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Perpetua Resources Partners with Idaho National Laboratory for Antimony Processing to Support U.S. Military

Perpetua Resources Partners with Idaho National Laboratory for Antimony Processing to Support U.S. Military

Perpetua Resources has announced a partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory to develop a pilot processing plant for antimony, a mineral critical to national defense. The Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho is expected to produce nearly 150 million pounds of antimony over its operational life. The partnership aims to refine antimony ore to military-grade specifications, addressing a national security need. The U.S. currently lacks a domestic source of antimony, which is essential for military applications such as munitions and missiles. The project has received over $20 million in federal funding to develop the supply chain, with the pilot plant set to be built early next year.

NASA's AVIRIS-5 Begins Mapping Lithium and Critical Minerals in the American West

NASA's AVIRIS-5 Begins Mapping Lithium and Critical Minerals in the American West

NASA has launched its new imaging spectrometer, AVIRIS-5, to conduct operational flights over the western United States. This initiative aims to map rocks containing lithium and other critical minerals as part of the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx) campaign, in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The AVIRIS-5, located in the nose of NASA's ER-2 aircraft, offers twice the spatial resolution compared to its predecessor, enabling detailed mapping of mineral resources. The spectrometer's flights have covered over 200 hours this year, focusing on areas in California, Nevada, and other states. The data collected will aid in accelerating the discovery and assessment of resources crucial for the energy transition.

U.S. Seeks International Partnerships to Counter China's Dominance in Critical Minerals

U.S. Seeks International Partnerships to Counter China's Dominance in Critical Minerals

The United States is actively pursuing international partnerships to reduce its reliance on China for critical minerals, which are essential for various high-tech and defense applications. Over the years, China has established a stronghold over the global supply chain of these minerals, including rare earth elements. In response, the U.S. is working to develop domestic mining capabilities and forge alliances with countries like Australia, Japan, and several others in Asia and Africa. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to diversify supply sources and enhance national security. The Trump administration has been instrumental in these initiatives, signing multiple bilateral agreements to secure critical mineral supplies.

Locksley Resources Secures $17 Million Capital Raise to Boost U.S. Critical Minerals Supply Chain

Locksley Resources Secures $17 Million Capital Raise to Boost U.S. Critical Minerals Supply Chain

Locksley Resources Secures $17 Million Capital Raise to Boost U.S. Critical Minerals Supply Chain

US military developing small refineries for critical minerals

US military developing small refineries for critical minerals

Dec 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. military said it plans to develop a fleet of small-scale refineries to produce critical minerals used to make bullets, armor and other types of weaponry, a move aimed at developing domestic sources for niche materials that Chinese miners have long controlled.

Global Powers Reshape Critical Minerals Supply Chains Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Global Powers Reshape Critical Minerals Supply Chains Amid Geopolitical Tensions

The United States, European Union, and China are actively reshaping their critical minerals supply chains in response to geopolitical tensions and economic security concerns. The U.S. is increasing its equity stakes in domestic and international mineral projects, while the EU is implementing measures to reduce reliance on single-country suppliers, particularly China. These efforts are part of broader strategies to secure access to essential materials for technology and defense industries.

Victoria's Exploration Tunnel Approval Boosts Critical Minerals Sector

Victoria's Exploration Tunnel Approval Boosts Critical Minerals Sector

The approval of the exploration tunnel Works Plan at Southern Cross Gold’s Sunday Creek antimony and gold project marks a significant advancement for Victoria's critical minerals sector. According to the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), this development is crucial as Victoria remains the sole Australian source of antimony, a mineral with strategic importance for defense, solar panels, batteries, semiconductors, and flame retardants. The approval, granted in November 2025, follows the October approval of the Catalyst/Hancock Prospecting joint venture Boyd’s Dam gold project. These approvals signal that Victoria is open for business in advanced minerals exploration, particularly for deeper mineral deposits. MCA Executive Director for Victoria, James Sorahan, emphasized the potential for more regional jobs, increased royalties, and greater investment in local communities as a result of these mining activities.

EU Delegation Explores Aclara's Chilean Project for Non-China Rare Earth Supply

EU Delegation Explores Aclara's Chilean Project for Non-China Rare Earth Supply

A high-profile European Union delegation recently visited Aclara Resources' Penco ionic clay project in Chile's Biobío Region. This visit underscores the EU's strategic interest in securing a sustainable supply of dysprosium and terbium, essential for electric vehicles, wind energy, and defense applications, outside of China. Aclara's project, which employs a 'Circular Mineral Harvesting' approach, promises environmental sustainability with 100% recycled water and no tailings. However, the company faces significant challenges, including securing permits, managing community relations, and funding a U.S. separation plant. Aclara is backed by strategic investors Hochschild Mining and CAP S.A., positioning it as a potential key player in the EU's critical minerals strategy.

MP Materials Sees Stock Rise Amid DoD-Backed Rare Earth Supply Chain Initiative

MP Materials Sees Stock Rise Amid DoD-Backed Rare Earth Supply Chain Initiative

MP Materials Sees Stock Rise Amid DoD-Backed Rare Earth Supply Chain Initiative

U.S. and Allies Eye Arctic for Critical Mineral Resources Amid Environmental Concerns

U.S. and Allies Eye Arctic for Critical Mineral Resources Amid Environmental Concerns

Several countries, including the United States, are increasingly looking to the Arctic as a potential source for critical minerals. This interest is driven by the need to counter China's dominance in the mineral market. The Arctic is believed to hold vast reserves of strategic materials such as rare earths, uranium, and other precious metals. However, the region's fragile environment poses significant challenges to mining activities. Climate change has made the Arctic more accessible, prompting countries like the U.S., Canada, Russia, Denmark, and Norway to assert their interests in the area. The U.S. has shown particular interest, with discussions about purchasing stakes in Greenland's mineral projects. Environmentalists express concern over the potential ecological impact of mining in this sensitive region.

Global Powers Eye Arctic for Critical Mineral Extraction Amid Environmental Concerns

Global Powers Eye Arctic for Critical Mineral Extraction Amid Environmental Concerns

The Arctic region is becoming a focal point for global powers seeking to extract critical minerals necessary for various industries. Countries such as Russia, Canada, the United States, Denmark, and Norway are asserting their interests in the Arctic, driven by the need to counter China's dominance in the critical minerals market. Russia is advancing its Arctic 2035 plan, which includes infrastructure development and strategic importance for national security. Canada is also increasing its investment in the Arctic to enhance its mineral mining capacity, partly in response to strained relations with the United States. The United States, under President Trump, has shown interest in Greenland's resources, with discussions about purchasing a stake in a major rare earths project. However, environmentalists express concerns about the potential impact of mining activities on the Arctic's fragile ecosystem.

ICEBlock Developer Sues Trump Administration Over App Ban

ICEBlock Developer Sues Trump Administration Over App Ban

Joshua Aaron, the developer of the ICEBlock app, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging First Amendment violations. The app, which allowed users to anonymously report the locations of ICE agents, was removed from Apple's App Store following pressure from the White House. The administration argued that the app endangered ICE agents' safety, prompting Apple to comply with the removal request. Aaron's lawsuit claims that the government's actions constitute illegal coercion, forcing a private company to suppress free speech.