Core Points - ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited announced a 90-day extension of its Investment Advisory Agreement with Merk Investments LLC, effective from April 1, 2026 [1] - The Board of Directors has engaged Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. to assist the Special Committee in reviewing the Company to maximize risk-adjusted investment returns and shareholder value [2] - The Company declared a distribution of $0.04 per common share, payable on May 13, 2026, which is an increase of $0.01 per common share compared to the previous year [3]

Core Viewpoint - Newmont Corporation will release its first quarter 2026 results on April 23, 2026, followed by a conference call to discuss the results [1][2] Company Overview - Newmont is the world's leading gold company and also produces copper, zinc, lead, and silver, with operations in favorable mining jurisdictions across Africa, Australia, Latin America, North America, and Papua New Guinea [3] - The company is the only gold producer listed in the S&P 500 Index and is recognized for its strong environmental, social, and governance practices [3] - Founded in 1921, Newmont has been publicly traded since 1925 and is known for its value creation through robust safety standards and technical expertise [3] Upcoming Events - A conference call to discuss the first quarter 2026 results will take place at 5:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time on April 23, 2026, with a replay available on the company's website [1][2]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. District Court has upheld the federal permit for the Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project, allowing Ioneer Ltd to advance its plans for mining and processing critical minerals in Nevada, which are essential for various applications including batteries and military uses [1][3]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Rhyolite Ridge Lithium-Boron Project aims to mine and process lithium and boron, which are crucial for permanent magnets, batteries, and semiconductors, thereby enhancing the U.S. supply chain and national security [2]. - The project is expected to create hundreds of new jobs in the U.S. and reduce reliance on foreign materials [4]. Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Compliance - The court found that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) adhered to the Endangered Species Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and National Environmental Policy Act during their review and approval process [3]. - Ioneer has collaborated with various stakeholders, including state, federal, and tribal representatives, for over six years to responsibly develop the project [3]. Group 3: Financial and Strategic Developments - Ioneer secured a US$996 million loan from the U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Dominance Financing Program in January 2025 to support the project [6]. - The company has signed offtake agreements with major corporations, including Ford Motor Company and a joint venture between Toyota and Panasonic, indicating strong market interest in the project's output [6].

Core Viewpoint - Mineros S.A. held its General Shareholders Assembly on March 27, 2026, where key decisions regarding profit distribution, dividends, share repurchase, and board elections were made [1]. Profit Distribution and Dividends - The General Shareholders Assembly approved the distribution of 2025 profits, declaring an annual ordinary dividend of $0.10 per common share, totaling $29,578,052, to be paid in four quarterly installments of $0.025 each [1][2]. - The net income for the year 2025 was reported at $144,984,322, with deductions for stock buyback reserves and transfers to general reserves [2][3]. Share Repurchase Program - An $80 million share repurchase program was approved, increasing from an initial proposal of $20 million, allowing the company to repurchase shares over a period not exceeding three years [8][9]. - The resolution received overwhelming support, with 99.99% of shares voting in favor [9]. Election of Directors - A slate of five nominees was elected to the Board of Directors, with 99.98% of shares voting in favor of the nominees [12][11]. - The elected board members include Filipe J. Martins, Vikram Sodhi, Augusto López, Hernán Rodríguez, and Sofía Bianchi [12]. Director Compensation - The General Shareholders Assembly approved the following annual fees for board members: Chair of the Board at $30,000, Member of the Board at $55,000, Chair of the Audit Committee at $25,000, and $5,000 for other committee members [15].

Core Viewpoint - Rio Tinto's iron ore operations in Western Australia have resumed following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Narelle, with the company reporting no harm to its personnel and outlining recovery plans for shipment losses caused by recent weather events [1][2][3]. Group 1: Operational Updates - Port closures at Rio Tinto's four Pilbara iron ore terminals began on March 24, 2026, with ship loading resuming on March 28 at East Intercourse Island, Parker Point, and Cape Lambert B [2]. - Repairs are ongoing at Cape Lambert A, with shipping expected to restart in the coming days [2]. Group 2: Shipment Impact and Guidance - Recent weather events, including Tropical Cyclone Mitchell, are estimated to have affected iron ore shipments by approximately 8 million tonnes, with the company aiming to recover around half of these losses [3]. - The shipment guidance for Pilbara iron ore in 2026 remains unchanged at 323 to 338 million tonnes [3]. Group 3: Financial Contributions - In 2025, Rio Tinto spent a record A$19.7 billion with over 6,000 Australian suppliers, marking a A$2 billion increase from the previous year [6][7]. - The company contributed A$1.1 billion to Indigenous businesses, including A$820 million to Traditional Owner businesses [7]. Group 4: Tax and Royalties - Rio Tinto reported $9.9 billion in taxes and royalties paid globally in 2025, an increase from $8.4 billion in 2024 [8]. - In Australia, taxes and royalties amounted to $6.1 billion (A$9.5 billion), including corporate tax of $3.7 billion (A$5.8 billion) [8].

