Latest Economic Development News

Cobalt Blue Holdings and Glomar Minerals have shortlisted four US sites and begun testwork for Project Infinity, aiming to build the first commercial polymetallic nodule refinery in the United States.

North Stawell Minerals (ASX:NSM) has reported promising aircore drilling results at its Darlington and Caledonia projects, revealing multiple gold intercepts that align with the historic Mariners Lodes near Stawell, Victoria.

Manhattan Gold Corporation has gained final regulatory approval and a CA$250,000 grant to kick off its maiden 4,000m RC drilling campaign at the Hook Lake Project in Nunavut, Canada.

Element 25 is recalibrating its US battery-grade manganese project amid evolving electric vehicle battery technologies, while maintaining focus on its Butcherbird expansion in Western Australia.

QPM Energy is positioning its Isaac Energy Hub and 112MW Isaac Power Station to meet surging data centre electricity demand forecast to reach up to 35 TWh by 2036, amid coal plant retirements and rising grid pressures.

American Tungsten & Antimony Ltd (ASX: AT4) has raised A$10 million through a strongly supported placement and secured a 40% Utah state tax credit, underpinning its strategy to develop a domestic US supply chain for tungsten and antimony ahead of a planned Nasdaq listing.

Australian Mines Limited has raised $3 million through a strategic placement led by Tribeca Investment Partners to fast-track its Flemington Scandium Project from scoping to pre-feasibility study, aiming to de-risk and advance permitting.

Evion Group has secured key approvals from Madagascar’s Ministry of Mines to convert exploration permits into mining permits for its Maniry Graphite Project, backed by significant EU funding and US trade initiatives. Meanwhile, its Indian joint venture progresses a major graphite plant expansion to meet growing demand.

Turaco Gold has lifted its Afema Project gold resources by 15% to 4.65 million ounces, driven by multiple deposit upgrades and maiden resource declarations. The Pre-Feasibility Study is on track for Q2 2026, underpinned by a strong cash position and ongoing drilling campaigns.

Brazilian Rare Earths (ASX: BRE) has reported substantial expansion of its Monte Alto rare earth project with ultra high-grade drilling results and validated low-temperature processing delivering 97% recovery. The company also secured a Trial Mining Licence enabling early production and bulk shipments.

Santos delivered a steady first quarter with production up 3% year-on-year, driven by Barossa's initial cargoes and Pikka phase 1 nearing first oil. Free cash flow held firm at $383 million, while a key Moomba optimisation project received final investment approval.

West African Resources (ASX:WAF) closed Q1 2026 with a record A$847 million cash balance, underpinned by robust gold production of 107,728 ounces at an AISC of US$1,921/oz. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso's government formalised a 25% acquisition in the Kiaka project for A$175 million, marking a significant shift in ownership.