The AI boom and tariff uncertainty are pushing copper prices to record highs

Tightening global copper supply, robust demand from the AI boom and uncertainty over tariffs are all whipping up a frenzy for the red metal. It’s sending prices soaring to their highest levels ever. Copper futures traded in New York settled at $6.89 per pound on Wednesday, their highest level on record. In London, copper futures – measured by the metric …

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Brazil needs price floors to back processing for rare earths and lithium

Brazil is on the cusp of a new policy to fund domestic refining for lithium and the world’s second-largest rare earth reserves, but miners say it lacks U.S.-style metal price guarantees to fight Chinese domination. The R$7-billion (US$1.4-billion) funding bill could become law this month after clearing Congress on Sept. 2. It offers financing and tax credits for processing plants, …

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US says it will help develop Kenya’s critical minerals processing

The US will help Kenya develop a critical minerals processing industry, a senior American official said on Wednesday, against the backdrop of rivalry between China and the US over access to critical minerals.  Kenya is considering bids to develop the coastal Mrima Hill deposit, which is expected to contain tens of billions of dollars’ worth of rare earth minerals and …

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