The Conversation (0)
- AustraliaNorth AmericaWorld
Investing News NetworkYour trusted source for investing success
Top Stocks
Top Resource Stocks
Top Tech Stocks
Top Life Science Stocks
Trending
Trending Articles
Trending Press Releases
Trending Companies
First Helium
HELI:CA
Radiopharm Theranostics
RAD:AU
Purpose Bitcoin ETF
BTCC:CA
Black Swan Graphene
SWAN:CC
Trending Reports
Resource
Popular Lists
Investing Ideas
Outlook Reports
- Lithium Outlook
- Oil and Gas Outlook
- Gold Outlook Report
- Uranium Outlook
- Rare Earths Outlook
- All Outlook Reports
Investing Guides
Tech
Popular Lists
- Top Generative AI Stocks
- Top EV Stocks
- Biggest AI Companies
- Biggest Blockchain Stocks
- Biggest Cryptocurrency-mining Stocks
- Biggest Cybersecurity Companies
- Biggest Robotics Companies
- Biggest Social Media Companies
- Biggest Technology ETFs
- Artificial Intellgience ETFs
- Robotics ETFs
- Canadian Cryptocurrency ETFs
Investing Ideas
Outlook Reports
- Artificial Intelligence Outlook
- EV Outlook
- Cleantech Outlook
- Crypto Outlook
- Tech Outlook
- All Market Outlook Reports
Investing Guides
Life Science
Popular Lists
- Cannabis Weekly Round-Up
- Top Alzheimer's Treatment Stocks
- Top Biotech Stocks
- Top Plant-based Food Stocks
- Biggest Cannabis Stocks
- Biggest Pharma Stocks
- Longevity Stocks to Watch
- Psychedelics Stocks to Watch
- Top Cobalt Stocks
- Small Biotech ETFs to Watch
- Top Life Science ETFs
- Biggest Pharmaceutical ETFs
Outlook Reports
- Life Science Outlook
- Biotech Outlook
- Cannabis Outlook
- Pharma Outlook
- Psychedelics Outlook
- All Market Outlook Reports
Investing Guides
NSW Critical Minerals Strategy welcomed by industry
October 24, 2024
‘We have got the metals and minerals the world needs and NSW is open for business’
New South Wales Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee has welcomed the release of the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy, saying it comes at an important time for the mining sector in the state.
Galilee said the strategy confirmed the NSW Government’s vision for NSW to become a global leader in critical minerals production and identified important steps forward, including increased support for exploration, improvements to the state planning system and investment attraction efforts, and more access to relevant federal government funding and programs.
A A$250 million royalty deferral initiative could assist critical minerals projects, the NSWMC said.
“It’s pleasing that this strategy prioritises a range of specific actions to be undertaken over the short to medium term, and the medium to long term,” Galilee said.
NSW Government officials said the state’s new Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy was aimed at fostering investment in “12 ready-for-investment critical minerals mining and processing projects” that could create about 4600 construction jobs and 2700 operational roles.
The projects currently need about $7.6 billion of capital investment.
The government said its royalty deferral scheme was an opt-in plan that allowed for deferral of the first five years of royalties. It targeted critical minerals projects that could start production between mid-2025 and mid-2030, primarily mine commodities from the federal government’s Critical Minerals List, and had owners with a market value under $5 billion.
“While it will be important to see some more details on several of the key initiatives, the high level whole-of-government commitment and general direction outlined in this strategy is welcome,” Galilee said.
“The NSW Government’s commitment to the sector stands in stark contrast to a federal government that blocks NSW mining projects based on secret whispers and public murals.”
The NSWMC said 13 mines in the state currently produced critical minerals and at least three more were fully approved and currently seeking combined investment of more than $3 billion.
A further three potential projects were under assessment in the NSW planning system and six others were preparing EIS applications.
“Mining is a vital industry for NSW,” Gallilee said.
“The sector provides around 40,000 direct jobs and supports tens of thousands more jobs, including almost 7000 mining supplier businesses across the state, while also providing NSW with its most valuable export commodities.”
NSW premier Chris Minns said: “We have got the metals and minerals the world needs and NSW is open for business. We are sending a clear message to Aussie and global miners: invest in NSW.”
09 January
Canadian Markets Steady Amid Trump Tariff Speculation and Renewed Greenland Interest
Canada's main stock index gained on Wednesday (January 8), driven by strength in tech and mining stocks.
Investors continue to weigh the impact of potential US trade policy changes under President-elect Donald Trump, as well as his renewed interest in taking ownership of Greenland, an idea he first raised in 2019.
