Podcast appearances and mentions of Rio Tinto

In this episode, mining and commodities expert Mikhail Zeldovich joins host Constantin Kogan for a rare deep dive into the real engines of the global economy — critical minerals, geopolitics, and the future of resource investing.From BCG to Rio Tinto to negotiating in Beijing and analyzing assets in remote mining camps, Mikhail brings nearly two decades of on-the-ground experience across metals, energy transition, and global supply chains.He breaks down:⚒️ How he “accidentally” entered mining at BCG — and why he never left

En Guinée, la nouvelle mine de fer de Simandou, dans le sud-est du pays, va-t-elle provoquer le même désastre écologique que les mines de bauxite, dans le nord-ouest ? C'est la grande inquiétude de nombreuses ONG et des riverains du chemin de fer de 650 kilomètres, qui doit relier le site de Simandou à la côte atlantique. Kabiné Komara a été le Premier ministre de la Guinée de 2008 à 2010. Aujourd'hui (aux éditions du Cherche Midi), il publie Notre biodiversité en danger – Guinée : Plaidoyer pour des actions salvatrices. Il vient aussi d'être élu lauréat 2026 du Trophée Miriam-Makeba pour son combat contre le réchauffement climatique. En ligne de Conakry, il répond aux questions de Christophe Boisbouvier. RFI : Pourquoi dites-vous que le patrimoine naturel de la Guinée est gravement menacé ? Kabiné Komara : Écoutez, j'ai vu au fil du temps combien de fois l'importante diversité guinéenne déclinait à une vitesse extrêmement inquiétante. Et c'est en cela que j'ai cru nécessaire, vraiment, de lancer ce cri d'alarme. Alors, vous rappelez comment les carrières de bauxite en Basse Guinée ont défiguré le paysage, et du coup, beaucoup de Guinéens sont très inquiets à l'idée que la même chose arrive avec l'exploitation du fer de la région de Simandou… Oui. Sachez que la Guinée détient pratiquement 40 % des réserves mondiales de bauxite, et notre exploitation de la bauxite se fait à ciel ouvert. À ciel ouvert, ça veut dire que vous devez décaper tout le sol, racler la couche arable, ensuite faire exploser les carrières pour que les minerais soient poudreux et que ça puisse être chargé sur des camions et envoyés au concassage. À lire aussiGuinée: les premiers chargements de minerai de fer de la mine de Simandou expédiés vers la Chine Alors ça veut dire qu'au fur et à mesure que l'exploitation augmente, vous déboisez, vous laissez la nature avec des trous béants qui sont susceptibles d'entraîner de la poussière, qui sont susceptibles d'entraîner des maladies, qui sont susceptibles de tarir les cours d'eau et empêcher la population d'avoir accès à des zones agricoles. Et c'est devenu un sérieux problème. Le gouvernement lui-même vient de prendre un décret pour annuler beaucoup de permis miniers, dont les pratiques n'étaient pas du tout vertueuses, et c'est déjà une bonne chose que la prise de conscience soit à ce niveau-là. Alors, vous posiez la question sur Simandou. Alors, justement, les mauvaises pratiques dans l'extraction de la bauxite ont attiré l'attention de toute la Guinée pour que le projet Simandou soit développé de manière vertueuse. Je ne crois pas que, dans l'histoire minière de la Guinée, il y ait un projet dont les aspects environnementaux ont été étudiés avec autant de minutie, autant de rigueur. Et sachez que le projet Simandou, c'est 650 kilomètres de chemin de fer qui traverse les quatre régions de la Guinée et qui comprend des mines en Guinée forestière et un port sur la côte. Donc, il y a un grand impact, il y a un grand risque d'attaque de la biodiversité. C'est en cela qu'il y a eu beaucoup, beaucoup de sensibilisation là-dessus et une grande rigueur pour que tous ces documents soient adoptés. Le reste maintenant, c'est de l'application. Je suis heureux de dire qu'il y a un comité qui a été mis en place récemment pour suivre à la lettre l'application de ce qui a été pris comme engagement environnemental. À lire et à écouteraussiLe minerai de fer de Simandou rebat les cartes sur le marché mondial Alors, c'est vrai qu'il y a ces études d'impact environnemental et social qui ont été mises en place par les autorités guinéennes, par le géant minier anglo-saxon Rio Tinto et par le groupe chinois Winning Consortium Simandou. Mais l'ONG Action Mines Guinée déplore, sur le tracé de ces 650 kilomètres de chemin de fer, de nombreuses pertes de terres agricoles et de nombreux cas de pollution des cours d'eau… Il faut savoir que l'exploitation minière, c'est un arbitrage entre deux choses. Comment faire en sorte que les richesses du sous-sol soient exploitées pour devenir un facteur de développement ? Et en même temps, comment compenser les pertes que cette exploitation va nécessairement impliquer sur le tracé ? Alors, sur ce chemin de fer, je dois vous dire que toutes les communautés ont été consultées. Il y a eu partout des comités de vigilance sur le tracé du chemin de fer, sur son exploitation et son impact sur la faune et la flore. Et puis il y a le site lui-même de Simandou, au sud-est de votre pays, la Guinée. Nécessairement, il va y avoir, comme vous le dites dans votre livre, d'immenses espaces rougis par les débris de fer, non ? Oui. Tout investissement minier responsable comprend un certain nombre d'étapes. Mais surtout, surtout, à la fin de l'exploitation, le retour des sites à l'état naturel, à l'état initial. Déjà, ils ont commencé à mettre en place une banque de semences pour que toutes les espèces végétales sur la zone soient recensées, afin que, par la suite, elles puissent être démultipliées. Et le plus intéressant, c'est que Rio Tinto et les Chinois sont convenus qu'ils appliquent les mêmes normes environnementales. Ça, c'est un grand, grand acquis pour la Guinée parce que, jusque-là, les gens étaient inquiets que la partie chinoise soit beaucoup plus légère en termes d'application des exigences environnementales. Le fait que les deux compagnies soient tombées d'accord pour que ce soit Rio Tinto, qui est beaucoup plus exigeante en terme environnemental, qui supervise l'application de toutes les normes environnementales, c'est un grand succès pour la Guinée. Mais tout de même, ce qui étonne beaucoup d'observateurs, c'est que la convention minière qui a été signée entre le pouvoir guinéen d'un côté, Rio Tinto et les Chinois de WCS de l'autre, cette convention ne soit pas publique ? Bien ça va l'être, parce que ce que je sais, même si je ne suis pas parmi les décideurs, c'est qu'il y a un système en accordéon. Au fur et à mesure que les choses vont continuer, y compris les négociations pour la transformation du minerai de fer sur place, eh bien ça va comprendre de nouvelles dispositions qui vont obliger donc à mettre dans le domaine public ce qui a été déjà convenu. À lire aussiGuinée: les autorités inaugurent le méga-projet minier de Simandou

Kia ora,Welcome to Tuesday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand.I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz.And today we lead with news there are more twists and turns in international trade to report today.But first in the US, the NY Empire factory survey came in positively in November, on the back of a good rise in new orders. But they got a similar jump in November 2024, and this latest 2025 result is -7.5% lower than that.In Canada their inflation rate dipped slightly in October to 2.2% from 2.4% in September, and far less than the 3.0% and rising inflation rate last reported in their southern neighbour. Canadian petrol prices fell sharply, and the steam seems to have gone out of their grocery prices.Meanwhile, foreign investors are finding Canadian securities attractive, raising theri holdings sharply. They increased them by +C$31.3 bln in September, an unusual spike for a month that usually attracts only modest levels. Canadians themselves are choosing local securities increasingly too, in a substantial out-of-cycle rise of their own.In China, there is increasing talk that the weekend's very soft economic data will bring rate cuts to their loan prime rates when they are next reviewed on Thursday, even a cut in their reserve ratio requirement of banks. Both are currently at record low levels already.In something of a big positive surprise, Singapore's October non-oil exports rose sharply to S$17.2 bln, up more than +23% from year-ago levels up +15% from September. That is up from the +7% rise in September. Their non-oil exports to Thailand rose a massive +91%, to Taiwan a massive +61%, to South Korea by +38%. Going the other way, their exports to the US dropped -12%, and to both China and Japan were virtually unchanged.India exports fell almost -12% in October from a year ago, but Indian imports surged more than +16% in the same month. Indian exports to the US fell notably. That has resulted in a huge merchandise trade deficit blowout of -US$41.7 bln and by far and away their largest trade deficit. Fortunately they run trade surpluses for services, but even after than it was still a record -US$22 bln deficit and more than double year-ago levels.And we should note that aluminium prices, which are already very high, are likely to rise further on tight supply. Rio Tinto is adding surcharges on shipments to the US, where prices are globally elevated anyway due to tariffs, due to the supply shortage and the need for American to have to pay to get the product. That cascades through to consumer prices and inflation. These cost increases will be particularly troublesome for US-made cars.The UST 10yr yield is now at 4.13%, down -2 bps from this time yesterday.The price of gold will start today at US$4067/oz, and down -US$14 from this time yesterday.American oil prices have held from yesterday to be just over US$60/bbl, with the international Brent price still just under US$64.50/bbl.The Kiwi dollar is now at just on 56.7 USc, and down -10 bps from yesterday. Against the Aussie we are up +20 bps at 87.1 AUc. Against the euro we are little-changed at 48.9 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today at just over 61.3, and also little-changed from yesterday.The bitcoin price starts today at US$93,687 and down -0.5% from yesterday and it is now lower than year-ago levels. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been modest at just on +/- 1.5%.You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz.Kia ora. I'm David Chaston. And we will do this again tomorrow.

