Katherine Arnold’s Post

In Defense One, Morgan Bazilian and I argue that the West’s efforts to build new mines and refineries for critical minerals will be challenging given the geological constraints with mining and the technological obstacles with refining. https://lnkd.in/e8bdGn_m To build more mines, companies need profitable deposits, which depend greatly on scale and grade. In the West, most large-scale, high-grade deposits have been discovered or are being mined. The Voisey's Bay discovery in 1993 was arguably the last major nickel sulphide discovery in the West. To build more refineries, companies in the West need the requisite technology. Yet, they often lack the appropriate technology as they ceded the processing in their mineral supply chains to China. With high-pressure acid leaching, for example, Western-run plants often bust budgets, fail to commission on time, and miss production targets. However, Western companies are making advances in mineral extraction and processing—often with government support, such as grants for exploration, loans for processing, and research funding for novel extraction and refining methods. The US Department of Defense, especially Manufacturing Capability Expansion & Investment Prioritization (MCEIP), has been the most active government department. While Western countries currently lack sufficient reserves to satisfy their total mineral demand, they could aim to increase mineral extraction and processing capacity to volumes that meet a good portion of their defense industries’ mineral demand given the national security implications.

The US Geological Survey's critical minerals list highlights key elements critical to the U.S. economy and national security. The list of 50 mineral commodities emphasizes the growing importance of rare earth elements. At McKeon Mining, we recognize these minerals' vital role in our society across the board... including electronics, energy, defense, transportation, and beyond. Our dedication to sustainability and efficiency keeps us ahead of the curve, optimizing mineral processing plant designs to recover these essential minerals with minimal waste. Building on our real-world success in tailings reprocessing and innovative flowsheet optimizations, we're well-equipped to help you achieve sustainable solutions that enhance resource stewardship and unlock new revenue opportunities in mineral processing. https://lnkd.in/gmmG_Cuw

I am pleased to announce the publication by Earth Science, Systems and Society of an online article written by myself and Ruth Allington (PERC Trustee and GSL President).  Title: Mineral Reporting Standards: PERC’s Role in CRIRSCO and Its Relevance to the European Mining Sector Authors: Edmund Sides and Ruth Allington Contents: This article provides an overview of the CRIRSCO family of reporting codes and standards.  An introduction to the different types of reporting standards used in the minerals sector is provided along with a history of the development of CRIRSCO. The contents and purpose of the CRIRSCO International Reporting Template are illustrated using examples based on the PERC Reporting Standard 2021. Current concerns and developments related to minerals reporting are also discussed, including competency, the reporting of environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects and the relationship between the CRIRSCO Template aligned codes and standards and the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC). The article is based on an online presentation which was presented on 19th October 2020 to a virtual conference entitled: “Mineral resource estimation: recent advances and current best practice” which was organised by the Geological Society of London, but the scope of the article has been expanded and broadened considerably.  The article can be accessed using the following link: https://lnkd.in/dv3exQEF

OK, mineral reporting standards... if you're thinking "been there, know the matrix, all handled thanks" please consider: 📶 Critical minerals often come in smaller, more complex deposits than those we've focused on for decades, and will be exploited by a wider variety of companies in size and funding approaches - building confidence in how these deposits are assessed, valued and structured will continue to require strong consensus on the rules of the game ✳ Reporting standards evolved to (re)create trust between promoters and their investors - we now have many, many other stakeholders participating in the conversation: these rules are an important tool to build a shared vocabulary, foster understanding and facilitate agreement on prioritisation (yes, I'm thinking of policy papers that refer to "reserves" as if numbers magically appeared on a spreadsheet 😥) 📈 At a time when policy shapers want to believe that their interest creates a market and directs investment, noise is increasing but feasibility is more complex than ever - the rush on Strategic Projects as the CRM Act is implemented, rising expectations in resource-rich countries and the push for public funding of upstream growth create a perfect nexus for expensive mistakes: now more than ever we need to ensure that market expectations and investment requirements are clear and drive decision-making, including policy choices Then have a quick refresh ... and send it to 3 contacts who need a decoder! Thanks to Ed Sides and Ruth Allington for reminding us that the basics still hold - and are more relevant than ever ! #responsibleinvestment #responsiblemining

After almost 50 years, we still want to freely give away our resources under the existing FLAWED Resource Laws with our usual excuses! Please learn a thing or two from Ok Tedi in order to have total control of our own resources from exploration to production. We have sufficient national technical experts, potential domestic investors, etc... yet we never learned! This inherent mindset has been a GIGO over the years so GoPNG needs to review the existing Mining Act and Agreements in order to ensure maximum net benefits remain onshore! #mineralexploration #investmentopportunity #explorationandproduction

🌟 Exciting Developments in Geoscience BC’s Critical Minerals and Metals Research! 🌟 Geoscience BC is making strides in the critical minerals and metals sector, seeking further collaborations for independent research aimed at uncovering economic opportunities at current and historic mine sites in British Columbia. Phase 1 of the Critical Minerals and Metals in BC Mine Tailings and Waste Rock program is underway, focusing on analyzing existing data from mining operations to identify potential sources of valuable minerals that were previously overlooked. This initiative comes at a crucial time when the demand for critical minerals is at an all-time high, driven by the need for materials essential for the clean energy transition and advanced technologies. The program, led by Purple Rock Inc., has garnered interest from various companies and Indigenous groups, with confirmed funding from partners like Arca Climate, Foresight Canada, and New Gold. The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation’s Abandoned Mines Branch is also providing in-kind support, showcasing the collaborative effort behind this significant research. As Geoscience BC moves forward with this initiative, it's fascinating to consider the broader implications for the mining industry. How can these collaborations drive sustainable mining practices and economic growth? What other opportunities might emerge as we re-evaluate resources at historical sites? Your thoughts and insights are welcome! https://buff.ly/3yEYduc #Geoscience #CriticalMinerals #MiningIndustry #SustainableMining #CleanEnergy #Innovation #EconomicGrowth #Collaboration #MineralExploration #BCMining #ResourceManagement

