Today's Mining Pulse
Indonesia grants export monopoly to state trader DSI, targeting $66bn in resource revenues
Indonesia’s employers association and major mining cartels have endorsed President Prabowo Subianto’s new export monopoly, giving exclusive rights to state‑controlled PT Danantara Sumberdaya Indonesia. The policy seeks to capture roughly $66.13 billion in annual resource revenues—about 23.4% of exports—and to curb $908 billion in historic tax leakage.
Also developing:
Nanjing Tanker Orders Trio of Chemical Carriers
Nanjing Tanker, a Shanghai‑listed subsidiary of China Merchants Group, has signed a contract for three 6,600 dwt stainless‑steel chemical carriers with Yangzhou Dingheng Shipyard. The $71 million deal, including tax, targets delivery in the first half of 2028 and adds to the company’s fleet of over 70 vessels. The order follows recent domestic acquisitions of LR1 and LR2 tankers as the firm pursues a broader fleet renewal strategy. Nanjing Tanker’s chemical arm, which currently operates 12 vessels on coastal routes to Japan, South Korea and across the Taiwan Strait, will increase its capacity with the new ships.
Maronan Metals Secures MDL for Silver Project in Australia
Maronan Metals has secured Mineral Development Licence (MDL) 2028 from the Queensland Government for its Maronan Silver Project, permitting a box‑cut and a 200‑metre decline for bulk sampling and resource validation. The licence was granted in less than 12 months, highlighting...
Parnaiba Basin Holds Rare Earths, Phosphate, Uranium, SGB Finds
Brazil’s SGB reports Piaui assays showing rare earths, phosphate, and uranium in the Parnaiba basin. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/03/brazil-parnaiba-basin-rare-earths.html
Cooperation, Cost Cuts, and New Tech Keys to Unlock Oil & Gas From Tight Reservoirs
The Norwegian Offshore Directorate (NOD) reports that roughly 90 tight‑reservoir discoveries on the Norwegian Continental Shelf remain undeveloped. It argues that stronger cooperation among operators, aggressive cost reductions, and the deployment of proven technologies such as hydraulic fracturing, slim‑hole drilling,...
Global Air Cylinder Wheels Ready to Go Commercial with Air Suspension Wheel
Global Air Cylinder Wheels (GACW) announced that its patented Air Suspension Wheel (ASW) has cleared extreme‑cold field trials in Minnesota, proving performance at temperatures down to –40 °C under full haul‑truck loads. The non‑pneumatic, steel‑based wheel demonstrated reliable suspension, tread, and...
Four More UK-Made ROVs to Join DOF’s Fleet
DOF Group has placed an order for four XLX EVO III work‑class remotely operated vehicles from the UK‑based Forum Energy Technologies. Deliveries are slated for April, June, July and August 2026, with the first two units mobilised in Singapore. The ROVs...
Sandvik Unveils New CH442 and CH662 Cone Crushers at CONEXPO
Sandvik Crushing Solutions unveiled the CH442 and CH662 cone crushers at CONEXPO‑CON/AGG 2026, marking the next evolution of its CH400 and CH600 series. The models feature a strengthened top shell, new main shaft, and a backing‑compound free liner design that...
Vortex Metals Starts Phase Two Work at Illapel Project, Chile
Vortex Metals has launched phase‑two exploration at its Illapel copper‑silver project in Chile, expanding work across the full 180 km² concession. The program features a 2,000‑line‑kilometre airborne geophysical survey employing magnetics, very‑low‑frequency electromagnetics (VLF‑EM) and radiometrics to map structures and pinpoint...
Komatsu Introduces Next-Gen HM460-6 Articulated Haul Truck at CONEXPO 2026
Komatsu unveiled the HM460-6 articulated haul truck at CONEXPO‑CON/AGG 2026, targeting quarry, construction and mining sites with challenging terrain. The new model raises the rated payload to 46.3 tons and incorporates a proprietary DBA127 engine delivering 518 hp with improved fuel efficiency....
FEATURE ARTICLE: Comminution & Crushing
The March 2026 feature article spotlights new comminution and crushing technologies aimed at slashing emissions in mineral processing. It highlights AI‑driven optimization, hybrid electric crusher drives, and advanced wear‑resistant components as key levers for energy reduction. The piece also notes...