Interview with Shaun Bunn, Managing Director of Empire Metals Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/empire-metals-loneee-titanium-market-disruptor-targets-2026-pilot-pant-7736Recording date: 12th November 2025Empire Metals is developing the Pitfield project in Western Australia, home to one of the world's largest titanium deposits with a maiden resource estimate of 2.2 billion tons grading just over 5% TiO2. This multigenerational asset positions the company as a potential disruptor in global critical minerals supply chains at a time when the industry faces unprecedented restructuring.The company's strategic advantage extends beyond scale. Pitfield's geology features high-purity titanium minerals formed through weathering processes in sandstone formations, eliminating deleterious elements that typically complicate conventional processing. Empire has already produced 99% pure TiO2 products, validating the ore's metallurgical responsiveness and demonstrating the viability of its innovative hydrometallurgical approach.Unlike traditional titanium processing that relies on energy-intensive smelting and generates substantial waste, Empire's three-stage process bypasses these costly operations entirely. The surface deposit requires no blasting, drilling, crushing, or grinding, with friable material feeding directly into flotation circuits. This technical differentiation, combined with low mining costs, positions Empire to deliver products at significantly lower cost than 90% of existing global supply.Management is pursuing dual revenue streams, targeting both pigment production and strategic metal feedstock for defense and aerospace applications. The company has engaged with Boeing, the U.S. Department of Defense, and other end-users to align product specifications with market demand before finalizing process design. This customer-driven approach preserves optionality while reducing downstream marketing risk.The timing proves strategic. Major producers including Rio Tinto, Venator, and Iluka are retreating from titanium operations amid Chinese price competition and tariff responses. Empire aims to fill emerging supply gaps with government support through Australia's $4 billion Critical Minerals Facility.With £11 million in funding secured and continuous piloting targeted for mid-2026, Empire maintains development momentum toward demonstrating cost competitiveness and securing end-user commitments that could accelerate the project's pathway to production.View Empire Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/empire-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Rio Tinto, Metals Exploration, Oriole, Goldplat

Interview with Scott Caithness, Managing Director of Hawk Resources Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/hawk-resources-asxhwk-new-exploration-model-revitalises-historic-utah-mining-district-6860Recording date: 12th November 2025Hawk Resources (ASX:HWK) is preparing to drill its flagship Cactus copper-gold project in Utah this December, targeting five high-priority prospects in a historically productive mining district. Managing Director Scott Caithness recently outlined the company's systematic exploration approach and the multiple pathways to value creation at this advanced-stage project.The Cactus district boasts an impressive mining heritage, with the original mine operating between 1905 and 1920, producing 1.3 million tons at 2% copper with gold credits of 0.3 grams per ton and 6-7 grams per ton silver. Modern exploration has validated this potential, with Rio Tinto's previous work intersecting 42 meters at 1.9% copper and 0.6 g/t gold, while multiple historical drill holes have exceeded 1.4% copper grades.Hawk has employed a sophisticated dual-track strategy, identifying both deep geophysical targets with district-scale potential and near-surface oxide mineralization that could provide rapid development opportunities. The company's comprehensive geophysical surveys and systematic soil sampling—the first conducted over these targets - have defined five priority drill targets ranked by geological confidence.The Copperopolis target exemplifies the project's exploration potential, featuring a massive geophysical anomaly with surface soils returning up to 1,000 ppm copper. A 1974 drill hole off the anomaly's edge intersected 30 meters at 0.2% copper, yet the core remains untested with potential for substantial mineralization.With A$5 million recently raised and Utah permitting expected by end-November 2025, Hawk is fully funded for its 12-hole drilling program. Initial assay results are anticipated in Q1 2026, providing regular newsflow through the critical discovery phase.Beyond Cactus, the company has secured the Olympus scandium project in Western Australia, featuring a 4km x 7km soil anomaly grading over 500ppm scandium. This provides significant optionality in an emerging critical mineral with growing aerospace and defense applications, currently valued at approximately $3-3.5 million per ton.View Hawk Resources' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/alderan-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

This is the Fear and Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX slumps on strong jobs growth Libs formally dump net zero Corporate movers Rio Tinto dumps mine plans Trump under pressure over new Epstein emails Join our free daily newsletter here. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/fearandgreed. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

This is the Fear and Greed Afternoon Report - everything you need to know about what happened in the markets, economy and world of business today, in just a few minutes. ASX slumps on strong jobs growth Libs formally dump net zero Corporate movers Rio Tinto dumps mine plans Trump under pressure over new Epstein emails Join our free daily newsletter here. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/fearandgreed. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this episode of The Wright Report, Bryan examines President Trump's defense of his plan to double the number of Chinese students in America, Beijing's latest moves to weaponize rare earth minerals, the deepening conflicts in Gaza and Guinea, and how Sweden's cultural war on assimilation mirrors the decline of the West. He closes with promising new medical breakthroughs on Alzheimer's, cancer, heart rhythm, and anxiety. Trump Defends 600,000 Chinese Student Visas: President Trump told Fox News that Chinese students keep American colleges solvent, calling the plan "a business decision." Critics, including Laura Ingraham, warned that Chinese nationals pose espionage and bioweapon risks, while Trump insisted, "MAGA was my idea — I know what MAGA wants better than anybody else." Bryan argues the move exposes Trump's blind spot: treating adversaries as business partners instead of ideological foes. China's Rare Earth Slowdown: Xi Jinping is quietly delaying rare earth export licenses for U.S. buyers, especially those tied to military contracts, while expanding Chinese control of mines in Brazil and Central Asia. Bryan warns that "Beijing seeks domination, not cooperation — we can never trust China on anything." Gaza, Guinea, and the Global Chessboard: Trump's Pentagon is exploring a new base near Gaza to support a 10,000-member Arab stabilization force, while King Abdullah of Jordan says no Arab nation wants to "touch that mission." In Africa, China now controls the world's largest iron-ore mine in Guinea, giving it leverage to flood global steel markets and crush Western industry. Sweden's Self-Destruction: Leftist mayors in Sweden argue that native Swedes must integrate with Arab migrants, not the other way around. Bryan calls it "civilizational suicide" and a warning for America's future: "When a culture stops believing in itself, it dies." Good News in Medicine: Scientists report that NAD⁺ supplements may reverse Alzheimer's symptoms, a high-fiber diet improves melanoma survival, coffee may reduce A-Fib risk, and choline — found in salmon and eggs — helps ease anxiety. Bryan calls it "proof that science, faith, and common sense can still work together."   "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: Trump Chinese student visas Fox News, Laura Ingraham MAGA debate, China rare earth exports Xi Jinping, Gaza stabilization force Jordan Abdullah, Guinea Simandou iron mine Rio Tinto, Sweden migrant assimilation debate, NAD Alzheimer's research, coffee A-Fib study, choline anxiety nutrient

