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US President Donald Trump has invoked emergency powers to enhance domestic production of critical minerals, a move aimed at reducing the US’ dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly China.   

The executive order leverages the Defense Production Act (DPA) to provide financial support for the processing of critical minerals such as lithium and nickel, which are essential for electronics and electric vehicle batteries.  

The DPA grants the Department of Defense authority to secure equipment for national defence. The executive order directs federal agencies to identify mines for quick approval and federal lands suitable for mineral processing.  

The order is part of a broader initiative to increase US energy and mineral production amidst a growing trade conflict with major mineral producers such as China and Canada.  

The US has limited domestic production of lithium and nickel and only one operational rare earth elements mine, underscoring the urgency to bolster its mining capabilities. 

South African miner Impala Platinum (Implats) may shut down its Canadian palladium mine two years early if metal prices remain low.  

The company’s profit plummeted to R1.85bn ($100m), impacted by lower metal prices, leading to the suspension of dividend payments.  

Last year, Implats announced a three-year reduction in the lifespan of its Canadian mine to mitigate costs amidst declining prices.  

The mine’s production dropped by 20% to 116,000 tonnes (t) in first half of FY25.  

Although Implats reported strong operational delivery and higher sales volumes, these were overshadowed by weaker rand PGM pricing, affecting profitability.  

The company generated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of R6.5bnand free cash flow of R639m.  

Revenue reached R42.3bn, a 3% decrease from the same period in the previous year, mainly due to lower dollar metal prices and a stronger rand, despite a 5% increase in sales volumes.

Toronto’s mining sector, once a global leader, is facing challenges as exploration companies exit Canada, impacting the Toronto Stock Exchange.  

The sector’s traditional model, which involved prospectors attracting investors and established producers acquiring them, is under strain.  

The consolidation of the industry has reduced head offices and listings, making it harder for companies to attract investors.  

In the past nine months, three companies – Lithium Argentina, Solaris Resources and Falcon Energy Materials – have relocated their headquarters from Canada.  

Cornish Metals and Almonty Industries are planning similar moves.  

Solaris Resources moved to Ecuador after cancelling a financing deal with Zijin Mining Group, while Falcon Energy relocated to Abu Dhabi.  Lithium Argentina moved its headquarters to Switzerland in January, citing strategic and commercial advantages.  

The TSX and TSX Venture Exchange currently host 1,097 mining listings, down from 1,531 in 2010. 

Indonesia is contemplating an increase in the royalties paid by mining companies for commodities such as coal, nickel and copper.  

This proposal is part of the new government’s plan to accommodate President Prabowo Subianto’s spending initiatives. The aim is to improve governance within the sector.   

Mining is a significant revenue source for resource-rich Indonesia, the world’s largest exporter of thermal coal and nickel products, and a major supplier of tin and copper.  

Officials have proposed raising royalty rates for miners and metal producers, introducing progressive rates for metals such as nickel and copper.  

The government is considering levying royalties of between 14% and 19% for nickel ore, based on benchmark price levels, compared with the current flat rate of 10%.  

For coal, royalty rates could increase by one percentage point to a maximum of 13.5%.   

The proposal also includes a plan to raise the royalty rate for copper ore to between 10% and 17%, up from 5%. 

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has awarded exploration licences for 4,788km² within the mineral-rich regions of Jabal Sayid and Al-Hajjar to local and international mining companies.

This move is part of the ministry’s strategic plan to expedite the exploration and development of the kingdom’s mineral resources, which are valued at an estimated SR9.3trn ($2.4trn).

The country began granting licences to international miners in 2022.

Indian mining giant Vedanta and a consortium led by local operator Ajlan & Bros and China’s Zijin Mining are some of the companies that were awarded the licences.

The ministry stated that miners will invest around SR366m in exploration over the next three years.

The government aims to attract $100bn annually in foreign investment by 2030.

The initiative is expected to contribute to the national economy and align with the Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at diversifying the country’s economy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.