January 11, 2026

Japan sets sail on rare earth hunt as China tightens supplies

The month-long mission of the test vessel Chikyu near Minamitori Island will mark the world's first attempt to continuously lift rare-earth seabed sludge.

January 11, 2026

Australia’s VHM scraps offtake deal with Shenghe Resources

The Goschen project is VHM's flagship development, focused on extracting critical minerals such as rare earth elements and titanium.

January 11, 2026

US to push for quicker action in reducing reliance on China for rare earths

Aside from Japan, G7 members remain heavily dependent on critical minerals from China, which has threatened to impose strict export controls.

January 9, 2026

Japan seeks support as fears rise over China’s rare earth grip

The impact of China’s latest move is still unclear, but existing export controls have already lengthened the time required to procure rare earth magnets.

January 9, 2026

Chinese demand for copper vanishes after prices hit record

A Mysteel Global survey showed that about 60% of the firms making copper rod for electricity transmission cut or shut production over the month.

January 8, 2026

Navarro sees US ending Chinese dominance of critical minerals

American innovation would “quickly wipe away” China’s “weaponization,” Trump’s White House trade adviser predicted.

January 8, 2026

China-Japan rare earth spat curbs exports

Analysts said the economic fallout for Japan could be severe.

January 8, 2026

AI to boost copper demand 50% by 2040 — S&P

The consultancy warns new AI, defence and robotics uses could strain copper supply without major gains in mining and recycling.

January 7, 2026

China’s metals in grip of frenzy as investors bet on rally

The total turnover of the Shanghai Futures Exchange’s six base metals contracts, plus gold and silver futures, reached 37.1 trillion yuan in December.

January 7, 2026

Column: US tariff pull on copper drains China’s bonded warehouses

China's exports of refined copper surged to record levels last year as the world's top buyer found itself in unusual competition with the US for spare metal.