Episodes

  • Electric Haulage Hits the Pilbara, Iran Eyes Hormuz Control, Barrick Breaks Ground at Fourmile, and the New US Metal Tariff Rulebook

    Electric Haulage Hits the Pilbara, Iran Eyes Hormuz Control, Barrick Breaks Ground at Fourmile, and the New US Metal Tariff Rulebook
    Jun 28 2026
    June 28, 2026 — The Mining Insider with Logan Ore Today's stories: 1. BHP, Rio Tinto and Caterpillar — Battery-Electric Haul Truck Trial Milestone: The two Cat 793 XE Early Learner trucks at BHP's Jimblebar iron ore mine in the Pilbara have logged 100+ operating hours and 200+ test laps. Trial enters dynamic charging phase. Quotes from BHP Australia President Geraldine Slattery and Rio Tinto Iron Ore CEO Matthew Holcz. 2. Hormuz Strategic Standoff: Straits Times analysis — Iran's objective is not just reopening the waterway. It is strategic control: transit fees, missile batteries, up to $40B in annual revenue. Ceasefire technically intact but unraveling. Iran simultaneously resumes UAE trade via Dubai's Jebel Ali Port. 3. US Section 232 Metals Tariff Overhaul — Proclamation 11032 (effective June 8): Agricultural equipment and residential HVAC reduced from 25% to 15%. Mobile industrial equipment (bulldozers, forklifts, cranes) gets new tiered Annex I-C category. US-content threshold for preferred 10% rate lowered from 95% to 85% by weight. All temporary through Dec 31, 2027. 4. Barrick Fourmile — Barminco Wins A$275M Contract: Perenti's Barminco awarded underground development contract for Barrick's fully owned Fourmile gold project in Nevada's Carlin Trend. Indicated resource: 6.3M oz at 12.4 g/t. Contract covers decline development, underground infrastructure and initial stoping. Part of Barrick's broader $3B buyback + development strategy. Tomorrow's Flashpoint: US Section 232 copper tariff report due to White House Monday June 30. Hosted by Logan Ore. The Mining Insider is produced daily for mining executives, operators, investors, suppliers, and analysts. Sources: CIM Magazine, Rio Tinto (primary), Straits Times, Anadolu Agency, BDO USA, ArentFox Schiff, Global Mining Review, Business News Australia.
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    11 mins
  • Hormuz Flares Again as Copper Tariff Deadline Looms, BHP Changes Guard, Hudbay Builds a Copper Empire in Arizona

    Hormuz Flares Again as Copper Tariff Deadline Looms, BHP Changes Guard, Hudbay Builds a Copper Empire in Arizona
    Jun 27 2026
    June 27, 2026 — The Mining Insider with Logan Ore Today's stories: 1. Hormuz Re-Escalation: US and Iran exchange strikes after the Singapore-flagged Ever Lovely is hit by a drone. A second tanker struck Saturday. UK MTOS raises threat to 'substantial.' IMO suspends convoy evacuations. Shipping normalization stalls — direct implications for commodity supply chains. 2. Copper Tariff Deadline June 30: The US Department of Commerce must submit its Section 232 refined copper assessment by Monday. COMEX inventories have surged from 80,000 to a record 652,200 tonnes since early 2025. Goldman Sachs expects copper to breach 4,000/tonne once tariffs formally take hold. 3. BHP — Brandon Craig Takes Command July 1: Final leadership reshuffle announced Friday. Americas split into North and South. Jessica Farrell heads North America (Jansen, Resolution). Edgar Basto moves to Chief Enterprise Performance Officer in September. Craig inherits Port Hedland labor tension, Jansen cost overruns, and copper growth pressure. 4. Hudbay Completes Arizona Sonoran Acquisition: Cactus + Copper World = third-largest copper district in North America. Production pathway: 125,000 t today → 250,000 t by 2030 → 350,000+ t with staged Cactus buildout. CEO Peter Kukielski quoted at close. Tomorrow's Flashpoint: The Commerce Department Section 232 copper report to the White House — Monday, June 30. Hosted by Logan Ore. The Mining Insider is produced daily for mining executives, operators, investors, suppliers, and analysts. Sources: NPR, Bloomberg, Al Jazeera, New York Times, TradingKey, Hudbay Minerals (primary press release), Yahoo Finance, The West Australian.
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    11 mins
  • BHP's New CEO Inherits a Full Inbox, Gold Breaks $4,000, SSR Mining Closes $1.49B Çöpler Sale, Paladin Hits New Uranium Discovery