The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) closed at 25,049.66, recovering from two consecutive sessions of losses following Justin Trudeau's resignation as Canadian prime minister on Monday (January 6).
According to CNN, Trump is reportedly considering declaring a national economic emergency so that he can impose widespread tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The tech sector led gains in Canada, rising 1.8 percent after sharp losses earlier in the week. Mining stocks also supported the index, with the materials group adding 1.7 percent as gold and copper prices strengthened. The sector’s performance was bolstered by expectations that a weaker US dollar could make commodities more attractive globally.
On the other hand, some Canadian exporters and manufacturers remain cautious about the possible tariffs. Concerns have been raised about how universal tariffs might affect industries reliant on cross-border trade with the US.
Market watchers anticipate Trump turmoil
In the US, major indexes continued to rally, led by gains in large-cap tech stocks.
The S&P 500 (INDEXSP:.INX) and Nasdaq Composite (INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) both advanced on Wednesday, reflecting investor optimism despite speculation around Trump's tariff plans.
The US dollar's weakness, reversing its recent surge, was another key factor driving gains in equities.
Trump's actions are drawing comparisons to his first term, when abrupt policy announcements frequently impacted global markets. In 2019, the president-elect invoked IEEPA to threaten tariffs on Mexican imports; however, the move was later withdrawn following a bilateral agreement on immigration measures.
Commodities prices broadly saw gains as the US dollar weakened. For its part, the Canadian dollar remained relatively steady, benefiting from higher commodities prices, but tempered by broader market caution.
Oil prices, however, remained under pressure, with concerns about global demand overshadowing temporary gains in other asset classes. Energy stocks in Canada showed mixed performances.
Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland
As mentioned, markets are also fluctuating in part due to Trump's renewed interest in Greenland.
In addition to his comments, Donald Trump Jr.’s visit to Greenland this week, described as a personal trip, has drawn attention to the island’s strategic location and resources, including rare earths.
While both Greenland and Denmark have dismissed the possibility of a sale, US interest in Greenland continues to make headlines, particularly regarding its importance for defense and natural resource availability.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and the country's foreign minister has said Greenland has the right to pursue independence if its residents choose; even so, he rejected the idea that it could become a US state.
The implications of these events were felt as far away as Australia, where shares of ASX-listed Energy Transition Minerals (ASX:ETM,OTC Pink:GDLNF) soared by 36 percent. The company, which owns the Kvanefjeld rare earths project in Southern Greenland, has positioned itself as a player in the global green energy transition.
Trump’s comments have added new momentum to discussions about Greenland's resource potential, even as the territory remains firm on its stance that it is "not for sale."
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Keep reading...Show less
07 January
Trudeau Resigns, Canadian and US Markets React
Canadian markets showed mixed reactions following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation.
The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) closed lower on Monday (January 6), while the Canadian dollar gained strength against the US dollar, reflecting diverging investor sentiment.
The index dropped by 142.14 points to settle at 24,995.93, marking a 0.57 percent decline from its starting point for the day. Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar rose to 69.7 cents US, reaching a near three week high.
Overall, the market’s performance was uneven across sectors. Eight of the 10 major sectors on the TSX experienced declines, with consumer staples seeing the most significant drop at 1.6 percent.
Gold wrapped up the day at the US$2,640 per ounce level, while copper futures climbed to US$4.16 per pound.
Energy stocks gained modestly, reflecting higher oil prices earlier in the day. West Texas Intermediate crude futures ultimately ended Monday at the US$73.50 per barrel level, while Brent crude finished around US$76.20 per barrel.
Meanwhile, the technology sector showed resilience, buoyed by the absence of further developments on the Canadian capital gains tax proposal introduced last year. The proposed tax changes, criticized by parts of the business community, remain stalled due to Trudeau’s resignation and the subsequent suspension of parliamentary activities.
South of the border, US markets demonstrated mixed results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) dipped by 25.57 points, closing at 42,706.56, while the S&P 500 (INDEXSP:.INX) gained 32.91 points to end at 5,975.38. The Nasdaq Composite (INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) rose by 243.3 points, driven by gains in large-cap technology stocks.
Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) announcement of an US$80 billion investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure contributed to the Nasdaq’s rise, boosting semiconductor companies, including NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA).
Trudeau resignation a result of "political infighting"
Trudeau’s decision to step down comes amid mounting pressure from within his party and declining public approval ahead of a Canadian federal election, which will be held later this year.
"This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election," he said during a press conference on Monday.
Trudeau confirmed that he will remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader. Parliament will be suspended until March 24, pending the leadership transition.
