Daily Mining Industry Report: June 21, 2025

Daily Mining Industry Report: June 21, 2025

🇨🇦 Canadian Highlights

Teck Resources to Expand Germanium Production
Teck is exploring options to boost germanium output—a strategic metal vital for semiconductors, fiber optics, and solar cells—from its BC refining facilities, amid discussions with Canada and the U.S. government on funding support mtu.edu+15reuters.com+15canada.constructconnect.com+15.

Selkirk First Nation Acquires Minto Mine in Yukon
Selkirk First Nation has secured full ownership of the former Minto copper-gold mine through final court-approved claims and permits, marking the first time an Indigenous government has obtained full legal mine ownership in Canada miningnewsnorth.com+1yukon-news.com+1.

Nova Scotia Streamlines Mining Permitting Process
The provincial government in Nova Scotia now allows erosion and sediment control plans to be submitted post-environmental assessment and has formed a dedicated team to speed approvals—aiming to strengthen the resource sector while balancing environmental safeguards canada.constructconnect.com+1globalnews.ca+1.

🌍 Global Developments

Korea Zinc Invests in Deep‑Sea Mining Startup
Korea Zinc acquired a 5% stake in Canadian startup The Metals Company for US$85 million to support polymetallic nodule mining in the Pacific, aiming to diversify supplies of cobalt, nickel, and manganese, while stirring environmental debate wsj.com.

Greenland Grants Permits for EU‑Backed Molybdenum Mine
Greenland awarded a 30-year permit to the EU-backed Malmbjerg open-pit molybdenum project, estimated to supply 25% of Europe's molybdenum needs. This reflects global efforts to secure critical materials outside China reuters.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1.

Glencore Seeks Government Assistance for Australian Smelter
With rising energy and labour costs, Glencore is appealing to Australian and Queensland governments for support to sustain its Mount Isa copper smelter and refinery, citing risks to metal sovereignty wsj.com.

⚙️ Technological & Industry Trends

Mining Robotics Sector to Nearly Double by 2032
The global market for mining robotics is forecasted to grow at a 9.6% CAGR—from US$1.49B in 2025 to US$2.95B by 2032—driven by labour shortages, safety benefits, and automation in both open-pit and underground environments globenewswire.com.

AI-Powered Green Sorting Tech Accelerates
Innovations such as AI-driven mineral sorting systems are boosting recovery rates, energy efficiency, and sustainability, with robotics and automation reshaping the sector globenewswire.com.

📈 Market & Strategic Insights

• Critical‑Mineral Sovereignty Trends: Canada's investment in germanium and Greenland's molybdenum permit reflect growing geopolitical importance of non-Chinese sources.

• Indigenous Participation Strengthens: Selkirk's mine acquisition is a landmark in Indigenous self-determination and resource control.

• Regulatory Efficiency vs. Environmental Risk: Nova Scotia's streamlined permitting highlights the balancing act between industrial growth and ecosystem protection.

• Capital Intensity of Deep-Sea Mining: Korea Zinc’s investment underscores rising interest and contention around ocean-floor resource extraction.

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