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M2i Global CEO discusses US critical mineral dependency - ICYMI
Proactiveinvestors NA· 2026-01-31 15:02
Core Insights - M2i Global Inc is focused on reshaping the U.S. critical minerals supply chain to reduce reliance on foreign sources, which is crucial for national security and economic resilience [1][2]. Group 1: Company Mission and Strategy - The company's founding principle is to create a transparent, sustainable, and responsible critical minerals supply chain for the United States, emphasizing the connection between national defense and economic security [2][5]. - M2i Global is working on returning processing capabilities to the U.S. while sourcing materials from allied partners, particularly Australia, aligning with recent government investigations into critical mineral imports [4][5]. Group 2: Industry Context and Government Actions - The U.S. government has acknowledged its dependency on critical minerals, being 100% dependent on 12 of them and over 50% dependent on 29 others, highlighting the urgency of M2i's mission [5]. - The recent findings from the Department of Commerce's 232 investigation underscore the economic and national security implications of critical mineral imports, reinforcing the need for domestic solutions [3][5]. Group 3: Supply Chain Traceability - M2i Global aims to ensure the provenance of all critical minerals in its supply chain, addressing ethical concerns such as forced labor and child labor, which are critical for responsible sourcing [6][7]. - The company draws parallels between the current critical minerals situation and past issues with diamond sourcing, indicating a shift towards greater traceability and ethical standards in mineral extraction [6][7].
Austrian Government Extends Critical Metals Corp’s Wolfsberg Mining License
Globenewswire· 2026-01-30 14:00
Core Insights - Critical Metals Corp has successfully renewed the Wolfsberg mining license for an additional 2 years, countering previous media inaccuracies [1][5] - The lithium market has experienced a significant rebound, with battery-grade lithium carbonate prices in China rising to approximately US$23,000–24,000 per tonne, reflecting over 40% gains in the past month and more than 100% year-over-year increases [2][3] - A decision regarding the commencement of mining operations at the Wolfsberg project is expected by the end of 2026, contingent on favorable market conditions [2][5] Company Overview - Critical Metals Corp is a prominent mining development company focused on critical metals and minerals essential for electrification and next-generation technologies, with its flagship project being the Tanbreez rare-earth deposit in Southern Greenland [8][10] - The Wolfsberg Lithium Project, located in Carinthia, Austria, is recognized as one of Europe's most advanced lithium assets, designed to supply high-quality spodumene concentrate to the European electric vehicle and battery storage markets [7][9] - The company is strategically positioned to become a reliable supplier of critical minerals, supporting the energy transition and defense applications in the western world [10]
Critical Metals Corp. Appoints Key Project Delivery Team to Fast Track Tanbreez Development
Globenewswire· 2026-01-30 13:45
Core Viewpoint - Critical Metals Corp has appointed a highly experienced Project Management Team to accelerate the development of its flagship Tanbreez Project, which is positioned as a premier mining asset in the current high-demand environment for critical minerals [1][2]. Company Developments - The CEO has assembled a world-class team of mining, processing, and logistics professionals with decades of experience in delivering large-scale projects globally, particularly in response to the high demand for rare earth assets [2]. - The existing Tanbreez team, led by Greg Barnes, has over 60 years of combined operational experience in Greenland, enhancing the company's capability to progress the project efficiently [3]. - The newly appointed Project Delivery Team has been coordinating with Danish engineering firm NIRAS and key stakeholders across multiple regions, including Greenland, the United States, the UAE, and Europe [3][4]. Project Progress - The Project Delivery Team is currently advancing final engineering and design activities for both short- and long-lead items, with construction activities for the Tanbreez pilot plant facility underway, pending relevant Greenland Government approvals [5]. - Preparations are ongoing for engaging Greenlandic construction contractors to support the project [5]. Team Composition - The Project Delivery Team includes: - Mike Begley, Senior Project Manager, with over 40 years of experience in project lifecycle management [8][9]. - Tony Halliday, Group Process & Engineering Manager, with over 35 years of experience in process plants and refineries, including a significant role in a multibillion-dollar lithium plant [11][12]. - Laura Brady, Project Office Manager, with over 21 years of experience in operational excellence across various sectors [14][15]. - Mo Mansour, Project Delivery Manager, with extensive experience in leading multidisciplinary teams across various sectors [17][18]. - Emeritus Professor Tony Tang, Independent Metallurgical and Process Consultant, with over 30 years of experience in the resources sector [20][21]. - Dr. Mike Wort, Process Lead, with over 50 years of global minerals processing expertise [23]. - Paul Rundel, Senior Metallurgist and Pilot Plant Manager, with over 35 years of experience in metallurgical operations [25]. - Dr. Sara Kambarji, Process Technician, with a strong foundation in chemical engineering [26][27]. - Col Lloyd, Chief Technical Geologist, with over 27 years of experience in mining and exploration [29][30]. - Dr. Tanya Jude Eton, Geological Research Lead, with extensive technical experience in geology [32]. - Sara Ivory, Consultant Chief Geologist, with broad experience in mineral exploration and resource definition [33][34]. - Alix Marengo, IT Advisor, with extensive experience in operations and technology integration [35][36]. Strategic Positioning - Critical Metals Corp is focused on critical metals and minerals essential for electrification and next-generation technologies, with its flagship Tanbreez Project being one of the largest rare-earth deposits globally, located in Southern Greenland [37]. - The Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria is also highlighted as the first fully permitted mine in Europe, strategically positioned to become a major producer of lithium products for the European market [38]. - The company aims to become a reliable and sustainable supplier of critical minerals for defense applications and the clean energy transition [39].
