Cobalt Blue Glomar Nodule Processing Deal Targets US Critical Minerals Supply

Glomar Minerals x Cobalt Blue 

Cobalt Blue Glomar nodule processing plans have moved forward after Australian minerals processor Cobalt Blue signed an agreement with US deep sea miner Glomar Minerals to process seabed polymetallic nodules. The partnership will focus on testing whether nodules can become a reliable feedstock for critical metals including cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel and titanium.

The agreement gives both companies a pathway to assess processing feasibility before moving toward a larger industrial model. Pilot testing will take place at Cobalt Blue’s Broken Hill Technology Center in Australia.

Cobalt Blue Glomar nodule processing is strategically important because deep sea nodules contain multiple metals needed for batteries, stainless steel, alloys, electrification and defense-related supply chains. The main challenge is not only resource access, but proving that the material can be processed efficiently, responsibly and at commercial scale.

Broken Hill Pilot Testing Will Define Recovery Potential

Cobalt Blue will test recovery feasibility from polymetallic nodules across several metal streams. The work will help determine how cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel, titanium and other metals can be separated and converted into usable products.

This processing step is critical for deep sea mining economics. Polymetallic nodules may offer metal diversity, but commercial value depends on metallurgical performance, recovery rates, processing cost and environmental controls.

The Broken Hill Technology Center gives the partnership a practical testing platform. If pilot results are successful, the companies can move from early feasibility work toward engineering a larger processing route.

US Facility Plan Highlights Deep Sea Supply Chain Ambition

Cobalt Blue and Glomar eventually aim to develop a commercial-scale polymetallic nodule processing facility in the US. The planned facility would have capacity of 200,000 tonnes per year.

Glomar holds exploration licences in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a North Pacific region known for significant polymetallic nodule deposits. That position gives the company potential access to a major seabed mineral resource base.

For the US, the project fits a broader effort to diversify critical mineral supply beyond conventional land-based mining. However, deep sea mineral development will still face technical, environmental, regulatory and financing scrutiny before it can become a meaningful supply source.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Cobalt Blue Glomar nodule processing shows that deep sea mining is moving from resource promotion toward metallurgical validation. The real test will be whether seabed nodules can become a responsible and scalable feedstock for US critical minerals processing.

USSM Pakistan critical minerals agreement targets defence and technology supply chains

US Strategic Metals(USSM)

USSM Pakistan critical minerals agreement signals a new defence and technology supply partnership between Washington and Islamabad. The agreement links US Strategic Metals with Pakistan's Frontier Works Organisation on critical minerals production and processing. The USSM Pakistan critical minerals agreement targets defence, aerospace and technology supply chains that require secure mineral inputs. As a result, both partners hope to accelerate investment into Pakistan’s emerging polymetallic resources.

Polymetallic refinery anchors USSM Pakistan critical minerals agreement

The planned polymetallic refinery sits at the heart of the USSM Pakistan critical minerals agreement. The partners plan a $500mn investment to design, build and operate the facility in Pakistan. Therefore, the refinery will develop and process multiple critical minerals for export and domestic use. This integrated approach can improve recovery rates and reduce logistics costs across antimony, copper, tungsten and rare earth streams.

The USSM Pakistan critical minerals agreement directly targets defence and aerospace buyers seeking non Chinese supply options. Pakistan can leverage its geology and strategic location to serve US and allied markets. However, project success will require clear permitting processes and strong community engagement on environmental issues. Investors will also watch governance standards closely, given the involvement of a military engineering organisation.

Immediate exports of antimony, copper and rare earths

Immediate export commitments add urgency to the USSM Pakistan critical minerals agreement. Pakistan plans rapid shipments of antimony, copper, tungsten and rare earth elements to the US. As a result, downstream processors and defence contractors could see new supply channels ahead of the refinery start up. These initial flows may help test logistics, quality control and traceability systems before full scale operations.

