The National Mining Association (NMA) and the Essential Minerals Association (EMA) both applauded the release of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) draft revised critical minerals list, which now includes copper, lead, potash, rhenium, silicon and silver. In releasing the draft list, the USGS noted that it does not include uranium or metallurgical coal, as both are considered “fuels,” which are…
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American Rare Earths begins test mine at Cowboy State
American Rare Earths, through its subsidiary Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc., has commenced construction of a test mine at the Cowboy State mine, part of the Halleck Creek deposit in Wyoming. The test mining program will extract approximately 3,200 tonnes of ore. “The commencement of test mining at CSM is a critical milestone in the company’s development pathway. Demonstration plants require…
Read MoreMSHA reports 16th and 17th fatalities of 2025
MSHA reported that on July 26, an electrician at Stillwater Mine, Stillwater, Mont., was electrocuted when he came in contact with one phase of a 13,200-volt three phase power source. This is the 16th fatality reported in 2025, and the first classified as “Electrical.” MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid this type of accident: MSHA also reported that…
Read MoreMSHA issues impoundment safety alert after heavy precipitation
MSHA is warning that heavy rainfall and flooding across mining regions can increase the risk of impoundment instability and potential failures. Mine operators and contractors must manage these risks and take proactive steps to ensure the safety of all impoundment structures. MSHA recommends the following best practices to avoid issues with impoundments:
Read MoreRedpath founder dies at 88
James (Jim) Stockton Redpath, founder of underground mining service provider Redpath Group, recently passed away in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, “after a courageous 20-year journey with Parkinson’s Disease.” He was 88. Redpath grew up on a mine site in Val-d’Or, Québec, the eldest child of James and Margaret Redpath. As a teenager, he worked two formative summers on a…
Read MoreVirginia Tech, Aclara form heavy REE alliance
A strategic partnership between Virginia Tech and Alcara Technologies, the U.S.-based subsidiary of Aclara Resources, aims to strengthen a sustainable domestic supply chain for critical heavy rare earth elements. Aclara’s rare earths separation pilot plant is expected to open this fall at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg, Va., where it will benefit from the research park’s amenities…
Read MoreMitsubishi Corp. becomes JV partner in Copper World
Mitsubishi Corporation has agreed to acquire a 30% interest in Copper World LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hudbay Minerals, for an initial cash contribution of $600 million. The company owns the Copper World project in Arizona. “Securing Mitsubishi as a 30% partner in Copper World is an important milestone for Hudbay as we establish a long-term strategic partnership to advance…
Read MoreUS Department of Labor announces safety funding availability
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration is making $10.5 million in grant funding available to help provide mine safety training for the nation’s miners. MSHA will award these grants as part of its fiscal year 2025 State Grants Program to fund the delivery of federally mandated training and re-training for miners who work at surface, underground…
Read MoreInterior Department green lights Antelope mining plan
The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved a mining plan modification that will unlock 14.5 million tons of federally owned coal at the Antelope mine in Converse County, Wyo., extending the life of the mine through 2037. “The Trump administration is delivering on its promise to revitalize American coal and unleash our nation’s energy potential,” said Secretary of the…
Read MoreDoD awards Elk Creek multi-million dollar investment
Elk Creek Resources, a subsidiary of NioCorp Developments, has been awarded up to $10 million, subject to the achievement of certain milestones, from the U.S. Department of Defense to support the establishment of a domestic scandium mine-to-manufacture supply chain via the Elk Creek critical minerals project in southeast Nebraska. The investment by the DoD aligns with President Trump’s March 20,…
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