Atlas Critical Minerals Announces High Metallurgical Recoveries from Rare Earths Project
TMX Newsfile· 2026-01-26 12:30
Core Viewpoint - Atlas Critical Minerals Corporation has announced high metallurgical recoveries from initial testwork on its Alto do Paranaíba Project, indicating strong potential for commercial processing of rare earth elements and titanium [1][4]. Metallurgical Extraction Results - A 50 kg composite sample was processed, achieving significant extraction rates for rare earth elements: 57.7% for Total Rare Earths Elements (TREY) in Leach 1 and 93.8% in Leach 2, with 97.0% for Magnetic Rare Earths Elements (MREE) [2][3]. - The results from Leach 2 demonstrated near-complete extraction of MREE and strong recoveries across all rare earth groupings [3]. Initial Drilling Campaign Results - An initial auger drilling program included 13 holes totaling 144 meters, with 178 samples analyzed, revealing high-grade mineralization [4]. - Highlights from drilling include significant concentrations of rare earths and titanium, with samples showing up to 7,729 ppm Total Rare Earths Oxides (TREO) and 2,680 ppm Magnetic Rare Earths Oxides (MREO) [7][12]. Surface Sampling Highlights - Surface sampling results indicated consistently high grades of rare earths across the project area, supporting the project's economic potential [8]. Company Overview - Atlas Critical Minerals Corporation focuses on critical minerals, including rare earths, graphite, and uranium, aiming to build a diversified global supply chain for strategic minerals essential for various technological applications [8].
MetalQuest Mining Amends Royalty on its Lac Otelnuk Iron Project in Quebec
Thenewswire· 2026-01-20 22:35
Core Viewpoint - MetalQuest Mining Inc. has amended the royalty provisions for its Lac Otelnuk Iron Project, simplifying the agreement and providing greater flexibility for future operations [1][2][3]. Royalty Structure Amendments - The existing royalty has been replaced with a 2.5% gross overriding royalty (GOR) based on the gross invoiced value from arm's-length sales of iron products, with no deductions for costs [4]. - The company has the option to reduce the GOR by 1.0% to 1.5% through the issuance of 500,000 common shares, pending necessary approvals [4]. - The GOR will remain attached to the mineral claims of the Lac Otelnuk Iron Project [4]. Project Development and Financials - Approximately $120 million has been invested in the Lac Otelnuk Iron Project to date, with ongoing efforts to gather technical data [8]. - The company is collaborating with the Naskapi First Nation and has engaged AtkinsRéalis for a comprehensive gap analysis of the 2015 Feasibility Study [8]. - The company also owns approximately 1.8 million free trading shares and 2.5 million warrants of Canadian Copper Inc., with CCI shares trading at $0.61 as of January 19, 2026 [11]. New Acquisitions and Future Plans - MetalQuest has secured the ROF-1 Project in Ontario's Ring of Fire, covering approximately 20,800 hectares, indicating a strategic move to expand its portfolio in critical minerals [9]. - Initial work at the Superior Iron Project is planned for Winter/Spring 2026, focusing on geological surveys and environmental studies to support future exploration [10].