The USSM Pakistan critical minerals agreement also sits within a broader geopolitical context. Washington continues to seek diversified sources of critical minerals beyond China and Russia. Meanwhile, Pakistan aims to reposition itself as a strategic mining and processing hub. Therefore, sustained execution on this agreement could reshape regional critical mineral trade patterns.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This agreement highlights how mid tier refiners and new jurisdictions enter the critical minerals race. If governance and execution remain strong, Pakistan could secure a durable role in US aligned critical mineral supply chains. However, market participants should monitor project timelines, community consent and export controls that may affect long term volumes.

Sinomine Acquires Tsumeb Smelter to Boost Germanium Production

Sinomine Resource

Chinese mining giant aims to enhance its portfolio with germanium from Namibian facility

Sinomine Resource, a major Chinese mining company, has finalized the acquisition of the Tsumeb smelter in Namibia from Dundee Precious Metals. This move is part of Sinomine's strategy to expand its germanium production capabilities. The Tsumeb smelter, with an initial capacity of 260,000 tons per year for blister copper, is set to be upgraded to handle 370,000 tons per year. It is one of the few smelters equipped to process complex concentrates like high arsenic-copper concentrate.

Resource Potential and Strategic Focus

The smelter's polymetallic slags contain an estimated 2.94 million tons of ore, which includes 746 tons of germanium, 410 tons of gallium, and other significant metals. Germanium is crucial for various industries, including information and communication technology, biological science, aviation, and new energy sectors. With global germanium reserves at 8,600 tons, China has prioritized this resource as strategic.

Sinomine will conduct a feasibility study to upgrade the smelter and integrate germanium and zinc production, aiming for commercial output in the near future. The company has not provided additional details on the project's timeline.

Vedanta Expands Metals Exploration Across India to Secure Critical Minerals

Vedanta

Multi-state exploration strengthens Vedanta’s role in clean energy supply chains

Vedanta expands metals exploration across six Indian states in a strategic push to secure critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies. The company is targeting copper, nickel, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, chromium, and PGEs in regions including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh. This initiative aligns with India’s growing focus on mineral self-sufficiency and value chain localization.

Auction wins and value-added aluminum investment boost vertical integration

In the fourth round of India’s critical mineral auctions, Vedanta secured four mineral blocks. These include vanadium and graphite in Arunachal Pradesh, and a polymetallic block with cobalt, manganese, and iron in Karnataka. Its subsidiary Hindustan Zinc (HZL) also won two tungsten blocks in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Alongside exploration, Vedanta is expanding downstream capabilities—targeting over 90% value-added aluminum output through investments in billets, foundry alloys, rolled products, and wire rods.

Zinc alloy innovation and aluminum capex signal industrial diversification

HZL is diversifying zinc use cases beyond steel galvanization by launching a 30,000-tonne zinc alloy facility. Meanwhile, Vedanta is investing $1.5 billion to expand aluminum smelting and rolling capacity, including a major upgrade at its Odisha plant. These developments aim to deepen Vedanta’s footprint in aerospace, defense, solar, EVs, and battery infrastructure—critical to India's low-carbon ambitions.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Vedanta’s aggressive critical mineral exploration and aluminum investments reflect India’s urgent drive to localize energy transition supply chains. With a diversified portfolio and state-backed auction wins, Vedanta is positioning itself as a key pillar in India's clean energy industrial ecosystem.

Chile Expands Lithium Exploration with Six New Priority Sites

Chile Lithium

Chile has designated six additional sites for lithium exploration, expanding its priority areas to 12 as the country looks to capitalize on its position as a global lithium powerhouse.

New Lithium Exploration Areas Announced

On December 5, Chile’s mining ministry revealed six new sites for lithium exploration in the Tarapacá and Antofagasta regions. These areas include:

• Hilaricos and Quillagua Norte in the Tarapacá region.
• Quillagua Este, Quillagua Sur, Maria Elena Este, and Cerro Pabellon in the Antofagasta region.