Journée historique en Guinée. Ce mardi 11 novembre marquera le lancement de la mine de Simandou, cette immense réserve de deux milliards de tonnes de fer à haute teneur. Une mine dont les Guinéens attendaient l'exploitation depuis trente ans. Bientôt, les deux principaux opérateurs, Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS), un consortium d'entreprises chinoises, et Simfer, une filiale de l'anglo-australienne Rio Tinto associée à la chinoise Chinalco, exporteront 120 millions de tonnes de fer par an, générant des milliards de dollars de revenus pour l'État guinéen. Ce projet lèguera aussi un chemin de fer de plus de 600 km entre le port de Morebaya et la mine dans l'est du pays. Et prévoit la construction, dans un deuxième temps, d'un port en eau profonde et d'une usine de transformation du minerai. Le ministre des Mines Bouna Sylla répond aux questions de RFI. RFI : Ce mardi 11 novembre marque le lancement du projet Simandou. Cela fait presque trente ans que l'on parle de ce projet, qui se concrétise enfin. C'est un jour historique pour la Guinée. Est-ce une satisfaction pour vous ? Bouna Sylla: C'est plus qu'une satisfaction. C'est plutôt le passage du rêve à la réalité pour des millions de Guinéens. Depuis nos pères fondateurs, tous les dirigeants qui se sont succédé ont eu pour objectif de réaliser ce projet. Finalement, c'est grâce au leadership du président de la République, Mamadi Doumbouya, que ce projet voit le jour de manière concrète, avec les infrastructures que vous voyez devant vous. Ce gigantesque projet est le plus gros projet mine-infrastructures dans le monde, avec 20 milliards de dollars d'investissements. Comme vous le dites, ce sera un des plus grands projets miniers du monde. Les entreprises doivent produire et exporter à terme 120 millions de tonnes de fer par an. Cela va générer des revenus considérables pour l'État guinéen à travers des taxes et des impôts. À combien chiffrez-vous ces revenus ? Quand on atteindra les 120 millions de tonnes, ce sera environ deux milliards de dollars de revenus qui seront générés par le projet, sans compter les revenus indirects. Le projet ne sera pas uniquement pour l'exportation du minerai brut, comme on l'a connu par le passé, mais ce minerai sera également transformé sur place pour plus de valeur ajoutée. Les premières années, les entreprises bénéficieront d'exonérations d'impôts relativement importantes. Les dix premières années, Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS) ne payera pas d'impôts sur les sociétés et Simfer bénéficiera d'une exonération de 50 % les huit premières années. Pourquoi ces exonérations aux entreprises ? Dans l'industrie minière, les revenus les plus sûrs sont les royalties, c'est-à-dire les taxes minières. Il n'y a pas d'exonération sur les taxes minières. Dans le cas de Simfer, les impôts sur les sociétés sont remplacés par le pilier deux de l'OCDE pour que, dès les premières années de profits, il y a 15 % de profits qui sont partagés avec l'État. À la fin de la période de l'impôt minimum forfaitaire de l'OCDE, on passera au droit commun qui est de 30 %. Dans combien de temps atteindra-t-on la production de 120 millions de tonnes de fer ? Dans les accords, c'est trois ans. Mais avec l'avance qui a été prise par les partenaires industriels dans la réalisation du projet, nous atteindrons ces 120 millions de tonnes au bout de deux ans. Simandou en phase d'exploitation représente environ combien d'emplois directs et indirects ? En phase de construction, c'est plus de 50 000 emplois. En phase d'exploitation, c'est entre 10 000 et 15 000 emplois directs, sans compter tous les emplois indirects. Quand vous mettez tout ça ensemble, cela sera au moins plus de 20 000 emplois. On est en train de passer de la phase de construction de la mine à la phase d'exploitation. Ces prochains mois, on va vers une perte de 30 000 emplois à peu près. Justement, dans le cadre du comité stratégique du projet Simandou, on a une task force qui s'appelle la « Task force de mobilisation » afin d'éviter que les 50 000 personnes qui travaillent sur ce projet ne se retrouvent pas au chômage. C'est pour cela que nous travaillons pour créer de nouveaux projets dans le cadre du programme Simandou 2040. Dans le secteur minier, on a un projet de raffinerie qu'on a lancé au mois de mars dernier, qui va absorber une partie de ces employés. D'ici à la fin de l'année, on va lancer un nouveau projet de raffinerie de transformation de bauxite en alumine. Tous ces projets que nous allons lancer permettront d'absorber, dans le cadre de la remobilisation des démobilisés du projet, ces 50 000 personnes et leur trouver des perspectives. Ce qui va permettre de réduire la pauvreté dans le pays. Les conventions ont été renégociées en 2022 et 2023 sous le Comité national du rassemblement pour le développement (CNRD). Qu'est-ce qui a changé à la suite de ces renégociations ? Au niveau fiscal, on a amélioré substantiellement les revenus attendus par l'État dans le projet de plus de 20 % par rapport aux conventions initiales. Mais aussi, chose extrêmement importante, les infrastructures telles que renégociées vont faire du transport marchandises, passagers et minerais. Il y aura un train de passagers par jour dans chaque direction et trois trains marchandises par semaine, ce qui permettra d'augmenter encore plus l'impact économique du projet pour l'ensemble du pays. Les conventions ont été renégociées en 2022 et 2023. Une partie des résultats de ces négociations ont été publiés, mais pas tout. Notamment, la convention de codéveloppement, qui crée la Compagnie du Transguinéen (CTG) et qui encadre la gestion des infrastructures du projet, n'a pas été publiée. Certains observateurs estiment que c'est un manque de transparence. Quand est-ce que cette convention sera publiée ? Il faut se rendre compte que c'est un projet complexe. Il entre en production aujourd'hui, mais il y avait quelques documents qui étaient en cours d'ajustement. Après la construction des infrastructures, il faut six mois de mise en service pour s'assurer que l'ensemble de l'infrastructure est robuste. C'est après tout cela que l'on peut entrer dans les questions de publication des documents. On ne va pas publier quelque chose alors qu'on a six mois de mise en service. À la fin de la mise en service, c'est validé par les certificateurs indépendants internationaux qui sont recrutés, qui disent : « Tout est ok. Voici le coût des investissements. Le chemin de fer fonctionne bien, la signalisation fonctionne bien. Les boucles ferroviaires, etc. » C'est à la fin de tout cela que l'on pourra publier. Mais une fois que la mise en service du projet est finalisée, c'est-à-dire pas avant six mois, vers juin 2026. Puisque cette convention, pour l'heure, n'est pas publiée, on a peu de précisions encore sur la CTG qui sera l'opérateur des infrastructures. Quel est le statut de cette entreprise ? Les entreprises minières vont-elles, par exemple, devoir payer une redevance pour utiliser les infrastructures ? Qu'est-ce que va rapporter à l'État guinéen ? C'est une société anonyme, privée, de droit guinéen, qui est propriétaire des infrastructures et qui est opérateur de ces infrastructures pour les 35 prochaines années. Le modèle économique du projet, c'est que les principaux clients de la CTG, ce sont les mines. Les mines vont faire transporter leurs minerais sur le chemin de fer et l'exporter via le port. Ce n'est pas gratuit, ils vont payer des redevances d'utilisation de l'infrastructure. Ce sont ces redevances qui permettent à la CTG de fonctionner, mais également de rembourser les dettes contractées pour le financement de la réalisation de l'infrastructure. Certains responsables guinéens ont affirmé à plusieurs reprises que les entreprises minières construisaient un port en eau profonde pour accueillir les minéraliers, qui sont les bateaux servant à exporter le fer. Pourtant, sur les sites Internet de Simfer et de Winning Consortium Simandou, il est indiqué qu'ils construisent des ports de barges qui, elles, iront en haute mer pour déposer le fer sur des minéraliers. Finalement, quel type de ports aura-t-on pour ce projet ? À la fin de l'atteinte des 120 millions de tonnes, au bout de deux ou trois ans, on va engager les études de faisabilité pour l'extension de la capacité du port, pour passer à un port en eau profonde. Il faut d'abord faire les études de faisabilité qui nous diront combien de temps prendra la construction de l'infrastructure. Les conventions prévoient que les entreprises fassent une étude de faisabilité dans les deux ans, soit pour une aciérie d'une capacité de 500 000 tonnes par an, soit d'une usine de pellets - un produit intermédiaire entre le fer et l'acier - d'une capacité de deux millions de tonnes par an. En Guinée, l'un des problèmes majeurs pour l'industrialisation, c'est le manque d'énergie. Avec quelles solutions énergétiques peut-on construire de telles usines en Guinée ? Déjà, il y a une capacité aujourd'hui hydroélectrique qui permet de fournir de l'énergie à ce projet d'aciérie ou d'usines de pellets de 2 millions de tonnes. Il y a un barrage en construction de 300 mégawatts, qui est à plus de 45 % terminé. Il y a d'autres projets thermiques qui sont également en construction. Il y a une planification énergétique aujourd'hui du pays pour aligner les besoins énergétiques et industriels du pays avec le développement de nouveaux projets. Ce projet Simandou, avec les flux de revenus que cela va générer pour l'État, permettra également d'avoir plus de capacités de financement pour de nouvelles capacités énergétiques. En Guinée, il y a un autre grand gisement de fer, c'est la mine de fer du mont Nimba, qui n'est pas très loin de Simandou d'ailleurs. Ce projet reste bloqué parce que jusque là, les entreprises privilégiaient de faire sortir le minerai par le Liberia qui est plus proche, alors que l'État guinéen privilégiait une sortie par un port guinéen. Aujourd'hui, l'option que vous privilégiez, c'est de faire un raccordement entre le chemin de fer de Simandou et le mont Nimba ? La volonté du gouvernement, c'est de faire une boucle ferroviaire sur l'ensemble du pays. Le gisement du mont Nimba est à 130 kilomètres du chemin de fer de Simandou, ce n'est pas très loin. La question de capacité ne se pose pas, car il y a une capacité disponible sur l'infrastructure ferroviaire. Cela augmente aussi la viabilité du projet de Nimba, du fait de la disponibilité de l'infrastructure du Simandou. Il y a d'autres projets miniers de moindre envergure qui sont aussi en souffrance depuis un moment. Notamment la bauxite à Dabola-Tougué et le fer à Kalia, dans la région de Faranah. Envisagez-vous aussi de faire des raccordement de chemin de fer pour relancer ces projets miniers ? Tout le mérite de ce projet Simandou tel qu'il est pensé, conçu et réalisé, c'est d'être une infrastructure multi utilisateurs. Cela veut dire qu'il y a un droit d'accès des tiers qui sont le long du corridor. Vous avez parlé du projet de bauxite de Dabola-Tougué, du projet de minerai de fer de Kalia, et on vient de parler du mont Nimba. Tous ces projets négocieront des accords d'accès ferroviaire pour pouvoir transporter leurs minerais vers les ports qui se trouvent sur la côte. L'avantage du co-développement, c'est que ça permet d'avoir une infrastructure qui est économiquement viable parce que ça réduit les dépenses d'investissement de capital (Capex) pour tous les investisseurs. Cela permet aussi aux mines de pouvoir transporter leurs minerais à des prix compétitifs et devenir beaucoup plus viables. Le minerai de Kalia, s'il n'y avait pas la disponibilité de cette infrastructure, est difficile à sortir, car il est piégé dans l'arrière-pays. Mais du fait de la disponibilité de cette infrastructure et du droit d'accès qu'elle offre, avec des principes tarifaires extrêmement transparents pour tous les utilisateurs, c'est une chance pour tous les projets qui se trouvent le long du corridor d'être sur le marché. Une chance aussi pour la Guinée d'avoir à réaliser ces infrastructures conformément à cette vision. Sinon, on allait se retrouver avec une infrastructure dédiée uniquement au minerai de fer de Simandou, ce qui n'avait aucun sens. Malheureusement, sur les chantiers, il y a eu un certain nombre d'accidents et de morts. Winning Consortium a déclaré en octobre qu'il y avait eu deux morts chez eux. Nos confrères de Reuters ont publié en mars une enquête dévoilant qu'il y avait eu une dizaine de morts chez Winning Consortium. Au mois d'août, il y a eu un mort chez Rio Tinto. Quel est votre bilan du nombre de morts sur les chantiers ? Je ne commente pas les chiffres, mais ce que je peux vous dire que pour tous ces accidents, on a recruté des firmes indépendantes pour des enquêtes. Les résultats de ces enquêtes vont être révélés. Mais votre bilan, combien y a-t-il eu de morts sur la phase de construction en tout ? Comme je vous ai dit, il y a des enquêtes qui sont en cours. Quelqu'un peut aller au travail et il rentre le soir, il a la malaria, il meurt. On va déterminer si c'est à cause de son travail ou non. C'est pour cela que l'on met en place des enquêtes indépendantes. Il y a des firmes internationales qui ont été recrutées, qui font ces enquêtes dont les résultats seront communiquées ultérieurement. Les questions d'accident et de santé-sécurité pour les travailleurs du secteur minier sont un sujet extrêmement important pour nous. Nous travaillons avec tous les partenaires internationaux afin de prendre des mesures afin que ce type d'accident ne puisse se reproduire. Dans les conventions, il est prévu que 5 % des revenus induits par le projet Simandou aillent dans l'éducation. Pourriez-vous préciser ce projet ? 5 % des revenus de chacune des mines, en termes d'impôts et taxes, que l'État guinéen va percevoir, vont être affectés au financement du système éducatif à l'intérieur du pays. Construire des écoles, des bibliothèques, des enseignants pour augmenter le niveau de l'éducation, le niveau d'alphabétisation. Ensuite 20 % des impôts et taxes que l'État va percevoir provenant de la CTG pour amener aux meilleurs lycéens guinéens, des 33 préfectures du pays pendant les 35 prochaines années, des bourses d'études en France, aux États-Unis, en Chine, au Japon, dans le monde entier pour former les générations futures. L'argent pour les générations futures, c'est l'investissement sur le capital humain. Avec les 5 % de revenus induits par Simandou et les 20 % de la CTG, combien tablez-vous pour le budget de ce programme ? Pas moins de 200 à 300 millions de dollars par an. Il faut préciser que toutes ces bourses seront pour les filières scientifiques et techniques, parce que il faut former plus de gens pour la production que pour la gestion. Ce qui ferait à peu près combien de bourses d'études par an ? Je ne peux pas vous dire aujourd'hui avec certitude combien de personnes on pourrait envoyer, mais c'est des milliers de jeunes qui vont en profiter. À lire aussiGuinée: les autorités inaugurent le mégaprojet minier de Simandou

