Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would raise a temporary tariff rate on US imports from all countries from 10% to 15%, less than 24 hours after the US supreme court ruled against the legality of his flagship trade policy.Infuriated by the high court’s ruling on Friday that he had exceeded his authority and should have got congressional approval for the tariffs he introduced last year under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the US president railed against the justices who str ...

Core Insights - Resourcing Tomorrow has announced a new senior-level conference focused on mining and critical minerals investment, scheduled for April 16-17, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong [1] - The conference aims to provide a practical understanding of mining investments, covering aspects such as capital structures, risk management, project development, and returns [2] Conference Details - The agenda will address key investment themes in global mining and critical minerals markets, including mining risk, Chinese and Asian capital engagement, gold and precious metals, critical minerals and battery supply chains, midstream and processing, and geopolitical risks [2] - The event will feature interactive leadership roundtables, closed-door discussions, and structured networking to facilitate senior-level dialogue [3] Speaker Lineup - Confirmed speakers include industry leaders such as Jason Chang (CEO, EMR Capital), Greg Fournier (Managing Director, CIBC Hong Kong), Ling Lu (Managing Director, Standard Chartered Bank), and others [6]

Core Viewpoint - President Trump is delaying new tariffs on critical mineral imports and is instead focusing on negotiating agreements with foreign nations to secure adequate supplies and address supply chain vulnerabilities [1][2]. Group 1: Tariff Decisions - Trump indicated that import restrictions, including tariffs, may be imposed if satisfactory agreements are not reached promptly [2]. - The absence of immediate tariffs suggests an effort to maintain a trade truce with China, which was established to lower import-tax rates and ease export controls [3]. - The administration is considering price floors for critical minerals, which may include minimum import prices and potential future tariffs to address supply chain vulnerabilities [4]. Group 2: National Security and Industry Impact - The investigation under Section 232 concluded that imports of processed critical minerals threaten US national security due to their importance in defense industries [2]. - Trump's proclamation allows for the possibility of imposing tariffs on critical minerals from countries with artificially low prices, which would raise import costs to support US production [5].

Core Insights - JPMorgan Chase is launching a $1.5 trillion investment initiative aimed at enhancing national security and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers over the next decade [1][4] - The initiative is supported by a high-profile advisory panel including tech billionaires and former government officials, which will guide investment decisions [2][6] - Jamie Dimon has emphasized the importance of national resilience and the risks posed by foreign dependencies, particularly from China [3] Investment Strategy - The $1.5 trillion investment will encompass loans, underwriting, and various investments over the next ten years [4] - A new $10 billion fund will be established to support companies focused on sensitive technologies, including advanced chips, AI, and critical minerals [2] Advisory Panel Composition - The advisory panel is chaired by Jamie Dimon and includes notable figures such as Jeff Bezos, Condoleezza Rice, Michael Dell, and Robert Gates [2][6] - The panel will meet periodically to provide insights on investment strategies, although it holds no formal authority [5] Previous Initiatives - Dimon has previously set ambitious targets, including a $2.5 trillion climate-finance pledge, which has seen limited progress [5] - JPMorgan has already made an investment in Perpetua Resources, a mining firm focused on antimony production, highlighting the bank's commitment to securing critical resources [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article argues that Canada needs to rethink its strategy for developing critical minerals, particularly focusing on the Ring of Fire, which may not be the best investment compared to other existing mining regions in Canada. Group 1: Government Initiatives and Policies - Prime Minister Mark Carney has prioritized critical minerals alongside infrastructure development, aiming to double Canada's non-US exports over the next decade, unlocking $300 billion in new trade [5][15]. - The Ontario government is frustrated with the lengthy timelines for mining project approvals, leading to the introduction of Bill 5 to expedite mining projects and create Special Economic Zones [7][8]. - The Building Canada Act aims to streamline federal approval processes for major projects, including critical mineral developments [11]. Group 2: The Ring of Fire - The Ring of Fire has been highlighted as a potential area for critical mineral extraction, but it faces significant challenges, including lack of infrastructure and opposition from local First Nations [24][25]. - The estimated economic return from the Ring of Fire is $22 billion over 30 years, averaging $730 million per year, which is less than the current earnings from platinum group elements in Ontario [33][96]. - Critics argue that the Ring of Fire is overhyped and that other mining regions, such as the Sudbury Basin and Abitibi Greenstone Belt, offer better returns and should be prioritized for investment [17][30][96]. Group 3: Infrastructure and Investment Needs - Canada needs to build more mining infrastructure, including ports, power lines, and railways, to support the extraction and transportation of critical minerals [60][66][73]. - The Port of Churchill is identified as a key project for diversifying trade and enhancing Canada's economy, with a commitment of $180 million for improvements [63][64]. - The lack of power infrastructure in remote mining areas, such as the Ring of Fire, poses a significant barrier to development [66][70]. Group 4: Comparison with Other Mining Regions - The Sudbury Basin and Abitibi Greenstone Belt are highlighted as more productive mining regions compared to the Ring of Fire, with the Sudbury Basin generating $800 million annually from platinum group elements alone [30][96]. - The article emphasizes that Canada has several existing mining camps that could drive GDP and exports more effectively than the Ring of Fire [93][96]. Group 5: Future Directions - The article suggests that instead of focusing on the Ring of Fire, the Canadian government should identify and fund advanced mineral projects that are more likely to succeed [97][98]. - There is a call for the government to support junior mining companies, which are crucial for future mineral discoveries and developments [55][57]. - The need for a strategic approach to mining, including the establishment of smelters and refineries within Canada, is emphasized to avoid exporting raw materials for processing abroad [104][106].