Unlike traditional lithium production from brine in salt flats, these new sites present opportunities for polymetallic mining and lithium extraction from clays or geothermal sources.

Exploration and Tendering Process

Chile plans to issue special lithium operating contracts (CEOLs) for each of the 12 priority sites. The tendering process for the first five areas will begin in early 2025, with interested companies required to:

• Hold at least 80% of the mining concessions for a given deposit.
• Submit background information by the end of January 2025 for a simplified process.

For Cerro Pabellon, where geothermal energy companies Chilean Enap and Italian Enel operate, a separate tendering process will be announced.

Indigenous Consultation and Sustainability

The Chilean government emphasized that indigenous consultations will be conducted before tendering any sites, ensuring compliance with sustainability and community engagement standards. This approach aligns with Chile’s broader efforts to develop its critical minerals sector responsibly.

Chile's Global Lithium Standing

Chile is a key player in the global lithium market, holding 36-40% of global reserves as part of the "lithium triangle" with Bolivia and Argentina. The country is the second-largest producer of lithium globally, and these new initiatives aim to further cement its leadership in the market amid soaring global demand driven by electric vehicles and renewable energy.

MMG Copper Output Reaches a Seven-Year High on Las Bambas Strength

MMG

MMG copper output reached a seven-year high in 2025 as Las Bambas delivered much stronger operating performance. The Chinese miner produced 506,899t of copper last year, up 27pc from 2024. Record ore mined, ore processed, and recovery rates lifted Las Bambas copper production sharply. As a result, MMG copper output now reflects both better mine execution and stronger asset contribution across its portfolio.

Las Bambas remained the main driver of group copper growth in 2025. The Peruvian mine produced 410,834t of copper in concentrate, also up 27pc year on year. MMG has set a 400,000t target for 2026, which suggests management expects stable, high-volume performance rather than another major jump. Therefore, Las Bambas copper production will remain central to MMG’s near-term copper strategy.

MMG’s broader base metal portfolio also showed mixed momentum in 2025. Copper cathode production at Kinsevere in the Democratic Republic of the Congo rose 18pc to 52,791t. Meanwhile, zinc production increased 6pc, while lead output fell 5pc. That mix shows MMG is growing copper fastest while keeping broader polymetallic exposure.

Las Bambas and Khoemacau Are Expanding MMG’s Copper Growth Platform

Khoemacau is becoming MMG’s next major copper growth engine. The Botswana mine produced 42,120t of copper in concentrate in 2025, up 36pc from a year earlier. MMG aims to lift capacity to 130,000 t/yr, compared with projected 2026 output of 48,000-53,000t. Consequently, the operation could become one of the company’s most important medium-term expansion assets.

Exploration upside could make Khoemacau even more strategic. MMG sees potential to raise output further to 200,000t/yr of copper in concentrate. The company plans to start a pre-feasibility study for that next phase in 2026. Meanwhile, Kinsevere’s expansion should support higher cathode output of 65,000-75,000t this year. Together, these projects give MMG a more diversified copper growth profile.

Copper TC/RC Decline Shows Concentrate Supply Still Looks Tight

The copper TC/RC decline shows that rising mine output has not solved concentrate market tightness. The Metalnomist weekly TC/RC index for smelter purchases fell to negative territory by 31 December 2025. It dropped to -$44.60/t and -4.46¢/lb from positive levels at the start of the year. Therefore, copper concentrate supply still looks structurally tight despite MMG’s stronger volumes.

New smelting capacity is intensifying that pressure across the supply chain. The trader purchase index fell even more sharply to -$102.30/t and -10.23¢/lb. That move suggests smelters are competing aggressively for limited concentrate availability. As a result, MMG copper output growth matters not only for its own earnings, but also for a market still short of feedstock.

MMG’s 2025 performance highlights an important copper market reality. Large producers can lift output, but downstream tightness can still worsen. That combination supports miners with growing copper units, especially those with expansion options already in motion.

