EU, U.S. sign critical minerals plan to counter China reliance

The European Union and United States signed an agreement Friday to co-ordinate on the supply of critical minerals needed for key industries including defence, as China’s dominance becomes a growing concern. The pact marks a rare embrace by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration of the role of the EU, which it often berates as it instead champions right-wing populists within …

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Middle East conflict triggers aluminium supply concerns

Aluminium plays a crucial role in the transport, construction and packaging sectors. The global aluminium market is facing an unexpected supply disruption due to the conflict in the Middle East, potentially leading to significant shortages this year, according to Mercuria’s lead metals analyst, reported Reuters. The Middle East contributes approximately seven million tonnes (mt) of aluminium annually, representing around 9% …

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Gold, silver and copper market updates we’re bullish

Gold and silver have largely defied traditional safe-haven expectations during the 2026 Iran conflict, experiencing significant volatility and price declines rather than consistent rallies. Gold fell over 10% and silver over 20% in March 2026, often dropping when oil prices spiked as investors sold assets, including gold, for liquidity amid a stronger US dollar.  Copper prices have remained resilient during the war, …

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How firms should react to rivalry between America and China in critical minerals

The intensifying strategic competition between America and China is reshaping global trade, industrial policy and supply chains in ways that businesses can no longer ignore. Hany Besada explains how multinational firms must rewrite their strategies and re-route their supply chains to reflect the risks to international business. Tariffs, export controls and investment restrictions are increasingly intersecting with competition over critical minerals, such …

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Lithium market to enter deficit until 2035: Canaccord

The global lithium market is set to enter a near-decade-long deficit as a lack of mine investment weighs on supply of the electric vehicle battery metal, according to investment bank Canaccord Genuity. In a note published Wednesday, Canaccord analysts said they expect to see a “material market deficit” starting this year, given that a tightening supply has more than offset …

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Aluminum Market Jolted By ‘Black Swan’ Shock

The global aluminum market is currently experiencing a significant “black swan” event due to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, said a top metal analyst. “The scale of the supply shock we’re seeing in the aluminum market is probably the largest single supply shock a base metals market has suffered in the post-2000 era,” Nick Snowdon, Mercuria’s head of metals and mining research, told Reuters …

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Norway to develop Europe’s largest rare earth deposit

The Norwegian government has approved a state plan for the development of the Fens deposit, which contains neodymium and praseodymium. The project will strengthen European security and industry. The Norwegian government has decided to develop a state plan for the Fens deposit, which contains rare minerals. This is stated in a message on the Norwegian government’s website, UNN reports. Details “The government …

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Critical Minerals: Global Gallium Supply & Demand

Gallium is a soft, silvery metal that producers recover almost entirely as a byproduct of aluminum and zinc processing. It has emerged as one of the most geopolitically contested commodities of the decade. Gallium-based semiconductors power 5G networks, military radar systems, and satellite communications. China produces 99 percent of the world’s primary gallium. The United States stopped domestic production almost four decades …

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Korea, China reaffirm need to ensure stable supply chains for critical minerals, rare earths

Korea and China have reaffirmed the need to work together to ensure stable supply chains for critical minerals, rare earths and other materials amid growing global uncertainties, the foreign ministry said Tuesday. They shared the understanding during the Joint Economic Commission, a high-level bilateral economic dialogue, led by Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina and Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Yan …

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