    BHP's New CEO Inherits a Full Inbox, Gold Breaks $4,000, SSR Mining Closes $1.49B Çöpler Sale, Paladin Hits New Uranium Discovery
    Jun 25 2026
    The Mining Insider | June 25, 2026 Story 1 — BHP's Brandon Craig Takes Over July 1 Brandon Craig (53) starts as BHP CEO July 1, 2026. Immediate challenges: Port Hedland three-union ultimatum (July 7 next session); $2.3B Jansen Stage 2 overrun (was under Craig's Americas oversight); year-end Copper South Australia smelter expansion decision; Vicuna copper JV (Argentina/Chile). On uranium: 'I would have a really good look at uranium, but scale is hard.' BHP at ~5% global uranium supply via Olympic Dam byproduct. On M&A: bolt-on possible; Glencore–Rio Tinto standstill expiring. Source: Reuters, June 25, 2026. Story 2 — Gold Below $4,000: Seven-Month Low Spot gold fell to $3,983/oz on June 25 — first time below $4,000 since October 2025. US dollar at highest since May 2025. Fed rate hike bets surging. Copper at ~$6.00/lb (six-week low). Silver near December 2025 lows. Impacts: Barrick (Mali dispute), Newmont (Cadia ramp-up), Agnico Eagle all face margin pressure. Standard Chartered targets $5,100 mid-2027; Morgan Stanley $5,200 H2 2026. Source: CNBC, Qatar Day, Trading Economics. Story 3 — SSR Mining Closes $1.49B Çöpler Sale SSR Mining (Nasdaq/TSX: SSRM) closes 80% stake sale of Çöpler mine (Turkey) to Cengiz Holding for ~$1.49B cash. Çöpler suspended Feb 2024 after heap leach pad incident; $261M net loss in 2024. SSR now a pure Americas producer: Cripple Creek & Victor (CO), Marigold (NV), Seabee (SK), Puna (Argentina). Source: Business Wire, June 24, 2026. Story 4 — Paladin Energy: Atlas Uranium Discovery at Patterson Lake South Paladin Energy (ASX/TSX: PDN) confirms Atlas discovery at PLS, Saskatchewan — 3.5km south of Triple R. 7 of 8 holes hit significant mineralisation. Best: 8.0m @ 1.75% U3O8 incl 3.0m @ 4.25% U3O8. First major new discovery at PLS since Paladin's acquisition. Zone open along strike and depth. Uranium spot: ~$85.50/lb. Source: GlobeNewswire, June 25, 2026. RSS Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-mining-insider
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    10 mins
  • Anglo-Codelco Copper Deal Done, Sherritt Shuts Canada's Only Cobalt Refinery, BHP Ultimatum at Port Hedland, Wall Street Cuts Gold Targets

    Anglo-Codelco Copper Deal Done, Sherritt Shuts Canada's Only Cobalt Refinery, BHP Ultimatum at Port Hedland, Wall Street Cuts Gold Targets
    Jun 24 2026
    The Mining Insider | June 24, 2026 Today's dispatch covers a landmark copper supply deal, a cobalt supply chain disruption driven by geopolitical sanctions, the most serious escalation yet in the Port Hedland labor standoff, and a wave of gold price downgrades from major Wall Street banks. Story 1 — Anglo American + Codelco: Los Bronces–Andina Joint Mine Plan Completed Anglo American (through Anglo American Sur, 50.1%-owned) and Codelco announced completion of their definitive joint mine plan for Los Bronces and Andina copper mines in Chile. Original agreement: September 2025. Unlocks 2.7 million additional tonnes copper over 21 years (~120,000 t/yr), split equally. Operating costs ~15% lower vs. standalone. Shared pre-tax value: $5B+. Environmental permits targeted by 2030. Anglo CEO Duncan Wanblad: 'the next important milestone.' Source: Anglo American press release, June 24, 2026. Story 2 — Sherritt International Shuts Canada's Only Cobalt Refinery Sherritt International (TSX: S) begins controlled shutdown of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta — the only significant cobalt refinery and one of just three nickel refineries in North America. Cause: US sanctions expanded against Cuba in May 2026, severing feedstock supply from Moa JV in eastern Cuba. Company: no timing guidance for restart. Continues fertilizer/sulphuric acid production. Core cobalt and nickel business at standstill. Story 3 — BHP Port Hedland Final Ultimatum ETU, AMWU, and Western Mine Workers' Alliance issue joint statement: BHP must 'meaningfully negotiate' or face widespread strikes. First unified message from all three unions. Federal Resources Minister preparing to intervene. Next bargaining session: July 7. Port Hedland: $120M/day BHP revenue, $7M/day WA royalties. ETU and AMWU already voted for protected action; WMWA ballot application filed. Story 4 — Wall Street Cuts Gold Targets Deutsche Bank cuts gold forecast up to 22%, targeting $4,300/oz. Goldman Sachs cut year-end target from $5,400 to $4,900 last week. Driver: hawkish Fed, US dollar at one-year high. Silver at lowest since December 2025. Impacts: Barrick (Mali dispute), Newmont (Cadia ramp-up), Agnico Eagle all face margin headwinds. Sources: Anglo American press release (angloamerican.com), Mining.com, Seeking Alpha, The West Australian RSS Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-mining-insider
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    10 mins
  • Energy Fuels Acquires Germany's VAC for $1.9 Billion, BHP Tables Port Hedland Offer, Mali Presses $512M Barrick Claim, Minnesota Mining Ban Overturned