The Metalnomist Commentary

MMG’s copper growth story is no longer just about Las Bambas. It is becoming a multi-asset expansion case supported by Botswana and the DRC. However, the deeper market signal is that concentrate remains tight, which keeps quality copper growth strategically valuable.

The Metals Company to Seek US Deep-Sea Mining Permits

The Metals Company

The Metals Company moves to secure U.S. licenses for Pacific seabed mining, challenging UN authority over deep-sea resources.

U.S. Exploration Bid Sparks Global Governance Tensions

The Metals Company, a Canadian miner, plans to apply for deep-sea mining permits from the U.S. Department of Commerce. This move targets the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), a 1.7 million mi² seabed in the Pacific Ocean rich in polymetallic nodules. These nodules contain high-value resources like manganese, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements.

The company is seeking licenses under the U.S. Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980. This law allows NOAA to issue mining permits for areas outside national jurisdictions. However, this action bypasses the United Nations' International Seabed Authority (ISA), which claims global governance over seabed resources.

ISA Pushback and Regulatory Uncertainty

The ISA’s Secretary-General Leticia Carvahlo strongly criticized the move during the agency’s 30th annual session. She reiterated the ISA’s jurisdiction over all deep-sea mineral exploration activities under international law.

The Metals Company previously held three ISA exploration licenses and had planned to apply for commercial rights. But delays in finalizing ISA’s exploitation regulations pushed the company toward seeking unilateral U.S. approval instead. NOAA has never issued a commercial seabed mining license, though it currently holds two active exploration licenses from 1984.

The ISA has issued 31 exploration permits globally but is still working on a regulatory framework. This includes establishing benefit-sharing mechanisms and environmental oversight, key points of contention among ISA members. In the past, ISA has even blocked activity in areas NOAA had approved by labeling them “environmental interest zones.”

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Metals Company’s pivot toward U.S. permits may redefine seabed mining governance. If successful, it could fracture multilateral oversight and prompt other nations or firms to seek alternative legal routes. With the critical minerals race intensifying, seabed politics may become as contested as the resources themselves.

Impossible Metals Seeks First-Ever U.S. Deep-Sea Mining Lease

Impossible Metals

Autonomous Mining Robots Target Critical Minerals in American Samoa

Impossible Metals has applied for a deep-sea mining lease through the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). The company seeks access to critical minerals off the coast of American Samoa, including nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements. This marks a pivotal step, as BOEM has never issued a commercial deep-sea lease in U.S. history.

The firm plans to deploy autonomous underwater robots to explore polymetallic nodule fields within the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This zone stretches from 3 to 200 nautical miles off U.S. shores and falls under the 1953 Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

U.S. Government Pushes to Accelerate Ocean Mining Permits

The application follows a February directive from the U.S. Interior Secretary to streamline critical mineral leasing on the OCS. BOEM had previously denied a similar request in 2024, citing regulatory limitations and environmental concerns. However, rising demand for battery metals and clean energy materials is now pushing agencies to reconsider.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Congressional Research Service confirms that no commercial deep-sea lease has ever been granted. Therefore, Impossible Metals application could set a precedent for future ocean mining projects.

The Metalnomist Commentary

If approved, Impossible Metals could open the floodgates for U.S. offshore critical mineral extraction. This application tests the regulatory readiness of BOEM in a global race for seabed resources.

NioCorp Elk Creek critical minerals funding widens US Sc-Nb-Ti supply

Elk Creek Project

DoD backs Elk Creek with $10mn milestone award

NioCorp Elk Creek critical minerals funding advances with a DoD award of up to $10mn. The funding supports scandium production at Elk Creek, Nebraska. The grant falls under Defense Production Act Title III with performance milestones. Therefore, NioCorp Elk Creek critical minerals funding strengthens US materials resilience. The project targets scandium, niobium, and titanium outputs for strategic supply chains.

Financing stack positions project for construction readiness

The company adds export credit support to the plan. NioCorp expects up to $200mn from UK Export Finance. It is also pursuing up to $800mn from US EXIM. As a result, NioCorp Elk Creek critical minerals funding now blends grants and debt. This stack could accelerate long-lead procurement and engineering. It also improves bankability for a polymetallic flow sheet.

