Episodes

  • Congo Claws Back the Cobalt, Mojtaba in Hiding, Vedanta's American Copper Play, and South32's Electric Fleet

    Congo Claws Back the Cobalt, Mojtaba in Hiding, Vedanta's American Copper Play, and South32's Electric Fleet
    Jul 5 2026
    The Mining Insider — July 5, 2026 DRC Cobalt — ARECOMS Quota Clawback Confirmed: The DRC government confirmed this week it has withdrawn unused H1 2026 cobalt export quotas. The July 5 ARECOMS deadline was not extended. CMOC, Glencore's Kamoto Copper Company, Eurasian Resources Group, and Huayou Cobalt are among those affected. Up to 20,000 metric tons ($1.1B at $26/lb) have been removed from H1 export allocations. Annual cap of 96,600 tonnes for 2026-2027 remains intact. DRC controls ~70% of global mined cobalt output. Mojtaba Khamenei — Absent from Funeral: Iran's new Supreme Leader has not appeared at any stage of the six-day state funeral in Tehran. Security officials blocked his appearance over Israeli assassination fears. He reportedly wants to attend the July 9 burial in Mashhad. President Pezeshkian confirmed Mojtaba approved the US diplomatic agreement (12-1 Supreme National Security Council vote). Post-funeral appointments will signal foreign policy direction. US-Iran talks remain suspended until after July 9. Brent holding below $71/bbl. Vedanta CopperTech Metals — Konkola Copper Mines: Vedanta Resources launched CopperTech Metals Inc., a US-domiciled company to own and operate Konkola Copper Mines in Zambia — one of the world's highest-grade copper assets, with significant cobalt reserves. Designed to enhance American copper supply security amid Section 232 tariffs and surging data center/grid/defense demand. South32 — Sandvik Largest-Ever BEV Order at Hermosa: South32 selected Sandvik for its largest single battery-electric vehicle order, covering all underground fleet requirements for the Hermosa critical minerals project (zinc, manganese) in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Deliveries Q4 2026 through 2030. Sources: SMM Metals/Sina Finance, Business Insider Africa/Reuters, Euronews Persia/NYT, Copperbelt Katanga Mining/Sandvik. Host: Logan Ore — The Mining Insider.
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    10 mins
  • Hormuz Frozen for Khamenei's Funeral, Canada Bets on Red Chris Copper, MMG Nickel Deal Stalls in Brussels, and Congo's Cobalt Countdown

    Hormuz Frozen for Khamenei's Funeral, Canada Bets on Red Chris Copper, MMG Nickel Deal Stalls in Brussels, and Congo's Cobalt Countdown
    Jul 4 2026
    The Mining Insider — July 4, 2026 Iran / Hormuz — Funeral Freeze: Six-day funeral for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began July 4 in Tehran, 15-20 million mourners expected. All US-Iran negotiations suspended until July 9. UK PM Starmer and French President Macron pledged Hormuz protection with Oman; France deployed mine-clearing assets. Iran warned both countries off any military presence. Brent below $71/bbl approaching pre-war levels. Canada-BC Cooperative Prosperity Agreement: PM Carney and BC Premier Eby signed a landmark resource agreement July 2. $500M to expand Red Chris copper mine (Newmont/Newcrest), targeting 15%+ increase in Canada's annual copper output. Accelerated permitting for LNG Canada Phase 2, Ksi Lisims LNG, Cedar LNG, Woodfibre LNG. $3.9B North Coast Transmission Line. Alberta separately announced a proposed $35-44B oil pipeline Bruderheim to BC coast, expected as project of national interest by October 1. MMG-Anglo American Nickel Brazil: MMG and Anglo American extended the acquisition deadline for Anglo's Brazilian nickel business to October 31, 2026. EU Phase 2 antitrust review on hold since November 2025. Includes Barro Alto and Codemin ferronickel facilities. MMG is Minmetals-controlled. DRC Cobalt Customs Deadline: ARECOMS July 5 deadline arrives today. Customs platform frozen since July 1. 60-75% of producers unable to file. Up to 20,000 metric tons ($1.1B) at risk. CMOC awaiting one-month extension response. Glencore (Kamoto) watching. Sources: Reuters, AP, CNBC, Investing.com; Resource Works/Globe Newswire; MLex/Law360; Reuters/Kitco. Host: Logan Ore — The Mining Insider.
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    11 mins
  • BHP Hands San Manuel to Faraday, Pilbara Workers Settle, Congo's Cobalt Customs Freeze, and Gold's Comeback Week

