The Metalnomist
Independent metals/mining analyst covering offtakes (tungsten), new bauxite projects, DRC copper/cobalt supply and geopolitics; links to detailed writeups.
Glencore Expands Cusco Copper Hub with Quechua Acquisition
Glencore buys Quechua in Peru to strengthen its Cusco copper hub around Antapaccay and Coroccohuayco. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/glencore-acquires-quechua-copper.html
Nornickel Forecasts Nickel Surplus, Tight Copper Post‑2025, PGM Rally
Nornickel sees nickel surplus, tighter copper after 2025, and a renewed PGM rally led by investor demand. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/nornickel-nickel-surplus-and-copper.html
Ecuador to Extend Mirador Mine Contract, Enable Norte Expansion
Ecuador plans a Mirador copper mine contract extension in 1H 2026 to unlock Mirador Norte expansion. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/mirador-copper-mine-contract-extension.html
EVAC Launches US-Made Rare Earth Magnets, Targets 2
eVAC ships its first US-made rare earth magnets and targets 2,000 t/yr capacity by Q1 2026. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/us-made-rare-earth-magnets-shipped-as.html
Fortescue Fully Acquires Alta Copper, Expands Peru Copper Push
Fortescue buys Alta Copper outright, deepening its copper expansion strategy around Peru’s Canariaco project. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/fortescue-alta-copper-acquisition.html
US Rolls Out Pax Silica to Safeguard AI Silicon Supply
US launches Pax Silica to secure polysilicon inputs and expand allied semiconductor partnerships for AI growth. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/pax-silica-silicon-supply-chain.html
Flash Joule Heating Unlocks Gallium, Scandium From Louisiana Red Mud
Metallium and ElementUSA target US gallium and scandium recovery from Louisiana red mud using flash joule heating. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/metallium-flash-joule-heating.html
EU Sets Recycled Plastics Targets, Expands to Steel, Aluminium
EU agrees recycled plastics targets for cars, with future recycled steel and aluminium rules under end-of-life vehicles regulation. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/eu-end-of-life-vehicles-regulation-sets.html
Australia Secures Fixed‑Price Power for Tomago Smelter Post‑2028
Australia moves toward a fixed-price power deal to keep Rio Tinto’s Tomago aluminium smelter running after 2028. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/tomago-aluminium-smelter-power-purchase.html
Antilles Gold, GeoMinera Begin Cuba Mine, 2026 Commissioning
Antilles Gold and GeoMinera start building Cuba’s Nueva Sabana copper-gold mine, targeting end-2026 commissioning. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/antilles-gold-nueva-sabana-copper-gold.html
China’s 2026 Policy Loosening Boosts Steel, Non‑Ferrous Demand
China signals looser policy and faster green transition for 2026, supporting steel and non-ferrous demand. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/china-2026-economic-policy-direction.html
Hubei STR to Open 50k‑ton Anode Recycling Plant 2026
Hubei STR will launch a 50,000 t/yr anode recycling plant in March 2026 as China battery scrap rises. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/hubei-str-anode-recycling-plant-will.html
REalloys Secures 5‑Year Rare‑Earth Deal, Boosts Saskatoon Expansion
REalloys signs 5-year SRC deal for NdPr, Dy, Tb and funds Saskatoon capacity expansion. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/realloys-rare-earth-supply-deal-with.html
Almonty Raises $112.5M for Global Tungsten Expansion
Almonty seeks $112.5mn to advance Montana tungsten, Portugal Panasqueira expansion, and Korea Sangdong Mo drilling. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/02/almonty-tungsten-funding-targets-1125mn.html