The project targets multiple high-value markets. Scandium enhances aluminum alloys for aerospace and defense platforms. Niobium strengthens HSLA steel used in autos and infrastructure. Titanium adds corrosion resistance for energy and industrial uses. Meanwhile, domestic production can reduce import exposure and lead times. Offtake talks could unlock additional financing flexibility.

Execution risks remain despite policy support. The DoD award requires milestone delivery. Market prices for scandium and niobium can be thin and volatile. However, diversified revenue across Sc-Nb-Ti can help smooth cycles. Permitting, EPC readiness, and grid interconnects also matter. Robust ESG practices will aid lender diligence and OEM adoption.

The Metalnomist Commentary

US re-shoring needs scalable inputs beyond copper and lithium. Elk Creek’s blended financing suggests a maturing toolkit for niche critical minerals. Watch for binding offtakes and EPC notices; those will signal true project momentum.

Pakistan rare earths deal with US Strategic Metals reshapes critical minerals flows

Pakistan Rare Earths

Pakistan rare earths deal with US Strategic Metals marks a strategic shift in global critical mineral supply. The first shipment of enriched rare earths and critical minerals has now left Pakistan, turning a framework agreement into real trade flows. This Pakistan rare earths deal with US Strategic Metals opens a new channel for US buyers seeking diversified supply away from traditional hubs.

Pakistan rare earths deal with US Strategic Metals backs new refinery plan

The Pakistan rare earths deal with US Strategic Metals is anchored in a $500mn partnership signed in September. The first batch includes neodymium and praseodymium, alongside antimony and copper concentrate, signalling a broad critical minerals focus. As a result, the agreement goes beyond simple ore exports and moves toward higher-value enriched products.

The partnership will finance a polymetallic refinery in Pakistan dedicated to developing and processing critical minerals. This refinery is expected to upgrade locally sourced material into globally tradable products for advanced manufacturing sectors. In turn, Pakistan aims to move up the value chain, capturing more revenue from rare earths and linked metals.

The project is structured through cooperation between US Strategic Metals and Pakistan’s Frontier Work Organization. That structure embeds state-backed engineering capacity into the minerals strategy, which may accelerate permitting and infrastructure. However, strong governance and environmental standards will remain crucial for long-term investor confidence.

Strategic implications for US and South Asian supply chains

For the US, the Pakistan rare earths deal with US Strategic Metals supports efforts to derisk supply chains from single-country dependence. Neodymium and praseodymium are essential for permanent magnets used in EVs, wind turbines and defence systems. Therefore, even modest volumes from Pakistan can play an outsized role in strategic stockpiles.

Meanwhile, antimony and copper concentrate add further strategic depth to the relationship. Antimony underpins flame retardants and defence applications, while copper remains central to electrification and grid expansion. By linking these commodities into one platform, the partnership can optimise processing, logistics and offtake negotiations.

In South Asia, the agreement signals growing competition to monetise critical mineral resources. Pakistan’s move may encourage neighbouring countries to formalise their own rare earths and battery metals strategies. Over time, this could turn the region into a more significant node in global clean-tech and defence supply chains.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This deal positions Pakistan as an emerging player in the rare earths ecosystem, rather than a passive raw ore supplier. The real test will be whether the planned refinery reaches scale on time and meets ESG expectations. If successful, it will underscore how strategic capital and state-backed engineering can rapidly redraw the critical minerals map.

Polymetals Endeavor zinc mine suspension after fatal explosion

Polymetals Resources

Polymetals Endeavor zinc mine suspension follows a fatal underground explosion in New South Wales, Australia. The company halted trading in connection with the Endeavor zinc and silver operation after the incident. As a result, investors and concentrate buyers now face fresh uncertainty around the mine’s restart profile and safety performance. Polymetals Endeavor zinc mine status will depend on the forthcoming incident update and any regulatory response.

