Daily Mining Industry Report: September 22, 2025

Daily Mining Industry Report: 2025‑09‑22

Global Developments (Past 24 Hours)

1. DR Congo replaces cobalt export ban with quota system starting October 16, 2025
   The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will lift its seven‑month ban on cobalt exports and move to a quota‑based system. The quotas: 18,125 tonnes for the remainder of 2025, and 96,600 tonnes annually for 2026‑2027. The change is intended to stabilize prices, address traceability issues (especially from artisanal mining), and respond to violence in eastern DRC tied to illicit mining. Reuters+1

2. High Seas Treaty becomes international law in January 2026, impacting deep‑sea mining
   A new treaty governing the high seas — having secured over 60 ratifications — will take effect in January 2026. It emphasizes a precautionary principle for seabed mining, aims to protect about a third of international waters, and seeks fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources. Deep‑sea mining operations will face stronger regulatory scrutiny under the treaty. Financial Times

3. U.S. to purchase scandium oxide from Rio Tinto for defence stockpile
   The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency plans to buy up to US$40 million worth of scandium oxide over five years from Rio Tinto to bolster its National Defense Stockpile. This is in response to supply disruptions after China imposed export controls. Rio Tinto’s source includes its Canadian facilities, and there's interest in expanding domestic output. Reuters

Canadian‑Focused News & Policy Developments

4. Antitrust review initiated for the Anglo‑Teck merger
   Canada's Competition Bureau will examine the proposed US$53 billion merger between Teck Resources and Anglo American, with focus on potential anticompetitive impacts. Stakeholders including suppliers, competitors, and buying groups will be consulted. Reuters

5. Barrick sells its Hemlo gold mine in Canada for CA$1.1 billion
   Barrick Mining is divesting its last Canadian gold mine, Hemlo, to Carcetti Capital. The deal includes CA$875 million in cash, CA$50 million in shares, and up to CA$165 million in contingent payments tied to future production and gold prices starting 2027. The deal is expected to close in Q4 2025. Reuters

6. Leading Edge Materials advances environmental permitting for Norra Kärr HREE project
   Leading Edge Materials Corp (through its Swedish subsidiary) submitted supplementary information in its application for a 25‑year exploitation concession for the Norra Kärr Heavy Rare Earth Elements project. The update suggests progress in permitting and stakeholder engagement. Junior Mining Network

Technological & Exploration Updates

(No major breakthroughs in last 24 hours clearly reported; most advances are in permitting, regulation, or supply policy rather than new technology.)

Major Project Updates

7. Fast‑track reviews underway for major mines under Canada’s Major Projects Office (MPO)
   The Canadian federal government has identified several key mining and energy projects for expedited assessment under the new Major Projects Office. Among them is Foran Mining’s McIlvenna Bay copper‑zinc project in Saskatchewan, aimed at supplying critical minerals. MINING.COM

Market Trends & Implications

• Critical minerals remain central to policy shifts and supply control
  Moves like DRC’s quotas for cobalt, U.S. stockpiling of scandium, and Canada fast‑tracking critical projects all reflect heightened strategic importance of minerals used in batteries, clean energy, and defense.

• M&A and divestment activity continues among majors
  The Anglo‑Teck merger, Barrick’s sale of Hemlo, and other portfolio adjustment moves signal that large firms are reshaping around core assets and strategic priorities.

• Environmental & regulatory pressures rising globally
  The High Seas Treaty and stronger export‐regulation, along with permitting and stakeholder involvement in projects like Norra Kärr, show regulators and the public increasing their influence on where and how mining occurs.

• Supply constraints likely ahead
  With DRC reducing cobalt export volumes via quotas and increased demand from transition technologies, markets may face tighter supply, especially if processing capacity isn’t scaled or regulatory friction increases.

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