since then [7]. - Historical studies indicated the presence of fault-controlled, carbonate-hosted mineralization, with previous sampling revealing anomalous values of germanium, gallium, copper, lead, zinc, and cobalt [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The demand for graphite, a critical material for lithium-ion batteries, is surging due to ongoing trade tensions with China, prompting U.S. companies to explore domestic mining opportunities [2][12]. Industry Overview - Graphite is recognized as a critical mineral by the Department of Energy and is essential for various commercial and military applications, including battery production and heat-resistant coatings [6][10]. - Global graphite demand is expected to continue rising over the next decade, driven by the battery boom, which includes both natural and synthetic graphite [7]. Company Developments - Titan Mining Corp. is actively mining graphite from a deposit in northern New York, with plans for commercial sales by 2028, aiming to supply a significant portion of U.S. needs [2][12]. - The New York deposit has been approved for fast-tracked permitting by the federal government, which aims to establish a domestic supply chain for graphite [11][14]. - Titan expects to produce approximately 40,000 metric tonnes (44,092 tons) of graphite concentrate annually, which is about half of the current U.S. demand for natural graphite [12][14]. Geopolitical Context - U.S. policymakers have expressed concerns over reliance on China for graphite supply, especially after China imposed and then relaxed export controls on graphite [8][9]. - The Trump administration has taken steps to diversify critical mineral supplies through international agreements and government funding [9][10].

Core Insights - Over 60% of global demand for critical minerals is satisfied through international trade, which has increased supply but also heightened vulnerability to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions [1][3] Demand Growth and Risks - The global demand for five key energy-transition minerals (copper, nickel, cobalt, lithium, and rare earths) is projected to rise from 28 million tons in 2021 to nearly 41 million tons by 2040, intensifying existing supply chain pressures [4] - The structural risk of dependence on trade is significant, as minor disruptions can have widespread effects on the global market [3] Mineral Significance and Growth - Copper is the most critical mineral due to rising electrification and grid expansion, while nickel and lithium are experiencing the fastest growth driven by electric vehicles and battery manufacturing [5][6] - Rare earth elements and cobalt are essential for motors, electronics, and advanced manufacturing, showing steady demand increases [5] Geographic Concentration Challenges - Geographic concentration of mineral production poses risks, with Indonesia supplying over 50% of global nickel, the Democratic Republic of the Congo producing around 70% of cobalt, and China controlling over 90% of rare earth refining capacity [7] - This concentration leaves dependent nations vulnerable to policy changes from a limited number of jurisdictions [7] Government Responses - Governments are rapidly implementing policies to address these challenges, with the number of critical policies nearly doubling since 2020 compared to the previous two decades [8] - These measures include strategic planning, domestic processing mandates, export controls, and incentives for exploration, recycling, and refining [8] U.S. Policy Initiatives - The U.S. government is actively seeking deals to ensure direct access to critical minerals and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains [9][10] - The White House aims to control its own supply chain destiny regarding critical minerals, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency [10]

Core Insights - The article discusses the strategic initiatives of Locksley Resources Ltd. to establish a fully integrated "Mine to Market" supply chain for antimony in the U.S. [1][9] Industry Overview - Antimony has been designated as a critical mineral by the U.S. Department of the Interior due to its importance in national security and various economic sectors, with significant supply chain risks due to reliance on imports from China and Russia [4] - The global antimony market is projected to reach USD 4.38 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 6.0% from a valuation of USD 2.45 billion in 2025 [5][6] Company Developments - Locksley Resources is advancing the Mojave Project in California, focusing on antimony and rare earth elements, and is implementing a mine-to-market strategy to reestablish domestic supply chains [9][25] - The company has initiated the engineering partner selection process for a pilot plant design, engaging with Tier 1 U.S. service providers as part of its accelerated development program [11][12] - A recent capital raise secured approximately A$17 million, indicating strong investor confidence in Locksley's strategy [14][16] - The appointment of Stacy Newstead to the advisory board enhances Locksley's engagement with U.S. partners and access to federal programs supporting domestic critical mineral supply chains [19][20] Technical Progress - Locksley has achieved a concentrate grade of 68.1% Sb and is conducting metallurgical optimization work to support project planning [13][25] - The company has established an exploration target at the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) containing between 19,400 to 67,000 tons of antimony metal, with recent bulk sampling showing high head grades of 7.6% to 7.8% Sb [27][28]

