Codelco edged 2025 copper output up to about 1.332–1.333 million tonnes despite the El Teniente disruption, and is targeting 1.344 million tonnes in 2026.
ABB expanded electrification and automation at Boliden’s Aitik mine tailings facility in Sweden, supplying modular e-houses, MV/LV equipment, transformers, VSDs and the ABB Ability System 800xA DCS to boost centralized monitoring and support GISTM compliance.
LME copper hit a fresh all-time high above $13,300/t as supply disruptions in Chile and Ecuador and US tariff uncertainty tightened availability and lifted base metals.
Venezuela holds the world’s largest oil reserves and sizable mineral potential, but years of underinvestment, sanctions and weak power infrastructure have kept output far below capacity.
Viridis Mining and Minerals received a non-binding letter of support from Export Finance Australia for potential funding of up to US$50 million for its Colossus rare earth project in Brazil, following a preliminary environmental license in Minas Gerais.
Gold rose nearly 3% to a one-week high near $4,455/oz as US–Venezuela tensions reignited safe-haven demand, adding to a rally already supported by Fed easing expectations and strong institutional buying.
Petrobras signed an agreement to supply Vale’s Minas Gerais operations with S10 diesel, including Brazil’s mandatory 15% biodiesel blend, as part of its strategy to move closer to end consumers.
Largo received a binding term sheet to sell 4.5 million tonnes of iron ore calcine stockpiled at its Maracás Menchen mine in Brazil for proceeds exceeding US$56 million, subject to final documentation.
Copper hit a new record of US$13,000/t on the LME as mine disruptions, a strike in Chile and renewed U.S. tariff risks tightened prompt supply and kept the market in backwardation.
Flagship Minerals (ASX:FLG) has received a US$1.25 million second-tranche payment from Xinhai after completing due diligence at the Pantanillo Gold Project in northern Chile, as baseline environmental studies begin and a JORC 2012 update nears.
Workers at Capstone Copper’s Mantoverde mine in northern Chile began a strike after labor talks failed. The company expects operations at up to 30% during the stoppage as the union cites a two-month strike fund.
Without a finalized benefit-sharing regime under UNCLOS, the International Seabed Authority lacks the legal basis to approve commercial exploitation—despite rising geopolitical pressure and renewed corporate interest in Pacific seabed minerals.
Codelco secured US$600 million in climate financing led by HSBC (with Santander) and backed by MIGA, completing a program that supports its goal of a 100% renewable electricity matrix by 2030.
Fenix Gold (Rio2) completed its first operational blast in Atacama, progressing toward first gold and advancing heap leach irrigation at its US$235M open-pit project.
Silver plunged nearly 10% after hitting a record above $83/oz as traders took profits. Gold also pulled back from record highs amid a broader metals sell-off.
China’s lithium battery demand could fall sharply in early 2026 as EV sales weaken and exports slow, with producers urged to adjust output and inventories.
Mendoza’s RUM fee is sparking debate over early-stage costs, “invasive” criteria and regulatory predictability as the province seeks a full mining restart.
Austral Gold signed US$42M mining services deals for Casposo’s Julieta and Mercado pits, supporting 2026 guidance of 11,000–13,000 GEOs over six months.
Guardian Metals plans to return to London’s AIM in Q1 2026 and rebrand as Halo Minerals, raising funds to advance Chile’s Playa Verde project to FID.
Xali Gold closed the Pico Machay acquisition in Peru for up to US$17M, plans an NI 43-101 resource update and to optimize an open-pit heap-leach concept.
Patagonia Gold says Calcatreu (Río Negro, Argentina) is advancing toward first leaching in Q1 2026, with leach pad, plant and camp progress.
Codelco and SQM officially launched NovaAndino Litio with its first board meeting, outlining margin-sharing terms, leadership roles and tech upgrades.
Copper neared $13,000/t in London but U.S. futures fell up to 6% in New York. Tariff risks and mine disruptions are tightening supply.
Codelco and SQM form NovaAndino Litio SpA after merging Minera Tarar and SQM Salar, creating a state-majority JV to develop lithium in the Salar de Atacama through 2060.
Gold and silver hit fresh record highs as the year ends, supported by a weaker dollar, geopolitical tensions, and strong physical and ETF-driven demand across precious metals.
Mantoverde’s 645-member union says it will strike from Dec. 29 if mediation with Capstone Copper fails. The mine targets 29,000–32,000 t of copper cathodes in 2025.
Unico Silver increased its Share Purchase Plan to $10.32M after receiving applications over $19M, with funds to advance Joaquin and Cerro Leon in Argentina.
HUB DE CONTENIDOS MULTIPLATAFORMA
Miningreporters.com is a media outlet affiliated with Reporte Minero. Powered by Global Channel