In today's episode, we're delighted to be joined by Elaine Dorward-King, an accomplished mining executive and board director with over three decades of international experience in the resources sector. Elaine currently serves as a non-executive director for Sibanye-Stillwater, Kenmare Resources, and NovaGold, and has previously held senior leadership roles at Newmont and Rio Tinto. In our conversation, we'll explore Elaine's journey from operational leadership to board service, unpack what Boards of Directors actually do, and discuss what makes for effective corporate governance. We'll also touch on the evolving landscape of ESG and diversity in boardrooms, and the continued relevance of social license to operate, a topic Elaine will be moderating a panel on at the upcoming Resourcing Tomorrow Conference in London this December - the premier gathering for the world's mining leaders taking place at the Business Design Centre from 2-4 December. What sets this event apart is its unmatched audience: C-level executives from the biggest mining companies worldwide, over 40 government ministers, leading mining technology providers, and more. Dig Deep The Mining Podcast is proud to partner with Resourcing Tomorrow so to register, go to https://hubs.ly/Q03JvH2K0 and use DIGDEEP10 for 10% off your pass. KEY TAKEAWAYS When recruiting new directors, boards assess the skills and expertise needed, aiming for a diverse range of backgrounds and independent perspectives.  This process often involves using search firms to identify a broad spectrum of candidates. Companies benefit from having a workforce that reflects a wide range of perspectives, which can lead to better performance and results. Directors must be willing to speak up and hold management accountable to minimise risks and protect shareholder interests. BEST MOMENTS "The primary role of boards is to think long-term and to help the management team think that way." "A diverse and inclusive workplace is one where people are more productive and want to contribute their very best."  "If everyone is a golfing buddy of the CEO, they may be less willing to challenge."  "You need to know why you want to be on a board. Not everybody is suited for it or wants to do it." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        ⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠ X:              ⁠https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson⁠  YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast⁠  Web:        ⁠http://www.mining-international.org⁠ GUEST SOCIALS  https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-dorward-king/ CONTACT METHOD ⁠rob@mining-international.org⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/⁠ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people's experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Chris Temple, Editor and Publisher of the National Investor, joins us live at the New Orleans Investment Conference to delve into US policy around critical minerals, and to help us separate the signal from the noise from all the focus in bills and executive orders on copper, uranium, rare earths, antimony, tungsten, lithium, and other strategic metals. We've seen a lot of volatility in many of the related resource stocks, and so we dive into a nuanced longer-form conversation about the investing angle in these various sectors.   We start off discussing the mixed bag coming from US policy around the extraction, processing, and refinement of critical minerals and energy metals from this administration compared to prior administrations.   On one hand we've seen positive funding measures and compressed permitting timelines emerge with initiatives like Fast-41, or the strategic position in MP Materials, or the approval of the Ambler Road for Trilogy Metals.  On the other hand, Chris argues that this is far too little, too late, and that it will take a much larger concerted effort and far more funds to really move the needle on domestic supplies of critical minerals and strategic metals.    We get into the challenges around processing and refinement, being much larger problems that most policy makers realize, and without a quick fix.   The question arises of how much can get realistically get done to help the extractive industries over the next 3 years, or potentially only 1 more year, depending on how mid-term elections turn out.   Chris also points out that many of these initial support bills and executive orders are encouraging, but most will need follow up support and follow through policies to assist, and it remains unclear if we'll see that pan out in the medium to longer-term.   Chris highlights discrepancies in policy and reality, like Rio Tinto's Resolution Mine in Arizona is on the Fast-41 list, but still has huge hurtles to overcome on a state and local stakeholder level to be able to move forward.  He also highlights that the Teck-Glencore JV at NorthMet in Minnesota, which is a world-class critical minerals project that has been stalled by multiple operators and government bodies and lobbyist groups for all of this century.  He also highlights the government investment into Lithium Americas Thacker Pass Project as potentially misguided use of funds that will be far more capital intensive than other options would have been. Chris reminds listeners that with all those projects, if they do ever get fully approved, they would still be many years from producing more of these critical minerals.   Chris reiterates that his top commodity sector for investing is still uranium due to all the tailwinds for nuclear energy.   He is also far more comfortable investing in traditional energy with oil and nat gas companies, than even some of the critical minerals for the longer-term, as we are far further from phasing out fossil fuels that people were led to believe in years past, and there are still opportunities in the energy stocks.   Click here to follow along with Chris at the National Investor website.   For more market commentary & interview summaries, subscribe to our Substacks:   The KE Report: https://kereport.substack.com/ Shad's resource market commentary: https://excelsiorprosperity.substack.com/     Investment disclaimer:  This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investing in equities and commodities involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Guests and hosts may own shares in companies mentioned.

Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp (TSX-V:LIT, OTCQX:LILIF) CEO Niko Cacos talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company's shift from exploration to development at its Rincon West lithium project in Argentina. Cacos highlighted that the company has already announced its maiden resource estimate, marking a significant milestone. He explained that Argentina Lithium is now focused on selecting a direct lithium extraction (DLE) partner, with pilot testing to follow. "We've examined a whole plethora of them, and now we've narrowed this choice down to just a very few," he said. Work is also ongoing on environmental baseline studies and preliminary engineering. Cacos confirmed that financing discussions are underway to support the project through to the feasibility stage. He expressed full confidence in the choice of DLE technology, noting its economic and environmental advantages, particularly given that neighbouring lithium operations - such as Rio Tinto's nearby $6 billion project - are using the same method. Cacos also discussed the significance of the partnership with Stellantis, stating that the automotive company has been actively supporting Argentina Lithium's progress and financing efforts. "They have a strong belief in the quality of the projects that we have," he said. The company is targeting a preliminary economic assessment in early 2026, with key steps ahead being DLE selection and securing funding. Visit Proactive's YouTube channel for more videos, and don't forget to give the video a like, subscribe to the channel and enable notifications for future content. #Lithium #ArgentinaLithium #DLE #RinconWest #EnergyTransition #BatteryMetals #MiningStocks #Stellantis #CriticalMinerals #ResourceDevelopment`

Wednesday November 5, 2025 Corruption Probe Underway at Rio Tinto Copper Mine

Les résultats des GAFAM. Rio Tinto ne craint pas les tarifs. Discussion économique avec Francis Gosselin, économiste. Regardez aussi cette discussion en vidéo via https://www.qub.ca/videos ou en vous abonnant à QUB télé : https://www.tvaplus.ca/qub ou sur la chaîne YouTube QUB https://www.youtube.com/@qub_radioPour de l'information concernant l'utilisation de vos données personnelles - https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener/fr

Credibility with the C-suite is built over time through commercial fluency, disciplined inquiry and a deep understanding of how people strategy drives business performance.In this episode, we explore what it truly takes to be seen as a trusted advisor at the executive table. Joining us are two exceptional leaders from Mirvac.First, Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz AM – former CEO and Managing Director of Mirvac, and now Chair and Board Member with INSEAD, Rio Tinto, the Australian National Housing Supply and Affordability Council, Macquarie Group, and The Australian Centre for Gender Equality and Inclusion at Work.She's joined by Ben Morris MAHRI, Mirvac's Group Head of HR. Together, Susan and Ben unpack the practical skills and behaviours that help HR practitioners build credibility and influence with the C-suite – and share insights into how HR can enhance its strategic impact in the boardroom.Show notesRelated AHRI learning:HR Certification – https://bit.ly/4qoPtipThe Strategic HR Leader short course – https://bit.ly/47IUQ4oLeadership and Management Essentials – https://bit.ly/42XC9aHMicro-credential: Business Strategy and Culture Leadership – https://bit.ly/3J3E0nHConnect with AHRI and our guests:Join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge – exclusive to members for access to bonus content and discussions – https://bit.ly/3JxmZSRFollow AHRI on LinkedIn – https://bit.ly/43kLXf9Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz AM – https://bit.ly/4oDaRhVBen Morris – https://bit.ly/48JnfbJ

Gente Viajera en Huelva: riqueza natural, cultural y turística desde el Parque Minero de Riotinto

Interview with Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren, Managing Director of Asian Battery Metals PLCRecording date: 15th October 2025Asian Battery Metals (ASX:AZ9) is emerging as a focused critical minerals developer in Mongolia, strategically positioned at the doorstep of Asian consumption markets. Led by Managing Director Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren, a mining engineer with 22 years of experience including a board position at Rio Tinto's Oyu Tolgoi copper operation, the company is advancing a portfolio of copper, nickel, and gold projects in southwestern Mongolia's prospective Central Asian orogenic belt.The company's flagship Oval copper-nickel project has delivered significant validation through selection for BHP's prestigious Xplor accelerator program in 2023. As one of only seven companies chosen globally from 250 applicants - and the sole Asian representative - Asian Battery Metals received $500,000 USD to prove the concept of a magmatic mafic intrusion-related copper-nickel sulfide system. This third-party technical endorsement has been reinforced by encouraging metallurgical results, with initial test work achieving 89-95% copper recovery and concentrate grades of 18.5-24%, meeting industry benchmarks for economic viability.With approximately A$30 million in market capitalization and A$7-8 million deployed across exploration programs, the company has established 800 meters of continuous mineralization at Oval, with widths ranging from 50 to 80 meters. Recent drilling has extended mineralization to 290 meters depth, suggesting potential for deeper extensions along feeder conduit structures. The company is also advancing regional targets including MS1, located six kilometers south of Oval with geophysical signatures potentially larger than the main discovery, supporting a hub-and-spoke development model where multiple deposits could share centralized processing infrastructure.Complementing the copper-nickel focus, Asian Battery Metals is completing due diligence on the Maikhan Uul VMS copper-gold system, located just eight kilometers from Oval. Recent drilling confirmed more than 20 meters of massive sulphide mineralization with historic grades of approximately 1.7% copper and 1 gram per tonne gold, plus a high-grade shallow gold zone grading over 15 g/t. The company expects to complete this acquisition within four months, adding diversification and supporting the multi-deposit cluster strategy that Managing Director Gan-Ochir described as essential to achieving the company's goal of "more than 20 million tons of economic resources or potentially producing 50,000 tons of metals."Mongolia's maturation as a mining jurisdiction provides crucial support for development pathways. Over the past 15 years, the country has opened 20-30 new mines, improved infrastructure substantially, and developed multiple financing options including international financial institutions, domestic banks, and Chinese offtake arrangements. This evolution, combined with proximity to Asian markets and an established contractor mining sector, positions Asian Battery Metals to advance its projects efficiently in a jurisdiction that has demonstrated it can support world-class operations like Rio Tinto's Oyu Tolgoi copper mine.View Asian Battery Metals' company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/asian-battery-metalsSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Coverage that provides news and analysis of national issues significant to regional Australians.