Core Viewpoint - Volta Metals Ltd. is advancing its Springer Rare Earth Project in Ontario, with significant engagement from government and Indigenous leaders, highlighting the project's strategic importance in North America's critical minerals supply chain [1][6]. Project Development - The site visit by Minister Greg Rickford and NFN Chief Cathy Stevens focused on permitting pathways, Indigenous economic participation, and the project's role in the critical minerals supply chain [2]. - Minister Rickford examined the project's geological advantages and infrastructure, emphasizing the potential of Ontario's "One Project, One Process" initiative to streamline permitting while ensuring environmental standards and Indigenous rights are respected [3]. Indigenous Participation - The Nipissing First Nation (NFN) offers a network of First Nation-owned businesses that can support the project's advancement, providing access to a skilled workforce and local services [4]. - The engagement represents progress in economic reconciliation, moving towards specific pathways for NFN participation in the project's economics [5]. Strategic Importance - The ministerial engagement underscores the provincial recognition of the Springer's strategic potential within Canada's domestic rare earth supply chain, addressing vulnerabilities due to reliance on foreign sources [6]. - Volta's President and CEO highlighted the importance of strong Indigenous partnerships and established infrastructure in de-risking the project through exploration and permitting [7]. Community Engagement - The ongoing collaboration with the Nipissing First Nation is seen as essential for ensuring that the perspectives of the community guide the project's development stages [9].

Core Insights - Muzhu Mining Ltd. has signed a definitive option agreement to acquire the Everett property from Romaine River Titanium Inc., with Romaine mobilizing a sampling crew to the site for metallurgical testing [1][5] Collaboration and Program Details - Romaine has a collaboration agreement with Centre technologique des résidus industriels (CTRI), Impact Global Solutions (IGS), and Corem to support metallurgical testing at the Everett titanium-vanadium project [2] - The program includes a budget of $462,000, with up to $323,000 provided as non-dilutive funding from the Elements08 Strategic Metals Excellence Centre [5] Sampling and Testing - Romaine's crews are collecting a representative 1200 kg metallurgical sample from the Everett oxide body, which will be used to test advanced grinding, magnetic, and gravity separation techniques [7] - The program employs advanced characterization techniques, including automated mineralogy analysis, to examine mineral morphology and quantify concentrations of titanium, vanadium, iron, and other critical minerals [3][4] Objectives and Outcomes - The program aims to investigate the extraction of titanium and vanadium from the Everett hemo-ilmenite oxide body and verify historical metallurgy [5] - The efficacy of various separation methods is being evaluated to produce high-quality ilmenite concentrates, with subsequent testing for innovations in vanadium leachability [4]

Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg JPMorgan Chase & Co. and the US government are backing Korea Zinc Co.’s planned $7.4 billion smelter in Tennessee that will supply critical minerals essential for chip-making, defense and aerospace. Korea Zinc — one of the world’s largest processors of the metal — said Monday it will establish a foreign joint venture called Crucible JV LLC to oversee the project. The venture will be comprised of Korea Zinc, the US government, and other unnamed investors, the company ...

Core Insights - Albemarle Corporation (ALB) has entered into a C$5 million pre-payment agreement with Power Metals Corp for cesium oxide concentrate from the Case Lake Project in Ontario, Canada [1][6] - The Case Lake Project is strategically important due to its high-grade cesium, which is essential for securing North America's cesium supply chain [2][6] - The transfer of offtake rights from Sinomine Resources to Winsome Resources and now to Albemarle reflects a shift in the global critical minerals landscape [3] Financial Details - The pre-payment is structured in stages: C$2 million upon execution of the agreement and C$3 million after obtaining Environmental Compliance Approval for mining in 2026 [4][6] - ALB's shares have increased by 36.1% over the past year, contrasting with a 17% decline in the industry [4] Strategic Implications - Albemarle's involvement enhances Power Metals' strategy in critical minerals by providing expertise in high-value cesium chemicals and fostering an integrated cesium market [2] - Winsome Resources will retain a 15.8% shareholding in Power Metals despite the transfer of offtake rights to Albemarle [2]