    BHP Hands San Manuel to Faraday, Pilbara Workers Settle, Congo's Cobalt Customs Freeze, and Gold's Comeback Week
    Jul 3 2026
    The Mining Insider — July 3, 2026 Today's episode covers four material developments from July 2–3, 2026. BHP — San Manuel Copper Transfer to Faraday: BHP has finalized its agreement to transfer the historic San Manuel copper property in Arizona to Canada's Faraday Copper Corp. In exchange, BHP receives a 30% equity stake in Faraday — bringing its total holding to approximately 32.5% on a non-diluted basis — plus shareholder and offtake rights. Faraday's market cap stands at approximately C$1.82 billion (US$1.28 billion). The Lundin Group (Nemesia) confirmed BHP as a strategic co-investor. San Manuel was the largest underground copper mine in the US before closing in 1999. BHP says combining it with Faraday's adjacent Copper Creek project could establish a new Arizona copper hub. BHP Pilbara — Labor Deal at South Flank and Mining Area C: Workers voted 58% in favor of a new four-year enterprise agreement covering 1,814 workers. Key terms: 16% wage increase over four years, increased site allowances, and a delayed-flight payment scheme. Unions noted significant minority opposition. Port Hedland — the more critical facility at $120M/day iron ore revenue — remains unsettled, with workers previously voting for protected action. DRC Cobalt — Customs Platform Freeze: Since July 1, major cobalt producers in the DRC have been unable to register export declarations on the customs platform. ARECOMS set a July 5 deadline for first-half quota use; unused quotas will be withdrawn. Up to 20,000 metric tons — worth $1.1 billion — may be forfeited. CMOC is among those most at risk. Cobalt prices have surged 160% since February 2025 to $26/lb. Mining companies have appealed to Congo's prime minister to intervene. Gold — First Weekly Gain in Five: Spot gold rose above $4,170/oz on weak US June jobs data (57,000 jobs added vs ~150,000 expected; April/May revised down 74,000). Fed rate hike bets eased, dollar weakened. Northern Star surged 11.75% on the ASX; Catalyst Metals +19.18%; Genesis Minerals +16.70%. Copper COMEX up 1.73% to ~$6.22/lb. Sources: Reuters (BHP/Faraday, BHP labor, DRC cobalt), Kitco/Reuters (gold), ABC Markets Live (ASX data). Follow us at The Mining Insider. Host: Logan Ore.
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    10 mins
  • Agnico Eagle's Barnat Blow, Cigar Lake Goes Dark, Northern Star's New Hand, and India's Aluminum Bet

    Agnico Eagle's Barnat Blow, Cigar Lake Goes Dark, Northern Star's New Hand, and India's Aluminum Bet
    Jul 2 2026
    The Mining Insider — July 2, 2026 Today's episode covers four material developments from July 1–2, 2026. Agnico Eagle — Barnat Pit Wall Movement: A rock mass movement on July 1 along the north wall of the Barnat open pit at Canadian Malartic in Quebec has prompted a temporary suspension of open-pit mining. No injuries or environmental impact. The company expects the disruption to reduce second-half 2026 production at Canadian Malartic by 60,000 to 80,000 ounces of gold, with further impacts of up to 150,000 ounces per year in 2027 and 2028. Full-year 2026 guidance now expected near the lower end of the 3.3 to 3.5 million ounce range. Cameco — Cigar Lake Suspension: Cameco temporarily suspended mining at Cigar Lake on July 1 after a sulfuric acid plant failure shut down Orano's McClean Lake mill. Cameco expects the mill back online in approximately two weeks and says its 2026 production guidance of 17.5 to 18.0 million pounds remains unchanged — though downside risk was flagged. Northern Star — CEO Transition: Northern Star Resources has named Suresh Vadnagra, currently head of Glencore's nickel and zinc industrial assets, as its next managing director and CEO, effective October 5, 2026. The appointment follows pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which built a stake worth more than A$1.0 billion. Adani–IHC Aluminum JV — Odisha: Abu Dhabi's IHC and India's Adani Group signed a memorandum of understanding for a 50/50 joint venture targeting an $11.5 billion integrated aluminum complex in Odisha — India's largest-ever foreign investment in mining and metallurgy. Sources: Agnico Eagle press release (CNW/Yahoo Finance), Cameco press release (Business Wire/Reuters), MarketWatch/Australian Mining Review, Business Standard/Reuters. Follow us at The Mining Insider. Host: Logan Ore.
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    10 mins
  • South32 Turns Copper, BHP's Diesel Dilemma on Day One, Ghana GoldBod Goes Live, and Iran Walks Away From Doha

