Are We on the Verge of Mining Metals From the Asteroids Above Earth?
Sift through mining news in this week's nugget.
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📰 In The News
Unpacking Trump’s New Critical Minerals Executive Order
- President Trump’s executive order prioritizes domestic mineral production for national security by expediting permitting, expanding financial support, and leveraging federal agencies to boost critical mineral supply chains.
- The order also broadens the list of strategic minerals and empowers the National Energy Dominance Council to oversee implementation.
Canada Scraps Federal Review of Large Projects
- Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will streamline approvals for major infrastructure and mining projects by recognizing provincial assessments, aiming for faster development.
- Key initiatives include the Cedar LNG project, Churchill port revitalization, and a new First Mile fund to improve transportation links for resource projects.
Are We on the Verge of Mining Metals From the Asteroids Above Earth?
- AstroForge's latest asteroid mining mission, Odin, launched in February 2025 but has faced communication issues while on its way to assess asteroid 2022 OB5.
- While technological advances and falling launch costs are accelerating progress in space mining, challenges remain in feasibility, environmental impact, and legal ownership of extraterrestrial resources.
- Tune into Astroforge’s episode of “On the Rocks”
Cobre Panama Opens Door to Public in Bid to Draw Support for Restart
- First Quantum Minerals has launched a public Mine Visit program at Cobre Panama to build support for restarting the $10 billion copper mine, shut down in 2023 after protests.
- The initiative aims to showcase the mine’s operations and address public concerns as Panama’s new government considers its future.
New Guide Aims to Help Mining Industry Reverse Its Impacts on Biodiversity
- The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has released new guidance to help mining companies achieve no net loss or net gain of biodiversity, aligning with global efforts to halt and reverse nature loss.
- The guide provides a seven-step process for sustainable mining practices, emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and the industry’s role in a nature-positive future.
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