EU Widens ETS Aid, Adds 20 New Sectors
EU expands ETS indirect carbon cost compensation to 20 new sectors and raises coverage for eligible industries. https://www.metalnomist.com/2026/03/eu-ets-state-aid-expansion-widens.html
Cabinet Approves Tougher Line on Riverbed Mining: ‘Polluter Pays’ Principle to Drive Ecosystem Rehabilitation
Zimbabwe's Cabinet approved a new legislative framework that moves beyond the 2024 ban on alluvial river‑bed mining to active ecosystem rehabilitation. The Inter‑Ministerial Committee reported that mechanised mining has largely ceased, while enforcement actions have led to over 300 arrests...
MMS Gets Mining Gig at Ora Banda’s Davyhurst Gold Project
Mineral Mining Services (MMS) secured a comprehensive mining services contract from Ora Banda Mining for the Davyhurst Gold Project in Western Australia. The agreement covers full load‑haul, drill‑and‑blast, and extensive civil works, focusing on the Waihi pit and run‑of‑mine realignment. MMS...
Carmaker League Table Shows EV Supply Chains Are Becoming Even Cleaner — Thanks To Strong EU Rules
The fourth edition of the Lead the Charge Auto Supply Chain Leaderboard shows that major carmakers are accelerating the greening of EV supply chains, with Tesla, Ford, Volvo and Mercedes posting the strongest scores. EU regulations, especially the Batteries Regulation,...
In-House Exciter Repairs Underpinning Sandvik Rock Processing Screening Support
Sandvik Rock Processing operates an in‑house Exciter Repair and Refurbishment Facility in South Africa to restore vibratory screen components to OEM specifications. The centre strips, inspects, replaces worn parts and tests exciters to the same standards as new units, delivering...
Expect More Platinum Price Gyrations, Warns WPIC
The World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) projects the platinum supply deficit to shrink dramatically to 240,000 ounces in 2026, down from a record 1.082 million ounces in 2025. Despite the narrowing gap, demand is expected to dip 8% to 7.62 million ounces...
Kwinana Lithium Refinery Deemed High Health Risk, Controls Tightened
Tianqi and IGO’s Kwinana lithium refinery was a ‘high’ health risk says DWER, with controls now tightened https://t.co/JeO6Zmmi3x
Qld Govt Bucks Advice, Cuts Mine Safety Commissioner
Queensland's government has abolished the Mine Safety Commissioner role, transferring its statutory duties to other agencies, despite an independent review urging retention of the position. The move contravenes advice from Resources Safety and Health Queensland, raising concerns over regulatory oversight....
Ethiopia: Council of Ministers Refers External Loan Agreements to Parliament, Authorizes Mining License Deals
Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers has sent three external financing agreements to the House of Peoples’ Representatives for approval. The loans—USD 60.2 million from Korea Export‑Import Bank, €80 million from the French Development Agency, and SDR 184.1 million from the International Development Association—target electricity expansion, renewable...
Zodiac Maritime Stacks Tanker Orderbook
London‑based Zodiac Maritime is expanding its crude carrier renewal by ordering five new tankers in Asia. The deal includes four 319,000‑dwt VLCCs from Jiangsu New Hantong Ship Heavy Industry at roughly $120 million each, slated for 2029 delivery, and a 157,000‑dwt...
Congo-Kinshasa: Mineral Rivalry, Geopolitics and the Imperative of Peace in Eastern DR Congo
Eastern DR Congo’s eastern provinces sit atop lithium, gold, coltan and other critical minerals that power the global energy transition and digital economy. Rising demand has drawn a slate of international actors, from the United States to China, intensifying geopolitical...
Indonesia Farmers Count the Costs as Rains Wash Out Java Durian Harvest
Indonesia’s Banyumas district saw a dramatic drop in durian output, with farmer Ganjar harvesting only 500 fruits from 300 trees in 2024 versus 3,500 the previous year. Heavy, unseasonal rainfall caused flowers to fall off, curtailing fruit development across the...
Lucara Posts Lower 2025 Revenue, Says Additional Funding Required
Lucara Diamond reported a 22% drop in 2025 revenue to C$159.7 million and net income falling to C$26.1 million as it advanced the Karowe underground expansion in Botswana. The company completed the 776 m production and 729 m ventilation shafts, but the updated feasibility...
Austmine Appoints Tony Davis as New CEO
Austmine has appointed Tony Davis as its new chief executive officer, effective 1 April 2026. Davis brings over 30 years of senior leadership across government, mining‑related industries, energy and advanced manufacturing. His most recent role was executive general manager – The Americas at...
