January 12, 2026 Australia fast-tracks critical minerals stockpile Canberra will build a strategic minerals reserve using domestic supply to shore up defence, tech manufacturing and allied supply chains.
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.
Caledonia plans to spend $132 million on Zimbabwe’s biggest gold mine this year Caledonia plans to develop the Bilboes mine at a projected total capital cost of $584 million. January 14, 2026 | 06:58 am