    Energy Fuels Acquires Germany's VAC for $1.9 Billion, BHP Tables Port Hedland Offer, Mali Presses $512M Barrick Claim, Minnesota Mining Ban Overturned
    Jun 23 2026
    The Mining Insider | June 23, 2026 Today's dispatch covers four developments that span rare earth supply chain consolidation, one of Australia's most consequential labor standoffs in decades, a high-stakes sovereign dispute in West Africa, and a landmark policy reversal in the American heartland. Story 1 — Energy Fuels + VAC: A $1.9 Billion Mine-to-Magnet Bet Energy Fuels (NYSE: UUUU) announced a definitive agreement to acquire Vacuumschmelze GmbH (VAC) from Ara Partners for approximately $1.9 billion in cash and stock. The deal combines Energy Fuels' uranium and rare earth mining assets — including White Mesa Mill, which last week secured a conditional $725M Department of Defense loan — with VAC's rare earth magnet manufacturing capacity in Hanau, Germany. Transaction: $718M cash + 65.85M newly issued shares. Expected close: early 2027. Goldman Sachs advised Energy Fuels; Jefferies advised VAC. Story 2 — BHP Port Hedland: Draft Offer Tabled, July 7 Next BHP's Australian president Geraldine Slattery tabled a draft enterprise agreement at Port Hedland Tuesday, the first concrete offer in months of talks with three unions (ETU, AMWU, Western Mine Workers' Alliance). Unions seeking $249,000 base salaries by 2028. Unions say 'still some way' from a deal. No industrial action anticipated before July 7 follow-up. Port Hedland: ~$120M/day in BHP iron ore revenue, $7M/day WA royalties. Story 3 — Barrick vs. Mali: $512 Million and Rising Pressure Mali's junta demands 300 billion CFA francs (~$512M) from Barrick Gold in backdated taxes, customs duties, and contested dividends from its 20% stake in Loulo-Gounkoto (650,000–700,000 oz/year gold). Barrick denies allegations, cites $10B+ contributed to Mali economy. Junta has previously detained staff; settlement range $350–450M floated. Story 4 — Minnesota's Twin Metals: The Ban Is Gone President Trump signed a Congressional Review Act resolution on April 27, 2026, overturning Public Land Order 7917 — the Biden-era withdrawal of 225,000 acres of Superior National Forest. Twin Metals Minnesota (Antofagasta subsidiary) targeting the Duluth Complex: estimated 95% of US nickel, 88% cobalt, ~33% copper. Initial capex: $1.7B+. DOI record of decision expected late summer; full environmental review still required (3–5 years). Sources: PR Newswire (Energy Fuels), The West Australian, Nikkei Asia, Skillings Mining Intelligence RSS Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-mining-insider
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    10 mins
  • US-Iran Talks Secure Hormuz Roadmap, China Bans Rare Earth Exports to MP Materials, Pentagon Backs Energy Fuels With $725 Million, and Newmont Cadia Hit by Twin Quakes

    US-Iran Talks Secure Hormuz Roadmap, China Bans Rare Earth Exports to MP Materials, Pentagon Backs Energy Fuels With $725 Million, and Newmont Cadia Hit by Twin Quakes
    Jun 22 2026

    Episode Date: June 22, 2026 | Host: Logan Ore

    On today's Mining Insider:

