Gallium metal research and development project, Canada

Rio Tinto is advancing a research and development project to extract primary gallium from its alumina refining process. 

Escondida new concentrator project, Chile

The proposed project aims to replace the production capacity of the plant by installing new capacity to produce 220 000 t/y to 260 000 t/y of copper.  

Songwe Hill rare earths project, Malawi

Songwe is among the few rare earths projects globally to have reached definitive feasibility study stage. 

Bellevue wet paste plant, Australia – update

ASX-listed Perenti's underground mining business Barminco has been awarded a four-year underground mining contract, valued at about A$850-million. 

Collahuasi copper mine debottlenecking project, Chile – update

The Second Environmental Tribunal intends to set aside the environmental authorisation issued by the Environmental Assessment Service in 2021 to the independently managed Collahuasi copper mine for... 

Hod Maden gold/copper project, Türkey – update

SSR Mining announced on May 18, 2026, that it had entered into a definitive agreement to sell its 20% ownership interest and operatorship position in Hod Maden to Lidya Mines. 

Matla Life-of-Mine Project – New Mine 1 project, South Africa – update

Exxaro Resources officially opened the New Mine 1 operation at Matla colliery on May 15, 2026.  

Nolans neodymium/praseodymium rare earths project, Australia – update

Arafura Rare Earths has signed a binding offtake term sheet with global physical trader Traxys North America to support the revitalisation and onshoring of domestic manufacturing across automotive,... 

Nyanzaga gold project, Tanzania – update

The project remains on track for first gold in January 2027. 

Prairie lithium project, Canada – update

Prairie Lithium has started with factory acceptance testing at its commercial-scale direct lithium extraction unit, representing another important step towards commissioning of the project. 

Thacker Pass lithium project, US – update

Construction is progressing towards mechanical completion in late 2027.  

Wheeler River uranium project, Canada – update

The Phoenix in situ recovery mine has become the first large-scale Canadian uranium mining project in more than 20 years to receive all regulatory approvals required to start construction. 

Wicheeda rare earth element project, Canada – update

Defense Metals has started a confirmatory pilot flotation plant test programme, which will be conducted at the SGS Canada metallurgical facility in Lakefield, Ontario. 

Bald Hill mine, Australia

A lithium mine on the traditional owner land of the Ngadju people, in the Goldfields region of Western Australia. 

Kal East – Lakewood Mill expansion, Australia

The Black Cat Syndicate is expanding the processing facility Kal East from 1.2-million tonnes a year to 1.5-million tonnes a year. 

Uberaba rare earth elements project, Brazil

The preliminary economic assessment envisages the construction of an on-site processing plant with a throughput of about 2.7-million tonnes a year over an initial 30-year mine life.  

Hat polymetallic porphyry project, Canada

Doubleview Gold Corp plans to develop a conventional large-scale openpit mine and processing operation. 

Battery anode facility, United Arab Emirates – update

NextSource Materials has approved a final investment decision for Phase 1 of the proposed project. 

Blackwater gold mine expansion, Canada – update

Canada-based gold development company Artemis Gold Inc has maintained its full-year 2026 production guidance of 265 000 oz to 290 000 oz of gold. 

Ewoyaa lithium project, Ghana – update

The Ewoyaa project is set to be Ghana’s first lithium-producing mine.  

Hillgrove antimony/gold mine, Australia – update

First ore has been successfully mined underground at the Hillgrove mine. 

Kangankunde rare earths project, Malawi – update

Construction activity is advancing across all major work fronts. 

Karowe diamond mine underground project, Botswana – update

The project has been materially derisked following the completion of shaft sinking in 2025. 

Los Azules copper project, Argentina – update

McEwen reported on May 6, 2026, that Los Azules had advanced significantly in 2025 through the approval of its application under Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime. 

Lumwana Super Pit expansion project, Zambia – update

The first structural steel deliveries are expected in the second quarter. 

Minim Martap bauxite project, Cameroon – update

Canyon Resources has further strengthened the logistics platform. 

Platreef palladium/rhodium/nickel/platinum/copper/gold project, South Africa – update

Construction of Shaft 3, and its associated underground materials-handling and crushing infrastructure, is in the final stages of commissioning.  

Rietberg copper mine, South Africa – update

A strategic operational restructuring focused on accelerating development of higher-grade in situ ore at Rietberg has been approved. 

Rosh Pinah expansion, Nambia – update

The project is now more than 90% complete. 

Santa Cruz underground copper mine, US – update

Ivanhoe Electric has said it has all necessary permits to start initial construction activities. 

South Crofty critical minerals project, UK – update

Cornish Metals has successfully completed an oversubscribed $210-million senior secured Nordic bond placement, which the company plans to use to advance the development of the project. 

Tharisa PGMs underground project, South Africa – update

Tharisa Minerals had concluded a five-year contract with Cementation Africa for underground mining development and construction works at the Tharisa mine. 

Três Estradas phosphate project, Brazil – update

Brazil's Fundação Estadual de Proteção Ambiental Henrique Luís Roessler environmental agency has requested minor changes to the installation licence before final review. 

Woodsmith polyhalite project, UK

Fluor Corporation has been selected to undertake feasibility study activities for the project. 

Zanaga iron-ore project, Congo-Brazzaville – update

Zanaga Iron Ore Company has completed the project development strategy programme. 

Bengwenyama platinum group metals project, South Africa – update

Southern Palladium has advanced definitive feasibility study drilling, metallurgical optimisation and mine design work. 

BMM iron-ore project, South Africa – update

The project is expected to be completed this year. 

Eland mine complex, South Africa – update

Eland’s ramp-up is continuing on schedule.  

Evander Mines’ 7 Shaft – Egoli project, South Africa – update

Pan African Resources is drilling long inclined diamond holes, of which the results will be used to update the Egoli feasibility study. 

Gamsberg Phase II expansion project, South Africa – update

Overall progress was estimated at 75% in the first quarter of the 2026 financial year.