Europe's Antimony Dilemma: Geopolitics, Greenland, And Battle for Critical Mineral Supply - Gabelli Healthcare (NYSE:GRX)
Benzinga· 2026-01-20 16:13
Group 1: US and EU Strategic Shifts - The US has prioritized critical mineral security, reshaping transatlantic relations and highlighting Europe's dependence on foreign suppliers [1][2] - The Trump administration emphasized Greenland's natural resources and strategic location as vital to US economic interests, aiming to diversify from Chinese-dominated supply chains [1][3] - The EU faces a dual challenge of strengthening defense capabilities and addressing vulnerabilities in rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals essential for clean energy and defense manufacturing [2][4] Group 2: Supply Chain Vulnerabilities - The World Economic Forum has warned of the EU's supply chain vulnerabilities, noting that China produces about 95% of the world's rare-earth oxides and supplies 70% of Europe's imports [4][6] - The EU sources 98% of its rare-earth magnet demand from Chinese suppliers, indicating a significant dependency on China for critical minerals [6][22] - Greenland is emerging as a strategic asset for European industries, with risks of falling behind in AI development and defense manufacturing without secure access to REEs [6][22] Group 3: Antimony's Strategic Importance - Antimony has become a critical mineral with strategic importance, particularly for defense applications, and Greenland has high-grade antimony deposits [8][9] - China, Russia, and Tajikistan control about 90% of global antimony production, with China using it as a geopolitical weapon in trade relations [11][12] - European antimony prices surged 437% between 2023 and 2025 due to supply disruptions, exacerbating shortages for munitions and defense technologies [15][16] Group 4: Efforts to Secure Supply - The US government plans to invest hundreds of billions of dollars into the mining sector to enhance domestic production of critical minerals [23] - A bipartisan group of US lawmakers introduced a bill to create a $2.5 billion stockpile of critical minerals to encourage domestic mining and refining [23] - Europe has a limited number of antimony miners, with demand expected to grow significantly, highlighting the need for increased supply efforts [16][18]
Critical Metals Corp Schedules Business Update Call
Globenewswire· 2026-01-16 13:30
Core Viewpoint - Critical Metals Corp is set to provide a business update through a webcast and conference call on January 22, 2026, at 8:00 AM ET [1]. Company Overview - Critical Metals Corp (Nasdaq: CRML) is a prominent mining development company focused on critical metals and minerals essential for electrification and next-generation technologies, particularly for Europe and its western partners [3]. - The company's flagship project, Tanbreez, is one of the largest rare-earth deposits globally, located in Southern Greenland, with year-round shipping access via deep water fjords to the North Atlantic Ocean [3]. - Another significant asset is the Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Carinthia, Austria, which is the first fully permitted mine in Europe and is strategically positioned with established road and rail infrastructure [4]. - The Wolfsberg project is expected to be a major producer of lithium products to support the European market and is well-positioned with offtake and downstream partners [4]. - With its strategic asset portfolio, Critical Metals Corp aims to become a reliable and sustainable supplier of critical minerals for defense applications, clean energy transition, and next-generation technologies in the western world [5].
Trump Holds Off On Critical Minerals Tariffs, Turns To Trading Partners - Amplify Lithium & Battery Technology ETF (ARCA:BATT), Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (ARCA:LIT)
Benzinga· 2026-01-15 11:26
Core Insights - President Trump has decided to delay imposing tariffs on critical minerals, directing his administration to seek solutions with international trading partners following a security review [1] - The U.S. is heavily reliant on imports for critical minerals, with 12 minerals being 100% net-import reliant and 29 more at 50% reliance, posing significant national security vulnerabilities [2] Group 1: Industry Exposure - The White House highlighted that the reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals exposes key industries to supply disruptions and price volatility, which could be exploited by foreign actors [2] - Domestic mining does not ensure national security if the U.S. remains dependent on foreign processing capabilities, despite being the second-largest producer of mined rare earth oxides [4][6] Group 2: Negotiation and Policy Actions - Instead of immediate tariffs, Trump has tasked Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to engage in negotiations with trading partners, focusing on mechanisms like price floors for critical minerals [3] - If negotiations fail, Trump may consider setting minimum import prices or other measures to address the issue [4] Group 3: China's Role - China is a dominant player in the critical minerals market, producing over half of the 54 minerals deemed critical by the U.S. Geological Survey and controlling significant refining capacity [5] - Recent export curtailments by Beijing amid trade tensions have raised concerns about supply chain concentration and strategic risks associated with reliance on China [5] Group 4: Domestic Demand Trends - Despite a decline in U.S. refining and production of critical minerals, domestic demand is rapidly increasing, driven by expanding defense needs, data centers, nuclear energy, and new energy technologies [7] - The administration has prioritized resolving the critical minerals issue, with a report on negotiation progress expected within 180 days [8]