Host Anne Thompson explores the diverse and innovative methods being employed in Australia to build and retain the technical workforce in the mining industry.  From attracting new talent, to supporting early career geoscientists, to training professionals from other industries - this episode might just change your perspective on what is possible.First up, Brendan Howard, General Manager for Technical Capability at Rio Tinto and a founder of the MiEX (Minerals Industry Experience) Program, addresses the mining sector's shrinking and less diverse talent pipeline. The success of MiEX, a collaborative industry-led program, highlights the value of early engagement with undergraduate students. The pilot in January 2025 drew over 500 applicants for 69 places with 90% of participants expressing intent to pursue mining careers.  New conversations are underway in North America to bring this exciting opportunity to more students.Richard Lilly, the University of Adelaide presents NExUS (National Exploration Undercover School) based in South Australia, which provides hands-on experience and essential training to geoscience students, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. NExUS combines technical learning with professional networking, using the South Australian Drill Core Library and nearby field sites to expose students to geophysics, core logging, and exploration through cover. Lilly is now stepping down after 10 years as Director, with the hope that this successful model will continue and be expanded to other jurisdictions to better prepare geoscientists for evolving exploration challenges.Lastly, Deng Ngang Deng, from Target Mining Resources, shares his inspiring journey from South Sudan to professional geoscientist in Western Australia.  Deng was involved in establishing the Pan Africa Resource Reporting Code (PARC) and an invited plenary speaker at SEG 2024 in Namibia. At home in Australia, he has developed an innovative approach to training and employing geoscientists and other technical mining workers.  Initiated during the pandemic, the company continues to expand and add to their portfolio of skills they train for, successfully filling a gap in mining recruitment.Many thanks to Avo Media for production support.  Theme music is Confluence by Eastwindseastwindsmusic.com 

US stocks accelerated selling into the close after Trump tweeted on new 100% tariffs on China, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing down 878.82 points, or 1.9%, at 45,479.60. The S&P 500 lost 2.71% to settle at 6,552.51, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 3.56% to 22,204.43. The broad-based index's decline was the largest since April 10. Prior to Trump's comments, stocks were sizably higher, with the Nasdaq hitting a new all-time intraday high.The VIX spiked above 22 – SPI down 84.Friday's declines wiped out the S&P 500′s gain for the week, as the benchmark lost 2.4% for the period. The Nasdaq and the Dow also saw weekly losses of 2.5% and 2.7%, respectively.Beijing blames US for raising trade tensions, defends rare earth curbs.ASX to follow Wall Street lower as tariff anxiety returns to markets.Ukraine hit Russian energy sites with US help.Kremlin warns the West over 'dramatic' escalation moment in Ukraine war.Rio Tinto poised to shut Australia's biggest aluminium smelter Tomago.Want to invest with Marcus Today? The Managed Strategy Portfolio is designed for investors seeking exposure to our strategy while we do the hard work for you. If you're looking for personal financial advice, our friends at Clime Investment Management can help. Their team of licensed advisers operates across most states, offering tailored financial planning services.  Why not sign up for a free trial? Gain access to expert insights, research, and analysis to become a better investor.

Interview with Julian Treger, President & CEO of CoTec HoldingsRecording date: 7th October 2025CoTec Holdings is pioneering a new era in mining by repurposing industrial waste and tailings through six proprietary technologies, aiming to develop nearly 20 assets by 2030 with potential net present values exceeding $2-3 billion. Led by CEO Julian Treger, a seasoned investor who scaled Anglo Pacific's earnings from $5 million to over $100 million in eight years, the company holds a current market value of $130 million CAD, with 60% insider ownership driving a goal of surpassing $1 billion in valuation. Treger's approach exploits market gaps: outdated extraction methods persisting despite decades of R&D spending, and undervalued waste sites containing extractable metals like iron ore, copper, tungsten, manganese, vanadium, nickel, and tin.From a Canadian shell acquired at 12 cents per share with $90 million in tax losses, CoTec assembled a board featuring Rio Tinto's former CEO Tom Albanese and Rio Ventures' John McGagh. They screened 400 technologies, selecting mid-stage innovations at readiness levels 5-9—avoiding lab experiments—for equity stakes, licenses, or partnerships. These enable processing hard rocks, fine particles, and low-grade ores, with a standout in rare earth magnet recycling from e-waste, developed by Birmingham University for over $100 million.Flagship assets illustrate the model: Quebec's Cartier mine tailings (120 million tons) bought for $2 million, projecting $130-150 million NPV on $60 million capex, while slashing government rehabilitation costs from $200 million to under $100 million. A Minnesota iron ore site, with 2.6 billion tons and a $1 billion NPV, gives CoTec 17% ownership. The U.S. magnet business, 60% owned, plans three $600 million NPV hubs starting production in 2027, addressing China's export blacklists to defense firms. Treger notes ongoing talks with the White House, calling recycling a "very good plan B insurance policy" against supply risks.Financing emphasizes asset-level raises at 30-40% NPV discounts, using government funds to limit parent dilution and preserve value. Treger prioritizes capital gains over salaries, targeting "warp speed" timelines—2-3 years versus mining's 29-year average. With patents and first-mover access to 10,000+ Canadian closed mines, CoTec positions for strategic minerals in electrification and defense, backed by Treger's $500 million-to-$3 billion investment track record. This nimble model promises outsized returns amid global reshoring.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Mark Pownall and Nadia Budihardjo discuss gold prices; Lynas; Liontown; Rio Tinto's $1.1bn expansion; Hancock's $250m business hub; MinRes moves; Therapy Focus; and the latest with Subi.

Une autre opposante de Trump inculpée. La crise politique se poursuit en France. Fermeture de l’usine Rio Tinto de Sorel-Tracy. Un flou persiste entourant la réglementation sur la sécurité autour des piscines. Entraves à venir en fin de semaine. Tour de table entre Isabelle Perron, Alexandre Dubé et Mario Dumont. Regardez aussi cette discussion en vidéo via https://www.qub.ca/videos ou en vous abonnant à QUB télé : https://www.tvaplus.ca/qub ou sur la chaîne YouTube QUB https://www.youtube.com/@qub_radioPour de l'information concernant l'utilisation de vos données personnelles - https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener/fr

Interview with Kiril Mugerman, CEO, Geomega ResourcesOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/geomega-resources-gma-i-got-a-better-way-i-discovered-a-star-311Recording date: 8th October 2025Geomega Resources has secured a $4.5 million demonstration license agreement with Rio Tinto to deploy proprietary bauxite residue processing technology at a Quebec facility, marking a strategic pivot from mineral exploration to a technology royalty business model. The agreement includes $1.4 million in immediate payment, $100,000 in early 2026, and up to $3 million through construction and production milestones as Rio Tinto validates the technology before potential commercial-scale deployment.The company's three-circuit processing system addresses a century-old challenge facing the global aluminum industry. Approximately 100 refineries worldwide produce millions of tons of bauxite residue annually, creating massive environmental liabilities with no economically viable processing solution. Geomega's technology reduces this waste by 80-85% while extracting critical metals including scandium, gallium, iron, high-purity silica, and alumina. CEO Kiril Mugerman explained that the process works sequentially, with circuit one handling caustic components, circuit two processing iron, and circuit three recovering high-value critical metals.The technology achieves reagent recovery rates above 90%, having completed hundreds of piloting cycles using the same materials repeatedly. Unlike traditional mining metallurgy requiring aggressive acids and special reactor coatings, Geomega employs weaker reagents compatible with standard equipment. The modular design allows customization for different bauxite sources, from Jamaican deposits with high scandium content to other geographic variations.Geomega owns 100% of its intellectual property through patents and trade secrets, with a lean 20-person technical team focused on research and expanding piloting capacity. The non-exclusive licensing model enables simultaneous engagement with multiple refineries, positioning the company for capital-light expansion. Following successful demonstration, Rio Tinto would negotiate a commercial license structured as production royalties, creating recurring revenue without requiring Geomega to fund plant construction. This partnership validates the technology for broader industry adoption across the global aluminum refining sector.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/geomega-resourcesSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

The Aussie market managed its first lift of the week, though momentum was modest and buyer enthusiasm remained subdued. The ASX200 edged higher despite weakness across financials and tech stocks, with materials the clear standout, hitting a record high thanks to gains from gold and rare earth miners. Lynas Rare Earth surged to a 14-year peak while BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue also advanced. Meanwhile, Guzman y Gomez shares swung wildly after announcing a $100 million buyback, Liontown rose following changes to its Ford contract, and Netwealth delivered strong quarterly inflows. With few catalysts ahead of next week’s key events and RBA remarks due tomorrow, trade remained light as investors treaded cautiously near record highs. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Moore, former senior federal cabinet minister and a senior advisor at Edelman, discusses the current state of Canada-U.S. trade talks, the risks and opportunities of a so-called "grand bargain," the complicated role of Mexico, and why Canada's vast critical mineral resources may represent our most significant strategic asset in negotiations with President Trump. This episode was recorded on September 25, 2025. This episode is produced in partnership with Rio Tinto. The Hub is Canada's fastest growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get our best content when you are on the go: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Want more Hub? Get a FREE 3-month trial membership on us: https://thehub.ca/free-trial/ Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Elia Gross - Producer & Editor Sean Speer - Host To contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts email support@thehub.ca.