Operational restart cut short by fatal incident

Endeavor only restarted earlier this year after several years on care and maintenance. The mine delivered its first saleable zinc and silver-lead concentrates in June, marking a key milestone for Polymetals. In that month, Endeavor processed 36,066dmt of ore at an average head grade of 3.72pc zinc. Therefore the Polymetals Endeavor zinc mine quickly re-emerged as a meaningful producer in the regional concentrate market.

However, the fatal explosion has abruptly interrupted that ramp-up narrative. The trading halt is expected to last up to two days while Polymetals prepares a detailed announcement. Regulators, employees, local communities and customers will scrutinise how quickly operations can resume safely. Any extended outage could force smelters and traders to reassess their zinc and lead concentrate sourcing plans.

Long-term production plans now face new uncertainty

Before the incident, Polymetals outlined ambitious ten-year plans for Endeavor. The company targeted 400,000t of contained zinc, 172,000t of contained lead and 21.4mn oz of contained silver over the first decade of the mine’s restarted life. These volumes would have reinforced the Polymetals Endeavor zinc mine as a long-term pillar of polymetallic supply from New South Wales.

The asset’s history underscores its technical complexity. Previous owner Toho Zinc placed Endeavor on care and maintenance in 2020 because of depleted reserves and high costs at depth. Polymetals acquired the mine in 2023, betting that revised mine planning and capital investment could overcome those challenges. Now, the Polymetals Endeavor zinc mine suspension will likely trigger fresh reviews of ground conditions, access design and cost assumptions.

As a result, the timeline for fully realising Endeavor’s planned output may shift. Additional safety measures, new operating protocols or revised development sequences could increase capital needs. Meanwhile, any delays would tighten regional zinc, lead and silver concentrate availability versus earlier expectations, especially for buyers that had already locked in offtake.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Polymetals Endeavor zinc mine suspension is a stark reminder that restart stories in deep underground zinc mines carry elevated operational risk. Safety incidents can rapidly reverse production gains and undermine confidence in even carefully staged ramp-ups. For traders and smelters, Endeavor highlights the value of diversified concentrate portfolios and robust contingency planning around legacy assets.

Sinomine to Build Copper, Gallium, and Germanium Smelters in Africa: A Strategic Move for Resource Expansion

Sinomine

Chinese diversified mining company Sinomine Resource has announced a bold step in its global resource strategy by unveiling plans to build a copper smelter at its Kitumba mine in Zambia and a germanium/gallium recycling facility at the Tsumeb smelter in Namibia. These investments come as part of Sinomine's ongoing strategy to expand its reach in the mining sector, focusing on copper, germanium, and gallium—key strategic metals for the global market.

Sinomine’s Copper Smelter in Zambia

The first phase of Sinomine’s expansion involves a $562.9 million investment in a new copper smelter at its Kitumba mine in Zambia. The smelter will process 3.5 million tons per year of copper ore, with a production capacity of 60,000 tons per year of copper cathode. The project is set to be completed by late 2026, with a construction period of 1½ years, and will have an expected operating life of 11 years after commissioning. The smelter’s establishment aligns with Sinomine's strategy of expanding its copper resources globally, particularly in Africa, a continent rich in mineral deposits.

Sinomine took control of the Kitumba mine in March and began production in August, marking a significant milestone in its overseas copper operations. The Kitumba project complements Sinomine’s other Zambian ventures, including the commissioning of a second concentrator at the Kasisi copper and gold mine earlier in 2023. This move has significantly increased copper ore processing capacity, further bolstering Sinomine’s growing presence in Zambia.

Expansion in Namibia: Gallium and Germanium Recycling Facility

In addition to copper, Sinomine has also turned its attention to germanium and gallium, two metals that are crucial to industries such as information technology, renewable energy, and aviation. The company is investing $222 million in a multi-metal recycling facility at the Tsumeb smelter in Namibia. The facility will have an annual processing capacity of 200,000 tons and will produce 33 tons per year of zone-melting grade germanium, 11 tons per year of 99.9% industrial-grade gallium, and 10,900 tons per year of zinc. This ambitious project will be built in two phases and is expected to operate for 15 years. However, detailed launch dates are still to be disclosed.

