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