Coverage that provides news and analysis of national issues significant to regional Australians.

Coverage that provides news and analysis of national issues significant to regional Australians.

Beijing may be making an example of mining giant BHP in a bid to get better prices for iron ore, but our expert says China’s reported ban could be short-lived. You can read more about this episode, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and original music is composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX200 ended Thursday more or less flat after a choppy session, with mining and energy stocks leading gains on stronger oil and copper prices. Woodside and Santos rose with crude oil at seven-week highs, while copper miners like Sandfire and BHP climbed after supply disruptions in Indonesia. Billions in dividends were paid out by BHP, Rio Tinto, Telstra and others, and Premier Investments delivered a mixed result as Peter Alexander sales grew but Smiggle weakened. Rate cut expectations remain uncertain after hotter August inflation kept investors cautious. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASX200 suffered its worst day in three weeks, falling 1% as August inflation came in hotter than expected at 3% annually. Higher electricity bills drove the headline figure, though underlying inflation eased to 2.6%. Banks led declines with Westpac down 3.5% amid job cuts news, while DroneShield continued its stellar run. Energy stocks bucked the trend on stronger oil prices. Tomorrow brings massive dividend payments from BHP, Rio Tinto and Telstra. The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this KE Report company update, CEO Alain Lambert of Prismo Metals (CSE:PRIZ - OTCQB:PMOMF - FSE:7KU) provides details on the latest discovery at the Silver King Project in Arizona. The company has identified porphyry-style copper mineralization, adding a new dimension to its exploration plans.   Highlights from the discussion include: New Porphyry Discovery: Surface work has outlined porphyry-style mineralization, comparable to the nearby historic Magma Mine and world-class Resolution Copper deposit. Target Pipeline: Three distinct targets at Silver King: Around the historic Silver King Mine (first drill priority). Newly identified mineralized silver veins. Porphyry-style copper mineralization (requires additional permits, expected in Phase 2). Location Advantage: Silver King sits just 3 km from Resolution Copper, the world's largest undeveloped copper deposit (JV between Rio Tinto & BHP). Permitting & Timeline: Phase 1 drilling permits expected in the coming weeks; drilling anticipated before year-end. Phase 2 permits to follow for the porphyry target. Next Catalysts: Results pending on 29 surface samples (expected late September) and an additional 15 samples. Plans underway to dewater the historic Silver King Mine for future exploration. Click here to visit the Prismo Metals website    For more market commentary & interview summaries, subscribe to our Substacks: - The KE Report: https://kereport.substack.com/ - Shad's resource market commentary: https://excelsiorprosperity.substack.com/   Investment Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investing in equities and commodities involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Guests and hosts may own shares in companies mentioned.

In this KE Report company introduction, I speak with Alain Lambert, CEO of Prismo Metals (CSE:PRIZ - OTCQB:PMOMF - FSE:7KU), about the company's expanding project portfolio across Arizona and Mexico. Key Discussion Points: Silver King Mine (Arizona): Historic high-grade silver producer. Surface sampling underway, drill permits pending, and a Phase 1 drill program planned before year-end. Ripsey Mine (Arizona): Another past-producing silver mine with strong gold grades, set for mapping and evaluation as Silver King drilling progresses. Hot Breccia (Arizona Copper Belt): Large copper prospect adjacent to Rio Tinto & BHP's Resolution Copper. A potential partnership with majors is being considered due to deep drilling requirements. Palos Verde (Mexico): Surrounded by Vizsla Silver (NYSE/TSX: VZLA), which is also Prismo's largest shareholder. Potential long-term value once Vizsla advances its exploration in the district. Corporate Overview: Management, directors, and advisors own 26%+, with Vizsla as a cornerstone investor.  .Click here to visit the Prismo Metals website   For more market commentary & interview summaries, subscribe to our Substacks: The KE Report: https://kereport.substack.com/ Shad's resource market commentary: https://excelsiorprosperity.substack.com/   Investment disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investing in equities and commodities involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Guests may own shares in companies mentioned.

In this episode of Mining Stock Daily, John Black from Aldebaran Resources discusses the company's strategic decision to spin out a portfolio of non-priority properties into a new Argentine-focused exploration company. This new entity, led by CEO Sam Leong, aims to unlock value from projects like Rio Grande, a copper-gold porphyry system, and Aguas Calientes, a silver-gold epithermal project, which were previously undervalued within Aldebaran's portfolio. Current Aldebaran shareholders are expected to receive shares in this new public company, allowing them to realize value from these projects. Additionally, Black provides an update on the Altar Preliminary Economic Assessment, explaining its delay to Q4 due to an extended review process involving Rio Tinto's proprietary primary sulfite heap leach technology

Interview with Matthew Gili, President of Ur-Energy LtdOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/slow-supply-fast-demand-uraniums-new-investment-reality-7136Recording date: 5th September 2025Ur-Energy has emerged as a standout performer in the uranium sector under new leadership, positioning itself as one of the few active US producers during a critical market recovery period. The company recently appointed Matthew Gili as president, bringing over three decades of large-scale mining operations experience from industry leaders including Rio Tinto and Barrick Gold.Gili's appointment represents a strategic inflection point for the Wyoming-based producer. Despite lacking uranium-specific experience, his proven track record in operational turnarounds across silver, gold, and copper operations provides exactly what Ur Energy needs. "I don't come from the uranium background. I come from the gold and copper background primarily," Gili explained, emphasizing his focus on "business improvement cycles regarding project management cycles regarding just good old management operating systems."The company's Lost Creek facility currently produces over 110,000 pounds of uranium quarterly, with management targeting 800,000 to 1.2 million pounds annually. Demonstrating cost competitiveness, Ur-Energy achieved $42 cash costs per pound in Q2, providing healthy margins at current uranium prices while targeting further reductions through operational optimization.Near-term growth prospects center on Shirley Basin, scheduled for commissioning in Q1 2026. The project's strategic design maximizes existing infrastructure utilization, with resin capture processing at Shirley Basin and loaded resin trucked to Lost Creek for precipitation processing.Ur-Energy's three-property portfolio operates within a 10-mile radius of Casper, Wyoming, creating significant operational synergies. "We can share people. We can share warehouses and we can truck material from one site to the other," Gili noted, highlighting cost advantages over multi-jurisdictional competitors.The company's strategic positioning as an active producer during uranium supply shortages provides immediate price leverage advantages. As Gili emphasized, "The entities that make the real money are the entities that are operating when the price goes up," distinguishing Ur-Energy from development-stage competitors facing construction risk and capital requirements.Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/ur-energy-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Stephen Twyerould, President & CEO of Gunnison CopperRecording date: 25th August 2025Gunnison Copper (TSX:MIN) is set to begin copper cathode production in September 2025 through its Johnson Camp mine in southeast Arizona. This near-term production is enabled by an innovative partnership with Nuton LLC, a Rio Tinto venture, which has invested over $100 million to finance construction and provide advanced sulfide leaching technology. The Johnson Camp facility is designed to reach an annual production capacity of 25 million pounds of copper by mid-2026. Gunnison retains 100% ownership and operational control, with the partnership structured to repay Nuton's investment over a 4-5 year period before Gunnison obtains full profit rights.Beyond immediate production, the company benefits from Nuton's technical expertise, gaining valuable knowledge in sulfide leaching technology that can be applied to its larger Gunnison open pit project. The Gunnison project, which completed a Preliminary Economic Assessment in late 2024, showcases robust economics with a post-tax net present value (NPV) of $1.3 billion, an internal rate of return near 21%, and a production profile of 170 million pounds annually over 18 years. This large open pit operation primarily processes oxide copper with an all-in sustaining cost of approximately $1.94 per pound, providing strong cash flow potential amid current copper prices above $4.00.Gunnison Copper is strategically positioned as a domestic US supplier, attracting government attention with $13.9 million in transferable 48C tax credits from the Department of Energy and unsolicited outreach from federal agencies emphasizing supply chain security. The company is also advancing several initiatives to enhance project economics, including byproduct valorization from gravel and limestone—currently accounted at zero value—and mineral sorting technologies aimed at reducing operating costs.With an established regulatory framework, proximity to rail infrastructure, and a clear timeline to prefeasibility studies in 2026, Gunnison Copper exemplifies a junior miner transitioning to production with a de-risked development path and strong strategic alliances in place, addressing both near-term outputs and long-term growth potential in the US copper market.View Gunnison Copper's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/gunnison-copperSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Anthony Margarit, President & CEO of K2 GoldOur previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/k2-gold-kto-ma-in-nevada-is-focus-1479Recording date: 28th August 2025K2 Gold Corporation (TSXV: KTO) stands on the verge of a significant milestone as its flagship Mojave project in California approaches final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) permitting approval. The company's 6,000-hectare polymetallic project has delivered exceptional drill results, including a standout intersection of 86.9 meters at 4 grams per ton gold, positioning it as one of the more promising exploration stories in North American mining.Under CEO Anthony Margarit, a geologist with a proven track record including early involvement in Rio Tinto's Diavik diamond mine discovery, K2 has strategically navigated the complex EIS permitting process—the highest level of environmental permitting in the United States. The company recently received encouraging news when the Bureau of Land Management identified K2's plan of operations as their preferred alternative in the draft EIS, representing a crucial pre-decision milestone.The upcoming drilling program spans 30,000 meters across 120 holes on 30 pads, designed to test mineralization continuity along a 5-kilometer gold trend. Recent surface sampling has yielded spectacular results, with samples reaching 374 grams per ton gold on the same structural system. The project's polymetallic nature extends beyond gold to include four copper targets, one spanning nearly 5 kilometers, plus four silver-lead-zinc targets.Financially, K2 has positioned itself strategically with approximately $13 million in outstanding warrants, many expiring October 1st. Management expresses high confidence that warrant exercises will fully fund the drilling program without dilutive equity raises. The project benefits from its location adjacent to the historic Cerro Gordo mine, California's largest 19th-century silver producer, validating the district's mineral potential.With EIS approval expected imminently, K2 Gold represents a compelling exploration opportunity combining exceptional grades, strategic permitting progress, and built-in financing within a proven mining district.View K2 Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/k2-gold-corporationSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Mark Pownall and Nadia Budihardjo discuss Rio Tinto boss Simon Trott's first week; Mineral Resources; Local governments in trouble; Reynolds v Higgins judgment; Michael Chaney and Wesfarmers; and major companies' annual results.