Core Viewpoint - Hecla Mining Company has completed the sale of its Casa Berardi Mine to Orezone Gold Corporation, enhancing its position as a leading North American silver producer [1][2]. Transaction Details - The sale involved a cash payment of $160 million and approximately 65.8 million Orezone common shares, with potential deferred cash payments and contingent cash consideration of up to $321 million [2][7]. - The transaction is expected to strengthen Hecla's financial position and provide flexibility for future investments [4][5]. Financial Actions - Hecla announced a full redemption of its remaining $263 million 7.25% Senior Notes due 2028, scheduled for April 9, 2026, which will be redeemed at par plus accrued interest [3][4]. - The proceeds from the sale and existing cash will be used to fund the redemption of the Notes and any accrued interest [4][5]. Strategic Positioning - The completion of the transaction is seen as a pivotal moment in Hecla's transformation, allowing the company to focus on its core silver assets and growth opportunities [5][6]. - Hecla aims to maximize value from its silver portfolio, which includes world-class assets at Greens Creek, Lucky Friday, and Keno Hill [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - Rio Tinto, in partnership with the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments, has established a significant agreement to secure the long-term future of the Boyne aluminium smelter in Gladstone, ensuring its international cost-competitiveness beyond the current power contract [1][3]. Investment and Financial Commitment - The Queensland and Commonwealth Governments will jointly invest A$2 billion over the next 10 years, extending to 2040, as part of the Federal Government's Future Made in Australia initiative [3]. - This investment is aimed at transitioning to long-term competitive power for the smelter and supporting manufacturing jobs in Central Queensland [3]. Renewable Energy Initiatives - The agreement builds on previous power purchase agreements (PPAs) that Rio Tinto has signed, which underwrite A$7.5 billion in new renewable energy and storage projects in Queensland [2]. - Rio Tinto has contracted over 2.8GW of new renewable energy and more than 600MW of storage capacity from five projects since January 2024, including significant solar and wind power investments [11]. Production and Employment Impact - The partnership ensures that Boyne Smelters Limited will continue aluminium production beyond 2029, maintaining operations at least until 2040 [4]. - The integrated aluminium production chain in Queensland is a major economic driver, directly employing over 4,500 people and supporting thousands more [10]. Strategic Positioning - The investment positions Boyne to be among the world's first aluminium smelters powered by solar and wind energy, as fossil fuel costs rise [6]. - The partnership preserves one of the few fully integrated aluminium value chains globally, from bauxite mining to aluminium smelting, in response to growing aluminium demand driven by the energy transition [7].

Core Viewpoint - Compass Minerals is accelerating its balance sheet transformation and deleveraging plan by announcing the full redemption of $150 million of its 6.750% Senior Notes due 2027, demonstrating a commitment to improving its financial position [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Actions - The company has issued a notice for the full redemption of its 2027 Notes, which will be redeemed on March 30, 2026, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued interest [1][2]. - CFO Peter Fjellman emphasized that executing a decisive deleveraging plan is a top priority for fiscal 2026, and the company is utilizing its strong liquidity to pay down this debt ahead of schedule [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Compass Minerals is a leading global provider of essential minerals, focusing on delivering products that address various challenges for customers and communities [4]. - The company operates 11 production and packaging facilities with over 1,800 employees across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., offering salt products for winter safety and plant nutrition products for sustainable agriculture [4].

Core Insights - Rare Element Resources Ltd. has commenced initial operations at its rare earth processing and separation demonstration plant in Upton, Wyoming, utilizing proprietary technology to produce high-purity separated neodymium/praseodymium (Nd/Pr) oxide, with operations expected to last up to 12 months [1][2] - The Bear Lodge Rare Earth Project has been accepted into the FAST-41 Permitting Program, which will streamline the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process, enhancing the project's timeline towards commercialization [3][4] Group 1: Demonstration Plant Operations - The demonstration plant's operations have begun following successful modifications and upgrades, with the introduction of feed material into the primary processing circuit [2] - The plant aims to produce a total rare earth product that will feed into the separation circuits, incorporating waste processing and acid recovery systems [2] - The company currently employs over 20 staff at the Upton plant and is in the process of recruiting additional personnel [2] Group 2: Bear Lodge Project - The Bear Lodge Project is recognized as a world-class rare-earth deposit by the U.S. Geological Survey, rich in high-value magnet rare earths [3] - The acceptance into the FAST-41 program is seen as a significant milestone, ensuring a coordinated and timely NEPA review [4][5] - The project is positioned to support U.S. and allied demands for secure domestic sources of rare earths, essential for various high-tech applications [5]

Core Viewpoint - Arnold Magnetic Technologies and USA Rare Earth, Inc. have entered into a mutual sales and distribution agreement to enhance the domestic supply chain for high-performance rare earth permanent magnets in the United States [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The agreement allows each company to sell and distribute the other's products while maintaining their independence as non-exclusive partners [2]. - Arnold will distribute USAR's processed neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) materials and finished magnets, while USAR will distribute Arnold's finished permanent magnets made from samarium-cobalt (SmCo) and NdFeB materials [2]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - Rare earth magnets like SmCo and NdFeB are essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, advanced industrial equipment, and defense systems [3]. - The current global supply chains for these materials are heavily concentrated outside the U.S., making domestic manufacturers vulnerable to supply disruptions and price volatility [3]. Group 3: Supply Chain Resilience - The partnership aims to create a more resilient American supply chain by combining Arnold's magnet manufacturing capabilities with USAR's U.S.-based NdFeB processing and refining [4]. - This collaboration supports U.S. policy initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic production of rare earth magnets and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers [4]. Group 4: Company Background - Arnold Magnetic Technologies has over 130 years of operational history and is a leading global manufacturer of engineered solutions for various applications, including aerospace, defense, and energy [5]. - USA Rare Earth, Inc. is developing a fully integrated rare earth and permanent magnet supply chain across the U.S., U.K., and Europe, focusing on sustainable and secure material supply for critical industries [7].