This Week's Top Five Stories in Mining
Ascension: Advancing Critical Minerals Tech With $2.3m Funds
The sourcing of rare earths has become a critical concern for supply chains around the world, in part due to the energy transition.
Critical mineral mining can be difficult - these 'rare earths' are not rare in themselves, but can be hard to extract.
Oxford University spinout company, Ascension, has secured £1.7m (US$2.3m) in funding as it develops its recovery technology.
What Does China's Acid Ban Mean for Chilean Copper Output?
Chile's mining sector is confronting a critical supply constraint as China prepares to halt sulphuric acid exports, a move that could curtail copper production at major operations across the country.
The anticipated restriction is exposing vulnerabilities in global mining supply chains and forcing operators to reassess sourcing strategies for a chemical integral to oxide copper processing.
As Chinese shipments taper off, Chilean mining operations face a dual challenge: securing alternative supplies whilst managing steep cost increases. A recent Reuters report captured the mounting anxiety among producers, with many now planning for scenarios where output could be constrained by input availability rather than ore grades or processing capacity.
Chile produces more copper than any other nation, with operations spanning from large-scale open-pit mines to underground deposits.
A significant portion of this output depends on leaching operations that require sulphuric acid to extract copper from oxide ores. The reliance on imported acid, particularly from China, has left the sector exposed to sudden disruptions in international trade flows.
Unlocking Critical Minerals Potential With EU-US Partnership
As much of the world seeks to diversify its critical materials sourcing away from China, the EU and US have announced a growing partnership.
On 24 April 2026, the US and EU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), developing a strategic coordination on a western critical minerals push.
This is one step in developing supply chain resilience amid ongoing geopolitical and economic disruption.
Freeport-McMoRan's Water Strategy Accelerates
As climate variability intensifies across key copper extraction regions, water availability emerges as the decisive factor in sustaining production targets. Copper extraction is water-intensive, drawing attention to industry practices as local shortages impact surrounding communities.
American mining operator Freeport-McMoRan also faces water-supply constraints and increased scrutiny over its water use.
The company treats water stewardship as essential to operational continuity, embedding it in its protocols beyond compliance. With mines located in regions experiencing varying degrees of water scarcity, each site requires a tailored water management plan.
Trump Signs Mining Bill to Reopen Minnesota's Mineral Lands
In 2007, Minnesota passed the Next Generation Energy Act, requiring an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2050 while maintaining reliable and affordable energy.
In 2023, the state updated its goals to align with the Climate Action Framework, targeting a 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
However, US President Donald Trump has signed H.J. Res. 140 into law.
The resolution marks a major policy shift for mineral development in northern Minnesota.
It reopens debate around resource development, environmental review and long-term sustainability.