    • US-Iran Switzerland talks: 60-day roadmap agreed; Hormuz communication line established; Brent at $78; VP Vance calls talks 'historic'; technical discussions continue through the week
    • China rare earth ban: 10 US entities on export control list — MP Materials and USA Rare Earth named; immediate full prohibition (upgrade from licence requirement); 46 more US firms hit by China finance ministry procurement ban
    • Energy Fuels Pentagon loan: $725M conditional 20-year senior-secured loan from DoD Office of Strategic Capital; White Mesa Mill, Blanding Utah; NdFeB magnets for F-35s and EV drivetrains; mine-to-magnet supply chain
    • Newmont Cadia: mag 3.4 + 3.2 earthquakes June 19-20; second halt in 9 weeks; no injuries, no structural damage; staged restart Sunday; Cadia = ~11% of Newmont NAV

    Tomorrow's Flashpoint: BHP-ETU meeting June 23 — most consequential labor discussion yet; strike notice could follow this week if talks fail; $120M/day in iron ore revenue at risk.

    Sources: ProtoThema/Reuters, CNBC, India Today, InvestingLive/China MofCOM, Skillings Mining Intelligence, MarketScreener/Newmont ASX announcement
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    11 mins
  • Iran Closes Hormuz Again, Trump's Copper Tariff Decision Looms, and All Three BHP Port Hedland Unions Now Have Active Strike Ballots

    Iran Closes Hormuz Again, Trump's Copper Tariff Decision Looms, and All Three BHP Port Hedland Unions Now Have Active Strike Ballots
    Jun 21 2026

    Episode Date: June 21, 2026 | Host: Logan Ore

    On today's Mining Insider:

    • Strait of Hormuz: Iran re-closes June 20 citing Israeli ceasefire violations; 55 merchant ships still transited per US CENTCOM; Brent at $80, 30% below March peak of $118; US-Iran talks in Switzerland; energy costs and LNG directly affecting global mining operating economics
    • Trump Copper Tariff: Commerce Department Section 232 review due end of June; phased tariff scenario 15% Jan 2027 / 30% 2028; Comex-LME premium elevated; front-running stockpile builds underway; Canadian producers positioned to benefit
    • BHP Port Hedland: AWU files FWC ballot application June 18 — third union; ETU and AMWU already voted in favor; ~250 of ~450 covered workers union members eligible to strike; 5-day notice could come as early as this week; $120M/day revenue at risk

    Tomorrow's Flashpoint: US-Iran Switzerland talks — outcome before markets open Monday determines whether energy cost normalization continues or oil spikes again.

    Sources: Argus Media, Bloomberg/Yahoo Finance, Reuters, This Day Live, Canadian Mining Report, Fair Work Commission records
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    9 mins
  • Newmont's Red Chris Block Cave Gets BC Green Light, Vale and Glencore Form Sudbury Copper Partnership, Ghana Weighs Seizing Gold Fields' Biggest Mine, and Pilbara Minerals Doubles Down on Lithium

    Newmont's Red Chris Block Cave Gets BC Green Light, Vale and Glencore Form Sudbury Copper Partnership, Ghana Weighs Seizing Gold Fields' Biggest Mine, and Pilbara Minerals Doubles Down on Lithium
    Jun 20 2026

    Episode Date: June 20, 2026 | Host: Logan Ore

    On today's Mining Insider:

    • Newmont Red Chris Block Cave: BC grants Environmental Assessment Certificate and Mines Act permit; 20Moz gold + 13B lbs copper resource; several billion in capex; FID targeted late 2026; 1,800 construction jobs; mine life to mid-2040s
    • Vale Base Metals + Glencore Sudbury JV: brownfield copper project; 880,000t copper over 21 years; $1.6–$2B capex; equal-partner JV upon study completion
    • Ghana / Gold Fields Tarkwa: government weighs local-company transfer when leases expire April 2027; royalties raised to 12%; Gold Fields in active renewal discussions
    • Pilbara Minerals P2000: $175M pre-FID approved; doubles Pilgangoora to 2 Mtpa; full project $1.2B; first ore 2029; FID Q4 2026

    Flashpoint: BHP Port Hedland — three-union ultimatum expires this weekend; five-day strike notice may follow Monday.

    Sources: Mining.com, Imperial Metals GlobeNewswire, Bloomberg / Business Insider Africa, The West Australian, Grafa/Reuters, Vale investor day filing
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    11 mins