Iran Conflict Could Turn Canada Into the Market’s Most Reliable Oil Supplier
Oil prices surged as Iran's IRGC declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, cutting 70‑80% of traffic. Brent crude rose above $80 per barrel for the first time since July 2024, while U.S. energy stocks outperformed the broader market. Analysts, led...
Tiny Texas School District Rejects Tax Deal with $6 Billion LNG Project
Point Isabel Independent School District voted down a $160 million, ten‑year property‑tax abatement offered by Texas LNG for its $5.7 billion liquefied natural gas project. The deal would have added roughly $15 million per year to the district’s budget, but the board said...
NACCO Industries Inc (NC) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
NACCO Industries reported third‑quarter 2019 results, with revenue modestly rising to $32.6 million while operating profit fell to $8.7 million. Net income increased to $10.3 million, driven by a $2.7 million pre‑tax payment from an India venture. Management forecast 2020 coal deliveries to grow,...
Final PDAC2026 MiningComAU Interviews Spotlight Three CEOs
Last day of @miningcomau interviews at #PDAC2026. Starting on the left and going clockwise: Jacob Deysel at @Critica_CRI, Koby Kushner at Athena Gold, Sean Delaney at @OlympioMetals. $CRI.AX, $ATHA, $OLY.AX https://t.co/2x1NtYYprp
Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Scholarships Open for 2026
The Queensland Resources Council has opened applications for the 2026 ReGen Queensland Scholarships, offering up to $40,000 per year for three years to support PhD and Master’s research on mine rehabilitation. Funded by the Coal Minesite Rehabilitation Trust Fund, the...
Atomic Eagle Sets Course for Growth as Uranium Feasibility Metrics Confirm 12-Year Muntanga Mine Life
Atomic Eagle announced a maiden ore reserve of 28 Mlb U3O8 at its Muntanga project in Zambia, backed by an independent engineering review of a feasibility study that confirms a 12‑year mine life. The study projects 25.3 Mlb total production, a 3.5‑year...
Locksley Hits High-Grade 16.9pc Antimony in California
Locksley Resources announced surface grab samples delivering up to 16.9% antimony at its Mojave Desert Antimony Mine in California. The assay validates earlier underground work that recorded weighted averages of 25.7% antimony, confirming high‑grade continuity to the surface. Diamond drilling...
New Lawsuit Aims to Halt Expansion of a Montana Coal Mine Blamed for Drying up the Land Above It
Environmental groups filed a federal lawsuit in Montana to block the Bull Mountains Mine expansion, arguing that the Trump‑era "energy emergency" justification violated the National Environmental Policy Act. The suit highlights long‑wall mining’s subsidence and dewatering effects, which have dried...
Fastmarkets Changes the Timing of Its Ilmenite Cif China and Rutile Fob Australia Assessments
Fastmarkets announced that, effective March 5, its price assessments for ilmenite concentrate (cif China) and two rutile grades (fob Australia) will shift from a fortnightly to a monthly cadence. The change follows market feedback indicating that prices have been moving slowly...
Gravity Testing Delivers 16-Fold Tungsten Grade Increase for Viking at Linka
Viking Mines reported a first‑pass metallurgical test at its Linka tungsten project that upgraded a 1.4% WO3 feed to a 22.9% WO3 concentrate, a 16‑fold increase. The simple rougher gravity separation recovered about 63.7% of the tungsten, demonstrating the viability...
Brent Oil Slides, Yet Likely Peaks Before Midterms
December 2026 Brent crude oil is down on the day. It will near top step by the Midterms. Higher or lower by then? My bias is lower https://t.co/bu6WD5MAw6
Fastmarkets Clarifies Publishing Schedule for Iran Steel Billet, Slab Export Prices
Fastmarkets announced that it will not publish weekly export prices for Iran’s steel billet and slab during the seven‑day public holiday declared after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death. The delay follows the firm’s policy of suspending price releases when a...
West Coast Silver Returns to Drilling This Month at Historic High-Grade Silver Play
West Coast Silver (ASX:WCE) is commencing a 4,000‑metre reverse‑circulation drilling campaign at its historic Elizabeth Hill silver project in Western Australia. The program targets the Munni Munni Fault, aiming to extend the high‑grade mineralisation that previously yielded a 33,107 g/t silver...
