Aluminum production has come under threat as Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the nation’s ban on exports of alumina, an ingredient of aluminum. The ban, which came in response to Russia’s involvement in the poisoning of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, is likely to have far reaching implications—particularly on production of the light metal and…
In the small town of Black Hawk, Colorado, a battle is brewing over the future of the local mining industry. For years, the town has been home to a thriving gold-mining industry, but now the city council is considering a ban on all forms of extractive mining. If the ban is passed, it would be…
SQM, the world’s second-largest lithium supplier, is resuming operations in northern Chile following the clearance of roadblocks by local communities, as confirmed by a company representative on Monday. The removal of the final blockades, in place for nearly a week, allows the gradual return to normal operations. Community concerns arose over plans to increase lithium…
Since the turn of the century, Canada has fallen from its standing as the world’s leading producer of minerals. Economic analyses estimate that for the globe’s top 10 countries, Canada’s rankings have dropped from the top or near-top producer in most minerals, to as low as the 8th or 9th in the rankings. A newly…
The Chinese government has recently completed an investigation into the lithium mining industry in the country and has cleared the major lithium miners of any wrongdoing. The investigation was launched after reports emerged in 2020 that some miners were operating without proper permits and failing to comply with safety regulations. The government has now given…
The oil and gas extraction segment produces the petroleum and natural gas that heat homes, fuel cars, and power factories. Petroleum products are also the raw materials for plastics, chemicals, medicines, fertilizers, and synthetic fibers. Petroleum, commonly called crude oil or just oil, is a liquid formed under ground from the decay of plants and…
First Quantum Minerals is one of the world’s leading copper producers, and the company has been hit hard by the recent strike and lower copper prices. The strike, which began in October 2018, has caused a significant disruption in copper production and has had a major impact on First Quantum’s operations. The strike began when…
In recent months, China has seen a rise in coal mine accidents as the country pushes for higher production. The increase in accidents comes as the country ramps up coal production and consumption in order to meet its energy needs. China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of coal, and it is estimated that…
Swiss mining giant Glencore has signaled that it remains open to pursuing major acquisitions, even after its massive $260 billion merger discussions with Rio Tinto recently fell apart. Speaking publicly for the first time since the collapse of the talks, CEO Gary Nagle said the company is still interested in large-scale consolidation deals. According to…
Aluminium Dunkerque, a French aluminium producer, has announced plans to sell a portion of its metal to Glencore, one of the world’s leading commodities traders. The deal marks an important step forward for the two companies in terms of their long-term relationship. Aluminium Dunkerque is one of the largest aluminium producers in Europe, with an…