The polymetallic slag at the Tsumeb smelter is estimated to contain substantial quantities of germanium, gallium, and other metals, including zinc and copper, making it an attractive site for advanced metal recycling and extraction. Sinomine’s investment reflects the growing global demand for germanium and gallium, both of which have seen price increases following China’s introduction of export licensing schemes in August 2023. These metals are considered critical for high-tech applications, and their strategic importance has driven companies worldwide to diversify their supply sources.

The Global Significance of Germanium and Gallium

Germanium, used extensively in industries ranging from telecommunications to clean energy, is a strategic resource that is primarily produced in China, which has been reducing its export volume. The global reserves of germanium are estimated at just 8,600 tons, according to the US Geological Survey. Gallium, which is essential for electronics and solar technology, is also in high demand. Sinomine's strategic investments in germanium and gallium facilities will position the company to capitalize on the rising global need for these critical materials, while reducing its reliance on Chinese supply chains.

Conclusion

Sinomine’s investment in copper and multi-metal recycling projects in Zambia and Namibia highlights its forward-thinking approach to securing a diverse range of valuable resources. As global demand for copper, germanium, and gallium grows, Sinomine is positioning itself as a key player in the African mining sector. With an expanding footprint across the continent, the company is set to shape the future of metal production and recycling, supporting industries from renewable energy to electronics.

Vale copper and nickel production outlook strengthens for 2025

Vale

Vale copper and nickel production outlook continues to improve as the Brazilian miner delivers a solid third quarter. The company reported higher copper output and broadly stable nickel production, keeping all base metal assets near the upper end of 2025 guidance. This Vale copper and nickel production outlook underscores the importance of Brazil and Canada within the group’s growth plan.

Copper growth keeps Vale on track with 2025 guidance

Vale copper and nickel production outlook is anchored by another strong performance from its copper division. Third-quarter copper production rose 6pc year-on-year to 90,800t, supported by consistent operations in Brazil and steady polymetallic output in Canada. Payable copper sales climbed 14.8pc to 90,000t, helped by smooth logistics and strong market demand.

In Brazil, Salobo drove copper growth with a 13pc output increase to 53,000t on robust mine-mill performance. Sossego slipped just 2pc to 19,900t after a week of planned maintenance, suggesting limited underlying weakness. In Canada, total copper production dipped 6pc to 18,400t as Vale ended copper-precipitate recovery at Thompson, even while Sudbury and Voisey’s Bay both delivered 11pc higher concentrate volumes.

Higher prices also lifted the Vale copper and nickel production outlook. Vale realised an average copper price of $9,818/t, up $833/t quarter-on-quarter, reflecting firmer LME benchmarks and lower treatment and refining charges. Nine-month copper output reached 274,300t, up 11.4pc year-on-year, keeping the group on pace for its 2025 guidance range of 340,000–370,000t.

Nickel production stable as new capacity comes online

Meanwhile, Vale copper and nickel production outlook on the nickel side remains stable despite heavy maintenance. Third-quarter nickel output slipped just 0.6pc to 46,800t, as refinery downtime offset strong mine performance. Nickel sales rose 5.4pc to 42,900t, although the realised nickel price eased 2.3pc to $15,445/t in line with softer LME levels.

In Canada, Sudbury’s finished nickel production fell 31pc to 8,500t because of work at the Copper Cliff refinery, even as ore mined jumped 45pc to 3.6mn t. Voisey’s Bay output surged 74pc to 10,700t, driven by the ramp-up of the Eastern Deeps and Reid Brook underground mines before a planned shutdown in September. Long Harbour refinery set a new quarterly production record, confirming the asset’s role as a core hub in Vale’s nickel chain.