Australian Critical Minerals Drilling Into Upside of Peru’s World Class La Libertad Gold Belt
Australian Critical Minerals (ASX:ACM) is set to begin its first diamond drilling at the undrilled Flint project in Peru’s La Libertad gold belt, a region that has produced over 50 million ounces of gold. Geophysical surveys have identified a 4‑km...
BHP Is Pouring Billions Into This Argentine Copper District – but What Is Vicuna’s Next Company Maker?
BHP and Lundin are committing up to US$18 billion to develop the Vicuna copper province in Argentina, targeting a 400,000‑tonne‑per‑year copper output alongside significant gold and silver byproducts. The project will roll out in three stages, beginning with an open‑pit and...
US Antimony Estimates Resource for Ontario Tungsten Project
United States Antimony released an initial resource study for its Fostum tungsten project in Ontario, showing an inferred 14.62 million‑tonne resource grading 0.17% WO₃ and containing 53.6 million pounds of tungsten oxide. At $1,890 per tonne, the in‑ground metal is valued at...
PDAC: Canada Must Build Processing Now, Panelists Say – by Frederic Tomesco (Mining.com – March 2, 2026)
Canada faces a historic chance to add processing capacity as new mines come online amid a global resource boom, panelists warned at the PDAC convention. While the Toronto Stock Exchange lists over 1,095 mining issuers worth C$600 billion, foreign takeovers have...
Doug Ford Says Controversial Bill 5 Not Needed in Ring of Fire Deal – by Moira Welsh (Toronto Star –...
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced an accelerated road‑building schedule for the Ring of Fire, promising completion by late 2030—five years ahead of original plans. The province signed new economic agreements with the Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations, complementing a federal deal...
Critical Minerals in Focus as Major Toronto Mining Conference Underway – by Ian Bickis(CTV News Northern Ontario – March 2,...
The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto, drawing over 27,000 attendees, has placed critical minerals at the forefront of its agenda. Industry leaders warned that geopolitical fragmentation is heightening supply‑chain vulnerability for metals such as copper,...
London Marine Insurers Expand Gulf High-Risk Zone as Mideast Conflict Escalates
London’s marine insurers, via the Joint War Committee, have expanded the Gulf’s high‑risk war‑zone to include waters around Bahrain, Djibouti, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. The move follows a rapid escalation of Middle‑East hostilities, prompting a five‑fold jump in war‑risk premiums...
Russian LNG Carrier ‘Arctic Metagaz’ Reportedly Ablaze Off Malta as Maritime Patrol Aircraft Circles
The Russian‑owned LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz caught fire in the central Mediterranean off Malta on Tuesday, with its AIS signal disappearing shortly before the blaze. The vessel, loaded at the Saam floating storage unit, is part of a shadow fleet...
Power Metallic Mines Extends Lion Zones with Sulphide Intercepts at Nisk Project, Quebec
Power Metallic Mines announced drill results that extend the Lion copper‑nickel zone at its Nisk Project in Quebec. Structural analysis identified a shallow easterly‑plunging trend, and hole PML‑26‑067 intersected one metre of massive copper sulphides and 3.3 metres of disseminated copper...
Overlooked Tharisa, a PGM Bull Market Bridesmaid
Tharisa Resources has seen a 105% year‑on‑year rally but still lags larger PGM peers, trading at a deep discount despite strong fundamentals. The market penalises the stock for liquidity constraints and uncertainty around financing the Karo Platinum project. Spot PGM...
Soybean Price Below 11.64 May Signal Downside
Upper Keltner for #soybeans right here at 11.64. Close below that would probably allow for a little more follow through to the downside. Feels like we are moving more to risk off VS buy everything because oils inflationary....
PRIO Gets Its Hands on Operating License for Brazilian Subsea Tie-Back Project
PRIO secured an operating license from Brazil’s environmental regulator Ibama for the Wahoo subsea tie‑back project in the Campos basin. The approval completes the final regulatory hurdle, allowing the field – estimated to hold over 125 million barrels in the pre‑salt...
Earthwise Plans 1,000‑Meter Drill at Talon Zone
Earthwise Minerals $WISE.CA Announces Planning Underway for 1,000 Meter Drill Program at Talon Zone, Iron Range Gold Project https://t.co/BKWeB5WLuf https://t.co/B9Lz7SNNOh