In this KE Report company update, we welcome back Craig Nicol, Founder & CEO of Graphene Manufacturing Group, to answer a wide range of investor questions. Over the past month, GMG has seen strong shareholder interest around its multiple business divisions and the broader graphene market. Discussion highlights include: Graphene market trends - differentiation between GMG's product-focused approach and competitors focused on raw production. Business divisions update - Batteries, THERMAL-XR®, G® Lubricant, and growing services business. Production outlook - Progress on Gen 2 graphene unit, scalability, and supply for large OEM orders. Battery development - Upcoming data release on energy density and charge rates; collaboration with BIC and Rio Tinto. THERMAL-XR® - Transition to palletized distribution, EPA progress, and near-term revenue expectations. G® Lubricant - Sales ramp-up, customer feedback, and patent process. Corporate strategy - Uplisting plans to a U.S. exchange, government grant opportunities, and the rationale behind the recently upsized $8M bought deal financing. Keep sending in your questions for Craig Nicol - I'll continue bringing your topics directly to management in upcoming interviews. Email me at Fleck@kereport.com.   Click here to visit the GMG website to learn more about the Company.

Interview with Francis Macdonald, Director & CEO of Li-FT Power Ltd.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/li-ft-power-tsxvlift-pioneering-lithium-exploration-in-canadas-yellowknife-region-5667Recording date: 8th August 2025Li FT Power (TSXV: LIFT) is taking an aggressive contrarian approach during the lithium market downturn, investing heavily in development activities while competitors have retreated or ceased operations. CEO Francis MacDonald has positioned the company for the anticipated market recovery through strategic leadership additions and substantial capital commitments.The appointment of Anthony Peter Tse as chairman represents a significant strategic evolution. Tse's background as former CEO of Galaxy Resources, which transformed into Arcadium before being acquired by Rio Tinto for $6.7 billion, brings extensive lithium industry networks and operational expertise. "His background in lithium is pretty extensive and having operated a spodumene mine and also been involved in the downstream refining and conversion part of it," MacDonald noted.Li FT Power is committing $7 million toward environmental baseline studies for its Yellowknife lithium project, a substantial investment for an exploration-stage company. This strategic decision addresses Canada's primary mining bottleneck - the permitting process, which requires two years of baseline data before environmental assessment can begin. The company aims to position itself "at the front of the line" when market conditions improve.The Yellowknife project hosts a resource exceeding 50 million tons and features potential processing advantages through Dense Media Separation technology. This gravity-based approach leverages the density difference between spodumene and waste rock, potentially reducing operating costs compared to conventional flotation processing.MacDonald remains optimistic about lithium fundamentals, citing 30% growth in electric vehicle sales and 60% growth in battery storage applications, driving overall lithium demand growth of approximately 20% annually. Recent lithium price increases of 30% from multi-year lows suggest the prolonged downturn may be ending.Li FT Power's downstream integration opportunities around Edmonton, Alberta, offer additional value creation potential, taking advantage of existing chemical infrastructure and competitive operating costs in the region.View Li-FT Power's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/li-ft-power-ltdSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Interview with Hugh Agro, President & CEO of Revival Gold Inc.Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/revival-gold-tsxvrvg-fast-tracked-for-100k-production-by-2028-7341Recording date: 28th July 2025Revival Gold Inc. (TSXV: RVG) has successfully completed a $29 million Canadian financing round, marking a significant milestone for the gold developer as it advances two major projects in the western United States. The strategic investment was led by EMR Capital, a respected Australian mining investment firm founded by former Rio Tinto executives, who acquired a 12% stake in the company alongside Dundee Corporation's 5% position.The financing structure stands out for its investor-friendly terms, consisting entirely of straight equity without warrants, royalties, or debt instruments. This clean approach preserves Revival Gold's operational flexibility while providing governance benefits through EMR Capital's board representation. CEO Hugh Agro emphasized the significance of attracting such sophisticated investors, noting that EMR Capital "typically buys private assets privately" but was drawn to Revival Gold's team and western US prospects.The capital immediately funds an aggressive 50,000-foot drilling campaign across Revival Gold's flagship projects. At the Mercur project in Utah, the company plans 40,000 feet of drilling focused on converting inferred resources to measured and indicated categories to support a preliminary feasibility study. The program will deploy up to three drill rigs, with metallurgical testing building on previous results that achieved 84% average heap leach recoveries.Revival Gold has established a clear production timeline, targeting Mercur production by 2028 with formal permitting beginning in early 2026. The project benefits from private land ownership and Utah's favorable permitting jurisdiction, factors that attracted the strategic investors seeking "gold in good geography" with a "capital efficient" production model.The successful financing positions Revival Gold among well-funded North American gold developers, raising its pro-forma market capitalization to approximately $150 million Canadian and enhancing institutional accessibility. With substantial resources totaling 4.6+ million ounces across both projects and significant expansion potential, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on strong gold market fundamentals while advancing toward near-term production.View Revival Gold's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/revival-gold-incSign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture The BRICS are struggling, the big boys did not show up. Bezos sells more of his shares. Trump puts a 50% tariff on copper, removes regs and shorten permit time. Costs are coming down because of Trump, the Fed is now trapped, and waiting for the [DS] event. Countries are now using Bitcoin as currency. Trump is now competing with the Fed for currency dominance. Trump played the D's once again. They took the bait and believe that Trump is hiding something fro them or he is involved with Epstein. Comey and Brennan are now being investigated. The storm has started. Both investigations are connected via Mueller. The coverup always gets you in the end. Multiple agencies investigated the treasonous crimes.   Economy BRICS without the Big Boys becomes a Buzzkill  There's nothing like being an event planner when the big invites that are the “Flagship Speakers” of the event are no shows.  Not just no shows, it is known well in advance they will not be there at all.    Xi, sent a minion, Putin suddenly must suddenly organize his sock drawer, Iran is digging out from the rubble, South Africa doesn't know what to do without guidance from their new colonial master of China, and Brazil is being put on notice for their mistreatment of President Bolsonaro. Source: thegatewaypundit.com (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1942701909837766924 Copper Spikes to Record High After Trump's 50 Percent Tariff Announcement Number of Copper Mines in the US: As of 2023, there are 28 copper mines in operation in the United States, according to GlobalData's mining database. These mines are primarily located in western states, with Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, and Montana accounting for over 99% of domestic copper production.  The tariff, announced to counter imports (primarily from Chile, Canada, and Peru, which supply over 90% of US refined copper imports), may incentivize domestic production but won't immediately resolve capacity issues. Posts on X suggest US producers might see fatter margins without significantly increasing output due to the time required to develop new mines (years) and smelting constraints. Current Production Capacity: In 2024, US copper mine production was approximately 1.17 million metric tons, a slight decline from previous years (1.3 million tons in 2022). Major producers like Freeport-McMoRan, Rio Tinto, and Grupo Mexico (Asarco) operate key mines such as Morenci (Arizona, 399,100 metric tons in 2023) and Kennecott (Utah, 169,300 metric tons in 2023). These mines are fully operational, but some face challenges like declining ore grades (averaging 0.4% copper compared to 0.6% in Chile) and labor shortages.  : While the US has significant copper reserves (estimated at 48 trillion tons), production is limited by long permitting timelines (often decades), environmental regulations, and insufficient smelting/refining capacity. Only two primary smelters operate in the US (Rio Tinto's Kennecott and Freeport-McMoRan's Miami), and about 30% of mined copper is exported for processing due to this bottleneck.  Several development projects,

This week, Scott talks to Motley Fool Director of Research, Ryan Newman about iron ore (and other commodities) miner, Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