    South32 Turns Copper, BHP's Diesel Dilemma on Day One, Ghana GoldBod Goes Live, and Iran Walks Away From Doha
    Jul 1 2026
    July 1, 2026 — The Mining Insider with Logan Ore Today's stories: 1. South32 Sells Aluminium to Alcoa for $5.6B — Copper Takeover Target: Reuters Breakingviews analysis: South32, freed from its largest non-copper asset, becomes a lean copper miner likely to attract Glencore or BHP (its former parent). Departing CEO Graham Kerr's transformation complete. Brandon Craig starts as BHP CEO today — South32 is directly relevant to his buy-vs-build copper challenge. 2. BHP Craig Day One — 62 Diesel Trucks Ordered at Jimblebar: Alongside the ceremonial launch of 2 battery-electric Cat 793 XE trucks, BHP confirmed 62 new diesel trucks were ordered for Jimblebar, approved to run through at least late 2030s (possibly 2041). ~$500M diesel fleet. Geraldine Slattery: early retirement is 'premature.' Craig must present revised climate action plan to shareholders within 2 years. 3. Ghana GoldBod 30% Offtake Live Today: Effective July 1, the Ghana Gold Board begins purchasing 30% of production from Newmont, Gold Fields, Zijin and all large-scale miners. Settlement in Ghanaian cedis at BoG reference rate minus 0.55%. No free conversion to USD. Gold near $4,906/oz (Gulf News Dubai data). 4. Iran Refuses Doha Meeting — Hormuz Talks Collapse: Iran's Foreign Ministry confirms it will not meet with Kushner/Witkoff delegation in Doha. 60-day MOU clock running. Brent crude faces upward pressure. Iran's FM reiterates mine clearance conducted by Iran alone. Tomorrow's Flashpoint: BHP Port Hedland July 7 critical labor bargaining session — 3 unions, $120M/day iron ore revenue at stake. Hosted by Logan Ore. Sources: Reuters Breakingviews, ABC News Australia, Al Jazeera, Times of Israel, Gulf News.
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    9 mins
  • Hormuz Stand-Down Holds as Doha Talks Begin, BHP Craig Takes Command Tomorrow, Murray & Roberts Escapes Business Rescue, and the Copper Tariff Verdict

    Hormuz Stand-Down Holds as Doha Talks Begin, BHP Craig Takes Command Tomorrow, Murray & Roberts Escapes Business Rescue, and the Copper Tariff Verdict
    Jun 30 2026
    June 30, 2026 — The Mining Insider with Logan Ore Today's stories: 1. Hormuz Doha Talks — Fragile Stand-Down: Trump declared Iran requested a meeting in Doha. Kushner and Witkoff flew to Qatar. Iran says its delegation is there to review MOU implementation, not to meet Americans directly. Qatar, Oman and Pakistan mediating. Goldman Sachs: Gulf flows could return to 23M bpd pre-war levels by early July. Brent ~$72.40. 60-day MOU clock running. 2. BHP Day One Tomorrow — Craig's Buy-vs-Build Conundrum: WSJ analysis June 30: Craig inherits Mike Henry's unresolved copper growth challenge. BHP targets 2.5Mt copper equivalent by mid-2030s. Organic path: Resolution, Escondida New Concentrator, Vicuna JV. Acquisition path: Anglo American rejected in 2024; other targets remain. Reuters: strikes (Port Hedland, July 7 session), soaring costs (Jansen $2.3B impairment), M&A — all await Craig on day one. 3. Murray & Roberts Sold for R1.27B: Differential Capital acquires global mining services unit; 2,600 jobs preserved; Cementation Africa and Americas included. R1B on closing + R270M deferred. Closes today, June 30. Part of Nov 2024 business rescue. 4. Section 232 Copper Report Delivered to White House Today: Globe and Mail confirms Commerce may update prior 25% tariff recommendation. No Presidential Proclamation announced. COMEX at record 652,200 tonnes. LME ~$13,100/t. Presidential action could come this week or in coming weeks. Tomorrow's Flashpoint: BHP Brandon Craig Day 1 as CEO (July 1). Ghana GoldBod 30% offtake effective July 1. Hosted by Logan Ore. Sources: Fox News, Al Jazeera, Reuters, India Today, WSJ, BizCommunity, Globe and Mail.
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    10 mins
  • Hormuz Ceasefire 2.0, Trump's New Metal Tariff Move, Canada Opens Greenland, and the Copper Tariff Verdict That Arrives Tomorrow