I watched an ARTE documentary last night 'Greenland: Agriculture or Mining?', showing how the warming #arctic makes much-wanted minerals like nickel, gold, iron, zinc, uranium, etc more accessible. The local communities are facing pressure to allow mining, OR, take advantage of the milder #climate to scale up domestic agriculture. In the report, an Australian mining company is mentioned, with its eyes wide on uranium, which is opposed by many locals due to the likely environmental impact AND the fact that the mine would only provide jobs for 37 years. I researched the issue further today and discovered that the Chinese-linked Australian mining company 'Greenland Minerals A/S' has now actually sued the Greenland government, demanding either a mining license, or compensation of up to $11.5 billion for lost revenue. Arctic Business Journal reports: "In 2021, the government in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, passed legislation to ban uranium mining in Greenland, and this summer Greenland Minerals was refused a mining license for its Kvanefjeld project at Kuannersuit mountain. The rare earths in the area are commingled with uranium, and mining would inevitably bring the latter to the surface, a result the Greenland’s government is determined to prevent." This is not an isolated case of powerful mining companies suing governments that choose planetary health and societal wellbeing over extractive mining for short term profits. These degenerative companies are the school-ground bullies on the global scale, responsible for ongoing destruction of our planet and subsequent impact on human health and wellbeing. Here's the article: https://lnkd.in/ehmH8Mg4 Here's the ARTE doco: https://lnkd.in/erNA6h5F

via Proactive Torque Metals Limited continues to strengthen the critical minerals potential of the New Dawn Lithium Project in Western Australia with all 17 holes from a reverse circulation (RC) #drilling campaign intersecting vertically stacked pegmatites. Thick, continuous pegmatite lodes were intersected in the completed campaign of about 5,000 metres which aimed to test and extend the company’s maiden exploration target that was announced last week for New Dawn, which is 600 metres west of the active Bald Hill #Lithium #Tantalum mine of MinRes. The conceptual exploration target is 8-14 million tonnes grading 1.0-1.2% lithium oxide, which highlights the potential for continued mineralisation along the New Dawn trend and guides Torque toward an initial mineral resource estimate. Learn more: https://loom.ly/KJ5CA9A #TorqueMetals #ASX

It's cold and snowy in Winnipeg so there's no better time to share our latest cover, which makes me think of spring! I didn't plan for this edition of the magazine to be solely focused on energy transition, ESG, and Canada leading the way, but every article came in with these themes running distinctly through. The result is an incredibly compelling issue! If you'd like to advertise in a future edition or sign up to receive future issues as they come out (free for Canadian mining professionals) visit our website. The latest digital issue is posted now too - also for free! https://lnkd.in/eWu7Ai3D Thank you to this issue's expert contributors: Pierre Gratton from the Mining Association of Canada, who wrote this issue's opening message; Theo Yameogo from EY, whose article inspired our cover and set the tone for the issue; Ward Metzler from dss+ who talked about establishing risk management plans to help successfully implement ESG technologies; Andrew Ing from Northcliff Resources Ltd (TSX: NCF) who shared details about a Northcliff project in New Brunswick that has tremendous critical-minerals potential; Suzanne Davis-Hall ISSP-CSP MBA from Genesg and Mona M. Forster, MBA, ICD.D, Strategic Advisor, who discussed opportunities and challenges - particularly for juniors - related to the global shift to net zero; Lana Eagle, Industry Consultant, and Diane Garrett, from Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation, who shared their insight into ensuring women find success in the mining industry; Randy Smallwood from Wheaton Precious Metals and Catherine Adair from Teck Resources Limited who talk about the benefits and rewards of corporate philanthropy; Al Shpyth from the International Minerals Innovation Institute, who described how geological reservoirs deep underground in Saskatchewan could be a viable carbon capture option; and Henk van Alphen from World Copper, who talked about how Canadian copper will play a starring role in the clean energy revolution. This issue also featured reprints from our online blog collection - articles too good not to share! Thank you Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR); Exyn Technologies; and CIM | Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum / Science North & Dynamic Earth. Look for copies of this issue at two major upcoming shows - AME Roundup and Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC). If you're a subscriber, your copy is in the mail!

In light of the recent article about U.S. lawmakers pushing for funding in deep-sea mining to lessen reliance on China for critical minerals, it's time we consider the Earth Responsibility Score (ERS) in our discussions. Deep-sea mining, while offering an alternative source of essential minerals for industries like EV batteries and weaponry, raises significant environmental concerns. The introduction of the Responsible Use of Seafloor Resources Act emphasizes the need for diversification in sourcing critical minerals but also highlights the environmental and social implications of such actions. As professionals, we must balance innovation and environmental stewardship. Let's advocate for comprehensive assessments of environmental impacts and promote responsible mining practices. #SustainableBusiness #DeepSeaMining #EnvironmentalImpact #Innovation #CriticalMinerals