Core Insights - Energy Fuels, Inc. reported a quarterly loss of $0.07 per share, which was worse than the expected loss of $0.06 per share [2] - The company achieved quarterly revenue of $17.71 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $8.9 million and significantly increasing from $4.04 million in the same quarter last year [2] Financial Performance - Quarterly losses were reported at $0.07 per share, missing analyst expectations [2] - Revenue for the quarter was $17.71 million, exceeding estimates and showing a substantial year-over-year increase [2] Market Reaction - Energy Fuels' stock closed down 13.21% during Monday's regular session, influenced by a broader pullback in rare earth stocks following China's decision to pause stricter export controls [3] - In extended trading, the stock was down an additional 3.15%, trading at $17.24 [4]

Core Insights - Ramaco Resources has initiated a project to establish the US' first national stockpile of rare earth elements (REEs) and critical minerals at its Brook Mine facility in Wyoming [1][2] - The strategic critical minerals terminal (SCMT) will enable Ramaco to become a fully integrated producer of critical minerals and REEs, covering all operational stages [2][3] Project Overview - The SCMT aims to provide secure access to REE and critical minerals for both private and public sectors, addressing national needs [2] - The initiative will utilize Ramaco's mineral resources alongside external expertise for extraction, processing, and inventory management, reducing supply chain risks [3] Operational Details - Ramaco plans to process its own materials and offer tolling services for third-party producers, enhancing the domestic supply chain [4] - The terminal will manage inventory to ensure safety and market price availability, with the Brook Mine having direct access to transportation infrastructure [4] Financial and Production Goals - The project is expected to generate stable cash flows and serve as a national infrastructure asset [5] - Ramaco aims to increase annual rare earth and critical mineral oxide production to approximately 3,400 tonnes, reflecting a 174% increase [6] Resource Potential - The Brook Mine spans over 15,800 acres, with 4,500 acres permitted, and is a primary source of scandium, gallium, germanium, and heavy and light REEs [5] - An estimated 1.4 million tonnes of total rare earth oxide (TREO) has been confirmed, with potential for further increases through exploration [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Ramaco Resources has announced the establishment of a national strategic stockpile for rare earth elements and critical minerals at its Brook Mine facility in Wyoming [2] Company Summary - The board of Ramaco Resources (NASDAQ:METC) approved a plan for the Strategic Critical Minerals Terminal [2]

Core Viewpoint - Ramaco Resources plans to establish a strategic stockpile of rare earth elements (REE) and critical minerals at its Brook mine in Wyoming to ensure secure access to these vital resources [1][2]. Company Developments - The stockpile aims to meet both private and public demands for reliable access to REE and critical minerals [2]. - Ramaco's board has authorized a plan to increase Brook's projected output of rare earth and critical mineral oxides to approximately 3,400 short tons annually, up from a previous target of 1,240 tons [4]. - The company intends to apply for necessary permits to expand mining operations on remaining land and has recently acquired additional land for future development [8]. Industry Context - The initiative comes as the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on China, which currently dominates about 90% of rare earth refining and permanent magnet production [5]. - Brook mine could become the second new REE mine in the U.S. in 70 years, following the Mountain Pass mine in California [6]. Resource Potential - Brook is recognized as having the largest unconventional rare earth deposit in North America and is believed to be a primary source for scandium, gallium, and germanium [3][9]. - The site contains significant quantities of heavy REEs, including dysprosium and terbium, essential for advanced technologies [9]. Economic Assessment - A proposed REE processing facility at Brook is estimated to cost about $533.1 million, with a projected unlevered pre-tax internal rate of return of 38% and a payback period of five years [11]. - Scandium is expected to contribute 59% of the facility's total revenue [12]. Strategic Partnerships - Ramaco has partnered with a nationally recognized commodity structuring and financial advisor to support its capital expenditures and financing through off-take contracts [12].

Core Insights - The meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former U.S. President Donald Trump focused on critical minerals and reaffirmed the AUKUS partnership, resulting in a new critical minerals deal valued at up to US$8.5 billion [3]. Market Reactions - Following the meeting, the ASX saw a positive shift, climbing +0.5% in futures, while Wall Street indices (Dow, S&P, Nasdaq) experienced gains between +1% and +1.4% [4]. Companies to Watch - Arafura Rare Earths (ASX:ARU) and Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC) are highlighted as key companies to monitor due to their involvement in the Trump-Albo rare earths deal [5]. - Other notable companies in the rare earths sector include Iluka Resources (ASX:ILU), Meeka Metals (ASX:MEK), and Caprice Resources (ASX:CRS) [5]. Additional Developments - Yari Minerals (ASX:YAR) has commenced its first drilling at the Rolleston South Coal Project [6]. - Super Retail (ASX:SUL) appointed Paul Bradshaw as the new managing director for BCF, marking a significant leadership change [6]. Commodity Prices - The Australian dollar is trading at 65.1 U.S. cents, while iron ore prices have slightly decreased by -0.1% to $103.80 per tonne [7]. - Brent crude oil is down -0.7% at $60.93 per barrel, and gold prices have increased to $4,366 per ounce [7].