L'exploitation des immenses réserves de fer des monts du Simandou pourrait marquer un tournant décisif pour l'économie guinéenne. Estimées à près de 8 milliards de tonnes de minerai, ces réserves font l'objet de discussions depuis trois décennies. Les autorités prévoient une entrée en production pour la fin de l'année 2025, présentant ce projet comme la vitrine de leur ambition économique. (Rediffusion) Face au manque de transparence, la population guinéenne, qui a connu les désillusions de l'exploitation de bauxite, oscille entre espoir et scepticisme. Sur le chantier du chemin de fer, la poussière et les boues envahissent les champs, rendant impossible toute culture. Mamoudou Youla, habitant du village de Sounganyia marche sur la terre craquelée qui a envahi sa rizière. « Tout ça, là, c'est le lieu de travail. Depuis que les sociétés minières sont arrivées il y a cinq ans, on ne travaille pas ici, rien, tout est gâté. », se lamente-t-il. Les dédommagements promis par les miniers ne suffisent pas à compenser les pertes subies par les agriculteurs. Mamaseta Camara, une autre habitante, exprime son désenchantement face aux promesses non tenues. « Quand les entreprises sont arrivées ici, j'étais contente, je me suis dit que c'était une opportunité pour nous. Mais ça ne s'est pas passé comme prévu. On subit de nombreux impacts. » Tout se fissure. Les murs des maisons, comme la confiance des habitants envers les sociétés. Il n'y aurait pas eu assez d'emploi pour les jeunes de Soungayah. La corruption autour du chantier est un autre sujet de préoccupation. « Quand vous allez sur le chantier pour du travail, il y a des intermédiaires qui vous demandent de l'argent. Environ 1 million et demi de francs guinéens », témoigne anonymement ce jeune homme. Il a le verbe haut et une profonde colère en lui. « À Conakry, on dit que nous sommes les boss. Qu'il y a un grand projet chez nous, le grand port de la Guinée, et donc qu'on est les rois, mais les gens ne savent pas ce qui se passe réellement ici. Pas d'emploi, pas d'eau, pas d'hôpital. J'en veux aux autorités guinéennes. Parce que depuis que le projet a commencé ici, personne ne s'est déplacé pour voir ce que nous traversons ici. Ils s'en foutent de nous ». Plus de 33 000 emplois ont déjà été créés sur le corridor, avançait Mamadi Doumbouya, le président de la transition, lors de ses derniers vœux à la nation. Des retombées XXL espérées pour l'économie guinéenne Initié en 1997, le projet Simandou a connu de nombreux rebondissements. D'abord attribués à Rio Tinto, les blocs 1 et 2 ont ensuite été confiés à BSGR, avant d'être réattribués à Winning Consortium Simandou en 2019, un partenariat sino-singapourien avec une participation guinéenne. Après le coup d'État en 2021, les travaux ont été interrompus par la junte. Puis, le géant de l'acier Baowu Steel a investi 6 milliards de dollars dans le projet, renforçant l'engagement de la Chine. Les espoirs sont énormes. Les autorités guinéennes misent sur des retombées économiques annuelles de 600 à 700 millions de dollars via des taxes et redevances. « Les ressources générées par les mines du projet Simandou et la transformation locale des minerais par la construction des raffineries nous ouvrent des perspectives heureuses d'avenir. », se réjouissait Mamadi Doumbouya. La construction d'une aciérie permettrait également de transformer une partie du fer sur place. « Nous osons espérer que cela soit la bonne cette fois, explique l'économiste Mohammed Camara. Pour un projet minier, l'important, c'est qu'est-ce qu'on en tire comme fiscalité, quels sont les impôts et taxes que ce projet va payer à l'État ? Il faut voir le projet sur du long terme et s'assurer de l'utilisation efficace des ressources. Le peu que l'on gagne, il faut l'investir où on peut impacter le plus. » Le « pont vers la prospérité » vanté par les autorités guinéennes n'est pas garanti. « Les autorités comptent beaucoup sur le Simandou parce que c'est un projet qui va doubler le produit intérieur brut du pays, mais attention, il ne faut pas croire que cela va régler tous les problèmes d'un seul coup », poursuit Mohammed Camara. Des contrats miniers toujours secrets D'autant qu'un doute subsiste sur les retombées économiques réelles. Les contrats signés entre l'État et les sociétés minières n'ont en effet pas été publiés. Ces trois conventions minières, ferroviaires et portuaires finalisées en 2023 ne sont connues que de quelques-uns dans le pays. « On se demande bien qui les a vues, c'est l'omerta la plus totale », témoigne un ancien proche du ministère des Mines. La publication des contrats est obligatoire selon le code minier guinéen. Or, ces conventions validées par la Cour suprême adoptées par le CNT – l'Assemblée nationale guinéenne – en février 2024 sont introuvables. Manque de transparence flagrant pour certains acteurs de la société civile. Incompréhension pour Oumar Totiya Barry de l'Observatoire des mines et métaux : « Officiellement, le Premier ministre parle de contrat stratégique, donc de secret d'État. Le ministre des Mines évoque le fait que le processus de négociation n'est pas terminé. Mais on sait quand même que ces documents sont passés au niveau du CNT et donc, que le processus est à son terme. On ne comprend pas pourquoi la Guinée ne rend pas encore public ces contrats. Cela aiderait aujourd'hui à améliorer le niveau de compréhension. » À lire aussiGuinée: de Sekou Touré à Mamadi Doumbouya, l'incroyable histoire du gisement de fer de Simandou Même du côté des sociétés minières, on peine à comprendre ce manque de transparence. Mais le gouvernement reste droit dans ses bottes sur cette question. « Quand on négocie avec quelqu'un, il y a toujours des clauses de confidentialité, explique le ministre du plan Ismaël Nabé. Nous sommes en train de discuter avec les partenaires industriels et on publiera au temps opportun. On renégocie parce que la Guinée était perdante. Nous sommes avec des partenaires et on doit avoir un commun accord, et respecter ce que l'on s'est dit. Si on est d'accord, ça sera publié. » Les éléments juridiques des conventions signées ont déjà été publiés dans un numéro spécial du Journal officiel qui n'a pas été rendu public, mais que RFI a pu se procurer. Certains y voient la preuve que tout est déjà négocié et que les autorités n'ont pas envie de dévoiler des contrats qui seraient défavorables à la Guinée. Un des négociateurs nous informe que la plupart des contrats de revente par lesquels les clients achètent le minerai produit ne sont pas encore signés. Le prix de revente du fer de Simandou – élément clé pour le calcul des recettes de l'État – ne serait pas fixé. Djiba Diakité, le président du comité stratégique de Simandou, a récemment expliqué dans une interview à Forbes Afrique que « si on mettait bout à bout tous les documents contractuels de Simandou... ça ferait 14 kilomètres ». Un train pour le minerai et pour les passagers ? La Guinée veut croire à la renaissance de son réseau ferroviaire grâce au gigantesque projet minier. Le gisement de fer, l'un des plus riches au monde, doit être relié au port de Moribayah par une ligne de chemin de fer de 650 kilomètres. Une infrastructure qui cristallise les espoirs de désenclavement de la Haute et Moyenne-Guinée. Pensée comme une double voie, cette ligne doit permettre non seulement l'acheminement du minerai vers la côte, mais aussi, à terme, le transport de marchandises et de passagers. « Le chemin de fer est multi-utilisateur. Une partie va servir aux miniers, une autre aux marchandises, mais aussi aux personnes. L'objectif est de développer plus de 2 000 km de voie ferrée dans le pays », déclare Ismaël Nabé, ministre du Plan à RFI. Cette ambition de désenclaver les régions agricoles, comme la zone de Kankan ou de N'zérékoré, suscite l'enthousiasme. Certains imaginent déjà des trains chargés d'ignames ou de bananes rejoindre plus facilement les marchés urbains. Mais sur le terrain, les observateurs sont plus prudents. « L'idée d'un train passager est séduisante, mais peu réaliste dans l'état actuel du tracé », estime Oumar Totiya Barry, directeur de l'Observatoire des mines et métaux. Selon lui, la ligne évite les grands centres urbains. « Il y a bien une quinzaine de gares prévues, mais elles sont souvent à des dizaines de kilomètres des villes. Madina Oula, par exemple, se trouve à plus de 80 km de Kindia. Pour Mamou, c'est le même problème avec la gare de Farenta. » En cause, une logique de tracé prioritairement industrielle. Le chemin de fer suit le chemin le plus court et le moins coûteux entre la mine et le port, au détriment d'une intégration fine au territoire. « Le mariage entre aménagement du territoire et conception du chemin de fer n'a pas suffisamment fonctionné », regrette Oumar Totiya Barry. À Kaloum, cœur battant de Conakry, certains commerçants restent sceptiques. Marqués par les promesses non tenues des précédents projets miniers, ils redoutent que Simandou ne soit qu'un mirage de plus. Dans les zones d'exploitation de la bauxite, comme à Boké, l'exploitation a certes rapporté des devises, mais elle a aussi laissé des séquelles : pollution de l'air, raréfaction de l'eau potable, routes dégradées. « Simandou, c'est du vent », tranche un commerçant, dénonçant une richesse qui ne profite toujours pas à la population. En attendant, Simandou creuse son sillon, porté par de grandes ambitions.  

What if the solution to the global copper shortage has been right under our noses for billions of years? In this episode of On the Rocks Masterclass, we explore the fascinating world of biomining with Liz Dennett, Founder & CEO of Endolith, who's harnessing Earth's oldest miners – microbes – to revolutionize copper extraction.Liz's journey from NASA astrobiology research to founding a biotech mining company is as unique as her approach to solving one of mining's biggest challenges. With copper demand soaring for electrification and renewables, traditional mining methods are struggling to keep up. Enter biological intelligence: AI-optimized microbes that can extract more copper from low-grade ore than conventional methods ever could.In this masterclass, Liz breaks down the science behind biomining, explains how AI fine-tunes microbial performance in real-time, and shares insights from pilot deployments with major mining companies like BHP and Rio Tinto. We explore how this approach works within existing heap leach infrastructure, requires no toxic chemicals, and could turn mining waste into valuable resource streams.Whether you're curious about the intersection of biology and mining, interested in sustainable extraction methods, or wondering how microbes could solve supply chain challenges, this conversation offers a glimpse into mining's microscopic revolution.

Is this the most undervalued diamond project in North America?Star Diamond (TSX: DIAM) is a Canadian company advancing one of the most promising diamond development projects in North America. Chair, President, and CEO Ewan Mason breaks down a nearly $10 million funding from Spirit Resources and what it means for the future of the Fort à la Corne Project in Saskatchewan.With a 72-year mine life potential, a recently updated resource, and a history of major backing from Rio Tinto, Star Diamond is ready to take a big step forward with some of the world's top-quality diamonds.Learn more about Star Diamond: https://www.stardiamondcorp.com/Watch the full YouTube interview here: https://youtu.be/tcJCk-4HZxI?si=OlK0IZbaCVTdEyLc And follow us to stay updated: https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalOneMedia?sub_confirmation=1

US stocks jumped yesterday after President Donald Trump said trade talks with the EU were headed in a "positive" direction, and McKinsey cut 10 per cent of its staff in an effort to increase profits. Plus, Asian currencies are getting a boost from investors' bets on US trade deals and the FT's Leslie Hook explains what's next for Rio Tinto after it asked its chief executive Jakob Stausholm to step down. Mentioned in this podcast:US stocks jump as Donald Trump touts ‘positive' progress on EU trade talksAsian currencies boosted by investor bets on US trade dealsMcKinsey sheds 10% of staff in two-year profitability drive Rio ousted chief Jakob Stausholm to seek boss with more mining experienceToday's FT News Briefing was produced by Sonja Hutson, and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Blake Maples and Michael Lello. The show's theme song is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.