Editor's letter

Issue 153 • June 2025

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Cover image: The Metals Company conducting test mining operations to assess the feasibility of extracting polymetallic nodules from the seabed. Credit: TMC/Richard Baron

A month after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order that aims to drive seabed mineral development, we look at recent activity and moves to harmonise regulation of deep-sea mining.

In critical minerals, we assess how the Caremag project in southwest France is aiming to put Europe back on the map by meeting up to 15% of global heavy rare earth oxide demand by 2026. And we explore Africa’s role, asking whether a proposal to establish a non-circulating currency underpinned by critical minerals could help consolidate mining across the continent.

Elsewhere, GlobalData shares insights into the US electric vehicle market amid trade and policy uncertainty.

We also report on how tailings innovation is emerging to help miners manage waste more safely and sustainably.

Plus, we speak to Ilya Epikhin of Arthur D. Little about how drought, demand and desalination are transforming water use in Chile ─ one of the world’s most arid mining regions.

Caroline Peachey, editor

Go to article: Home | Deep-sea miningGo to article: Editor's letterGo to article: ContentsGo to article: MMD Company InsightGo to article: BriefingGo to article: News in NumbersGo to article: Latest NewsGo to article: Latest DealsGo to article: In DepthGo to article: Deep-sea mining: a hostile battlegroundGo to article: Caremag project puts Europe back in the REE gameGo to article: Could Africa establish a critical minerals-backed currency?Go to article: US electric vehicle market amid trade and policy uncertaintyGo to article: Innovation comes to tailings managementGo to article: Why Chile’s mines are turning to the seaGo to article: Reducing emissions and energy use in comminutionGo to article: ListingsGo to article: EventsGo to article: Introducing the Mining Technology Excellence Awards 2025Go to article: Buyer's GuidesGo to article: Next issue