NioCorp Issues 2025 Year in Review Report
Accessnewswire· 2026-01-14 20:25
Core Insights - The year 2025 marked significant advancements for NioCorp, particularly in financing, federal support, technical development, and pre-construction efforts, laying a strong foundation for the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project [3][4][19] - The company aims to secure full project financing and advance towards formal construction approval in 2026, which is seen as a pivotal year for the project [4][19] Financing Progress - NioCorp raised over $370 million in 2025, including $360.8 million in equity capital and $10 million from the Pentagon, marking one of the most successful fundraising years in its history [7][9] - The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) advanced the Elk Creek Project to Independent Technical Review, indicating serious consideration for a potential binding debt agreement [5][6] Federal Support - The company received up to $10 million from the Department of War under the Defense Production Act to support various technical programs, including reserve-upgrade drilling and development of scandium alloy technology [11][12] - Federal support is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen U.S. defense and aerospace supply chains [11] Technical Development - NioCorp completed a Department of War-funded in-fill drilling program, analyzing over 7,000 drill core samples to enhance the geological model and support resource conversion [13][15] - An updated Feasibility Study is expected to incorporate rare earth elements alongside niobium, scandium, and titanium, aiding in project financing efforts [15] Pre-Construction Efforts - The company has acquired all necessary land parcels for construction and received Board approval for the mine portal project, which is a significant step towards reducing execution risk [16][20] - Community support was evident with nearly 600 attendees at Town Hall events, highlighting the project's importance to Nebraska's economy [17][18] 2026 Priorities - The primary focus for 2026 is to finalize and secure full project financing, advance the EXIM due diligence process, and complete remaining equity financing [19] - Additional goals include publishing an updated Feasibility Study and establishing a domestic U.S. scandium supply chain [19]
CRITICAL METALS CORP. NASDAQ–CRML Announces Another Series of Outstanding Drilling Results Achieving Additional High-Grade Results Across Its Tanbreez Asset from the 2025 Drilling Campaign
Globenewswire· 2026-01-14 13:30
Core Viewpoint - Critical Metals Corp has announced the first assay results from its 2025 drilling program at the Tanbreez Rare Earths Project in Greenland, confirming consistent rare earth grades and the presence of strategic metals, which reinforces the project's global significance in the rare earth sector [1][3][11]. Drilling Program Overview - The 2025 drilling campaign aimed to extend known mineralization and refine the geological model, with results expected to support a revised Mineral Resource Estimate and advance mine planning studies [2][17]. - A total of 20 diamond drill holes were completed in 2025, totaling 3,430 meters, which included both vertical and angled holes designed to intersect mineralized layers [19][20]. Assay Results Highlights - The assay results indicate Total Rare Earth Oxide (TREO+Y) grades ranging from 0.35% to 0.77%, with heavy rare earth oxides (HREO) comprising approximately 25–29% of TREO+Y [25][30]. - Key results from specific drill holes include: - 25-D01: 24m @ 0.48% TREO+Y (25.9% HREO) from 0m [4] - 25-D02: 187m @ 0.48% TREO+Y (25.0% HREO) from 0m [4] - 25-D05: 158m @ 0.42% TREO+Y (25.0% HREO) from 7m [5] - 25-D09: 71m @ 0.37% TREO+Y (23.3% HREO) from 34m [9] Strategic Metals Presence - The drilling results highlight the presence of strategic metals such as gallium, hafnium, cerium, and yttrium, which support the project's multi-commodity potential [3][15]. - Gallium oxide levels were reported at approximately 100 ppm, hafnium oxide at around 350 ppm, and cerium oxide at about 1,630 ppm [15][30]. Resource Growth Potential - The results indicate potential for further resource growth, with mineralization confirmed to occur consistently close to the surface and demonstrating strong lateral and vertical continuity [15][30]. - The mineralized area extends from drill hole K-24 northeast for at least 1.0 km, with a depth of more than 200 meters above the Fjord Deposit [15][11]. Next Steps - The company is awaiting additional assay results from the 2025 drilling season and plans to incorporate this data into the planning stage for the 2026 field season [28].