    Hormuz Ceasefire 2.0, Trump's New Metal Tariff Move, Canada Opens Greenland, and the Copper Tariff Verdict That Arrives Tomorrow
    Jun 29 2026
    June 29, 2026 — The Mining Insider with Logan Ore Today's stories: 1. US-Iran Stand Down and Doha Talks: Both sides agree to halt strikes. Talks in Doha begin today, focused on Hormuz shipping operations before wider nuclear/sanctions issues. Iran asserts sole control of corridor; warns ships not to bypass its chosen route (WSJ, Straits Times). Hormuz traffic declining (Bloomberg). IMO convoy evacuations suspended. 2. Trump Signs New Section 232 Tariff Adjustment June 29: AP confirms lowering of some farming equipment tariffs; extension of tariffs on other equipment categories. Follows Proclamation 11032 (effective June 8). Copper-specific Section 232 report is a separate track due to White House tomorrow. 3. Canada First G7 Government to Invest in Greenland Mining: C$7 million non-repayable contribution from Natural Resources Canada to Greenland Resources' Malmbjerg molybdenum open-pit project. Metallurgical program runs through March 2028. By-product recovery of magnesium and rare earth elements under evaluation. Molybdenum classified critical mineral by EU and US. 4. Copper Tariff Deadline June 30 — Three Scenarios: Commerce Dept Section 232 refined copper report due to White House tomorrow. SMM outlines three outcomes: (a) phased tariff confirmed (15% 2027, 30% 2028), (b) targeted product-form/origin measures, or (c) delay/exemption. COMEX inventories at record 652,200 tonnes. LME copper ~$13,100/t. Tomorrow's Flashpoint: Section 232 copper report delivered to White House June 30. Hosted by Logan Ore. Sources: The National, India Today, Wall Street Journal, Straits Times, Bloomberg, AP News, Greenland Resources (primary), Reuters, SMM/Metal.com.
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    10 mins
  • Electric Haulage Hits the Pilbara, Iran Eyes Hormuz Control, Barrick Breaks Ground at Fourmile, and the New US Metal Tariff Rulebook

    Electric Haulage Hits the Pilbara, Iran Eyes Hormuz Control, Barrick Breaks Ground at Fourmile, and the New US Metal Tariff Rulebook
    Jun 28 2026
    June 28, 2026 — The Mining Insider with Logan Ore Today's stories: 1. BHP, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar — Battery-Electric Haul Truck Trial Milestone: The two Cat 793 XE Early Learner trucks at BHP's Jimblebar iron ore mine in the Pilbara have logged 100+ operating hours and 200+ test laps. Trial enters dynamic charging phase. Quotes from BHP Australia President Geraldine Slattery and Rio Tinto Iron Ore CEO Matthew Holcz. 2. Hormuz Strategic Standoff: Straits Times analysis — Iran's objective is not just reopening the waterway. It is strategic control: transit fees, missile batteries, up to $40B in annual revenue. Ceasefire technically intact but unraveling. Iran simultaneously resumes UAE trade via Dubai's Jebel Ali Port. 3. US Section 232 Metals Tariff Overhaul — Proclamation 11032 (effective June 8): Agricultural equipment and residential HVAC reduced from 25% to 15%. Mobile industrial equipment (bulldozers, forklifts, cranes) gets new tiered Annex I-C category. US-content threshold for preferred 10% rate lowered from 95% to 85% by weight. All temporary through Dec 31, 2027. 4. Barrick Fourmile — Barminco Wins A$275M Contract: Perenti's Barminco awarded underground development contract for Barrick's fully owned Fourmile gold project in Nevada's Carlin Trend. Indicated resource: 6.3M oz at 12.4 g/t. Contract covers decline development, underground infrastructure and initial stoping. Part of Barrick's broader $3B buyback + development strategy. Tomorrow's Flashpoint: US Section 232 copper tariff report due to White House Monday June 30. Hosted by Logan Ore. The Mining Insider is produced daily for mining executives, operators, investors, suppliers, and analysts. Sources: CIM Magazine, Rio Tinto (primary), Straits Times, Anadolu Agency, BDO USA, ArentFox Schiff, Global Mining Review, Business News Australia.
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    11 mins