The news places Canada’s political landscape in limbo. While some analysts view the prospect of a Conservative-led government as a catalyst for more business-friendly policies, others see the interim period as a source of risk.
"The (expected) change in government could usher in a policy agenda that stimulates economic growth," Ian Chong, portfolio manager at First Avenue Investment Counsel, told Reuters.
Sachit Mehra, president of the Liberal Party, confirmed that the party’s board of directors will convene this week to outline the leadership selection process. "Liberals across the country are immensely grateful to Justin Trudeau for more than a decade of leadership to our Party and the country,” he said in a statement.
Trudeau was elected to head the party in 2013 and won the role of prime minister in 2015. His leadership has spanned nine years, during which his government prioritized climate policy, social programs and pandemic response measures.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Keep reading...Show less
02 January
5 Australian Mining Grants Open for Applications in 2025
As 2025 begins, companies in the mining sector are gearing up for another year of work.
In Australia, there are many chances for explorers and developers to access government funding at both the state and federal level. The list below includes five programs that are open for applications, or will be soon.
Read on to learn more about what companies can apply and how much money is up for grabs.
1. Exploration Incentive Scheme
The Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) is a program in Western Australia that dates back to April 2009.
Managed by the Geological Survey and Resource Strategy Division within the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, the program aims to encourage exploration in Western Australia.
The program's focus is on “the long-term sustainability of the State’s resources sector and the demand for critical minerals on the transition to a net-zero energy system.”
The EIS hosts co-funded programs for drilling, geophysics and energy analysis. These programs provide financial support for innovative exploration drilling, greenfields geophysical surveys and energy systems projects.
This past October, the government announced that 50 successful applicants were assisted through Round 30.
Grants worth AU$7.28 million will be delivered to the applicants, with the funds being dedicated toward the drilling of projects between December 2024 and November 2025.
Applications for Round 31 of the co-funded programs will open on February 3, 2025.
2. METS Innovation Program
The Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) launched its Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) Innovation Program in December 2023.
The AU$3 million program supports industry-led research projects relating to mining equipment, technology and services. It features a specific grant scheme with matched funding of up to AU$250,000 for eligible and successful grant holder companies, as well as project facilitation assistance for collaborative projects.
METS focuses on supporting the development of new technologies in MRIWA’s strategic focus areas: low-emissions technologies, precision and low-impact mining, critical minerals and the alternative use of tailings and waste.
In October, five companies were each awarded matching funding of AU$250 million via the METS program, for a total of AU$1.25 million. The successful applicants were Aquirian (ASX:AQN), Total Marine Technology, Big Roller Overland Conveyor Company, Electric Power Conversions Australia and CMG Operations.
Applications for the next round of funding will close on March 4, 2025.
3. Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations Program
Australia's Northern Territory has been holding a co-funding program to advance geological understanding and resource development since 2008. Through its Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations (GDC) Program, the government takes up to AU$3 million from its AU$9.5 million Resourcing the Territory program to co-fund projects that address gaps in geoscientific knowledge, advance exploration and support resource discovery and development.
“The outcomes of the program are expected to improve geological knowledge and mineralisation targeting within a region, particularly at depth,” the Northern Territory government says on the program's website.
During Round 17, the latest iteration of the program, 41 projects from 29 companies were awarded co-funding, with projects set for completion within the 2024/2025 financial year.
Participants will submit reports on their work to the Northern Territory Geological Survey, with data to be made publicly accessible six months from the completion of the fieldwork, or on August 1, 2025(whichever is earlier).
Applications for Round 18 of the GDC Program will open on February 25, 2025, and will close on April 28, 2025. Submission guidelines and templates are available here.
4. Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative
Since October 2018, the Tasmanian government has awarded 98 grants through its Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative (EDGI). The goal of the initiative is to provide stimulus to greenfields exploration in Tasmania.
The EDGI favours minerals included on Australia's critical minerals list. Administered by Mineral Resources Tasmania, the program has a funding commitment from the government of AU$5 million over 10 years.
Contributions to each successful project are capped at AU$70,000 for drilling costs, although an additional AU$20,000 can be allotted in case of the need for helicopter support.
Tasmania closed Round 10 of the EDGI recently, with grants to be paid after final reports are reviewed, any time before the funding agreement ends on June 13, 2025. The announcement of Round 11 is expected in early 2025.
Applicants may submit more than one proposal, and applications can be made for all mineral categories, as defined in the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995.
Applications for the grant must be submitted and completed online using this form.