Brazilian nickel production slipped 5pc to 5,900t, but Onça Puma held steady as it completed early maintenance linked to a second furnace start-up in late September. That new furnace adds 15,000 t/yr of capacity, lifting site capacity to 40,000 t/yr and setting the stage for growth from the December quarter onward. Nine-month nickel output reached 131,000t, up 14.4pc, allowing Vale to maintain its 2025 guidance of 160,000–175,000t and support a resilient Vale copper and nickel production outlook.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Vale copper and nickel production outlook highlights how disciplined maintenance and targeted brownfield investments can offset operational noise. Additional nickel capacity at Onça Puma and continued strength at Salobo position Vale to benefit from any upside in copper and nickel prices. For downstream users, the guidance stability signals that Vale remains a reliable anchor in an otherwise volatile base metals supply chain.

US Offshore Mineral Lease Request Begins Federal Evaluation Process

Impossible Metals

US offshore mineral lease evaluation commenced as the Department of Interior initiates assessment of deep-sea mining company Impossible Metals' request for critical minerals exploration off American Samoa. The unprecedented US offshore mineral lease application submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on April 8th targets nickel, magnesium, cobalt, copper, and rare earth minerals using autonomous underwater robotics, representing the first commercial critical minerals lease request in federal outer continental shelf waters.

Federal Register Process Launches Public Comment Period

US offshore mineral lease evaluation will begin with Federal Register notice publication soliciting public comment on Impossible Metals' application under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of 1953. BOEM regulates federally managed ocean areas spanning 3-200 nautical miles offshore, encompassing the outer continental shelf where critical minerals deposits potentially exist. This formal evaluation process marks unprecedented territory as BOEM has never issued commercial leases for critical minerals exploration or extraction according to the Congressional Research Service.

Meanwhile, the application targets ferro-manganese crusts and polymetallic nodules identified by BOEM studies as potential sources of manganese, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth minerals. These formations occur in areas offshore of US Pacific islands, including American Samoa, where Impossible Metals plans autonomous underwater robot deployment. The technology approach represents advanced deep-sea mining capabilities designed for minimal environmental impact while accessing strategic mineral resources.

Strategic Minerals Access Addresses Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

However, the lease request reflects broader US government priorities to secure domestic critical minerals access amid global supply chain vulnerabilities. Nickel, cobalt, copper, and rare earth elements represent essential materials for clean energy technologies, electric vehicle batteries, and defense applications. Offshore mineral resources could diversify supply sources beyond traditional mining jurisdictions while reducing import dependencies.

Therefore, American Samoa's location positions potential operations strategically within US territorial waters while accessing Pacific Ocean mineral formations. The outer continental shelf contains substantial untapped critical minerals reserves that could support domestic manufacturing and energy transition requirements. Federal evaluation will assess environmental impacts, technical feasibility, and regulatory frameworks for sustainable deep-sea mining operations.

Regulatory Precedent Shapes Future Deep-Sea Mining Policy

Furthermore, BOEM's evaluation will establish regulatory precedents for future commercial critical minerals applications in US waters. The comprehensive assessment includes environmental impact analysis, stakeholder consultation, and technical review of proposed mining methodologies. Federal agencies must balance resource development opportunities with marine ecosystem protection and existing ocean use activities.

As a result, the Impossible Metals application represents a test case for US deep-sea mining regulatory frameworks while addressing critical minerals supply security objectives. Successful evaluation could unlock substantial offshore mineral resources supporting domestic clean energy and defense industries. The precedent-setting nature of this application will influence future policy development for critical minerals extraction in federal waters.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The US offshore mineral lease evaluation represents a watershed moment for American critical minerals policy, potentially establishing the regulatory framework for accessing vast untapped seabed resources essential for clean energy and defense applications. While environmental considerations will require careful assessment, the strategic importance of reducing import dependencies for critical materials may drive supportive policy outcomes that could reshape US mineral supply chain security through innovative deep-sea mining technologies.