Daily Mining Industry Report: April 30, 2025

Daily Mining Industry Report: April 30, 2025

🇨🇦 Canadian Highlights

Alberta's Grassy Mountain Coal Project Advances Amid Legal Challenges

Alberta's Energy Minister Brian Jean has reaffirmed that the Grassy Mountain Coal Project retains its "advanced project" status, despite prior federal and provincial rejections in 2021. Legal experts contest this position, arguing that the project's previous denials render it ineligible for reconsideration. Public hearings are underway, with significant opposition from environmental groups and local communities concerned about potential impacts on land and water resources. ​

Canada's Critical Minerals Strategy Gains Momentum

The April 2025 U.S. tariff amendments have created strategic exceptions for critical minerals in Canada, permitting tariff-free trade under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) when materials meet defined purity thresholds. This policy shift recognizes Canada's capacity to supply 14 of the 35 minerals on the U.S. Critical Minerals List at commercial scale, particularly lithium hydroxide (projected 2027 production: 42,000 tonnes) and cobalt sulfate (18,000 tonnes). ​Discovery Alert

Champion Iron Reports Record Q4 Production

Champion Iron announced a record for the fourth quarter of FY2025, mining and hauling 20.4 million tonnes of ore and waste at its operations. This achievement underscores the company's operational efficiency and strong market demand for high-grade iron ore. ​Champion Iron Newsroom

🌍 Global Developments

U.S. Executive Order on Deep-Sea Mining Sparks International Dispute

President Donald Trump signed an executive order promoting deep-sea mining by expediting permitting processes through domestic agencies, bypassing the United Nations-backed International Seabed Authority (ISA). The ISA criticized the move, stating it could breach international law and lead to legal, diplomatic, and environmental risks. ​

NioCorp Engages Engineering Firms for Elk Creek Project

NioCorp has assembled a team of 14 specialized engineering firms to advance its Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Nebraska. The collaboration aims to update the project's feasibility study, focusing on technical aspects from geology to processing and environmental considerations. ​Barrick+2Stock Titan+2Newswire+2

⚙️ Technological Advancements

Smart Mining Market Projected to Reach $34.23 Billion in 2025

The Smart Mining Market is estimated at USD 34.23 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 34.59 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 0.21%. This growth is driven by the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance operational efficiency and safety in mining operations. ​Yahoo Finance

📈 Market Trends

New Gold Reports Q1 2025 Financial Results

New Gold Inc. reported a net free cash outflow of $13 million for the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to lower revenue. The company has agreed to deliver approximately 2,771 ounces of gold per month over the July 2025 to June 2026 period at an average price of $1,800 per ounce. ​NewswirePR Newswire

Perseus Mining Maintains Production Guidance

Perseus Mining reported quarterly gold production of 121,605 ounces at a weighted average all-in-site cost (AISC) of US$1,209 per ounce. The company maintains its production and AISC market guidance for the June 2025 half-year and the full 2025 financial year, reflecting stable operational performance. ​GlobeNewswire

Disclaimer:
The information in our daily posts is intended solely for general informational purposes. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content provided, and we are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from using this information. Readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult appropriate professionals or official sources before making any decisions or taking action based on these reports—all responsibility lies with the reader.