5. Cooperative Research Centres Program
Established by the Australian government in 1990, the Cooperative Research Centres Program funds industry-led collaborations between mining industry members, researchers and end users.
The program has two grants under its umbrella, with one being for medium to long-term collaborations and the other being intended for short-term collaborations. The former is called the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) grant, while the latter is known as the Cooperative Research Centres-Projects (CRC-P) grant.
CRC grant applicants can receive support for up to 10 years, while CRC-P recipients can be covered for up to three years. Funding covers a wide range of AU$100,000 to AU$3 million.
Among the recent recipients is Impact Minerals (ASX:IPT), which was awarded AU$2.87 million under the CRC-P program for its pilot plant in Lake Hope in October of last year.
Applications for Stage 2, Round 25 of the CRC grant program closed on October 29, 2024. An announcement about the results is expected in early 2025, and funding is projected to begin in July.
No dates have been announced so far for the 2025 rounds of the CRC and CRC-P grants.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Australia for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: Impact Minerals is a client of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.
Keep reading...Show less
30 December 2024
VRIC 2025 Preview — Jay Martin Talks Resource Wars, Geopolitics and How to Invest
The next Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) is set to run from January 19 to 20, 2025, and Jay Martin, president of Cambridge House, joined the Investing News Network ahead of time to discuss the event.
Looking at the resource sector, Martin, who also hosts the Jay Martin Show on YouTube, said the current decade has been defined by chaos and uncertainty, with no signs of a slowdown any time soon.
With that in mind, his macro thesis on commodities remains steadfast, and he's watching three key drivers.
The first is geopolitics, which Martin said now matters more than it ever has before.
"Countries that used to share resources aren't sharing them like they used to. And when the supply of something becomes uncertain, the price of that thing goes up. That's fueled a lot of the commodity prices that we've seen," he said.
Martin also pointed to a lack of investment in the mining industry as important.
"These two forces butting up against each other makes for a very bullish case," he explained.
He also pointed to copper's bullish supply/demand setup as a scenario that could play out for other metals as well — while the balance has been fairly consistent for decades, it's now looking like supply is set to fall short.
"You can take that blueprint and apply it to silver and nickel and many other commodities," Martin said.
When it comes to VRIC, there will be three main themes: geopolitics, macro finance and capital allocation in mining. He's planning to bring together experts who can speak on those topics, and said more than 100 keynote speakers will be taking the stage. Three hundred mining companies are also expected to attend, as well as over 9,000 investors.
If you'd like to attend VRIC, click here to register. And stay tuned for the Investing News Network's coverage.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
Keep reading...Show less
30 December 2024
Queensland to Streamline Mining Approvals Under New Resources Cabinet Committee
Queensland's new Resources Cabinet Committee (RCC) has met for the first time, the government said last week.
The RCC is part of the Crisafulli government’s 100 Day Plan, announced last October. The plan outlines more than 40 actions the government will take in its first 100 days in office, focusing on youth crime, health, housing and cost of living.
“We’ve pulled together the key players in our ministerial team that have a direct impact on resources,” said Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last, who has been appointed chair of the RCC.
Members of the committee are: Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie; Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership David Janetzki; and Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell.
The committee was established to ensure a coordinated approach for resource companies operating in Queensland, and to streamline communication processes moving forward.
“The first task of the Committee is to bring forward solutions that will reduce delays and improve approval time frames including actions that will reduce process duplication, simplify and align notification processes, and improve consistency in assessment and administration of applications,” Last said in a December 18 press release.
The goal of the committee is to offer resource companies certainty around their investment decisions, promising that projects and opportunities will no longer have to wait for years for a decision.
“(We are) considering policies and initiatives to maintain and improve the competitiveness of Queensland’s resources sector and the value of its supply chain,” Last continued.
Through this plan and other initiatives, the Crisafulli government is looking to keep Queensland open for business. The resource sector was the state's largest industry in 2023/2024, accounting for nearly 13 percent of the economy.
“We will never take for granted the abundance of our resources and the value the sector delivers to the Queensland economy, nor will we take for granted the more than 60,000 people who are directly employed in the sector," added Last.
The government also has long-term plans that will “see new and expanded mining opportunities across the state.”
The RCC will have its second meeting in February 2025. Progress updates will be made after.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Australia for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Keep reading...Show less
Latest News
Latest Press Releases
Related News
TOP STOCKS
American Battery4.030.24
Aion Therapeutic0.10-0.01
Cybin Corp2.140.00
Investing News Network websites or approved third-party tools use cookies. Please refer to the cookie policy for collected data, privacy and GDPR compliance. By continuing to browse the site, you agree to our use of cookies.