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Mining sector

Indonesian police probe $1.88 billion money laundering scheme linked to illegal gold mining

The funds were traced through gold shops and refining companies using raw materials from the illegal mine, as well as through gold exporters.
The funds were traced through gold shops and refining companies using raw materials from the illegal mine, as well as through gold exporters.

16 people killed in blast at illegal mine in north-eastern India

The blast took place in a “rat-hole” mine – named because their tunnels are just big enough for workers to get through.
The blast took place in a “rat-hole” mine – named because their tunnels are just big enough for workers to get through.

US proposes critical minerals trade bloc aimed at countering China

A sample of bastnaesite ore, a mineral used in the rare earth industry to extract elements such as cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium, is displayed at the Geological Museum of China in Beijing, China, October 14, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
A sample of bastnaesite ore, a mineral used in the rare earth industry to extract elements such as cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium, is displayed at the Geological Museum of China in Beijing, China, October 14, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

EU will struggle to secure key raw materials supply, warns report

Wind turbines of Vestas at the Port of Odense, Denmark. The EU is struggling to diversify its imports of the key materials needed for key industries.
Wind turbines of Vestas at the Port of Odense, Denmark. The EU is struggling to diversify its imports of the key materials needed for key industries.

Japan says rare earth found in sediment retrieved on deep-sea mission

Sediment containing rare earth was retrieved from ocean depths of 6,000m.
Sediment containing rare earth was retrieved from ocean depths of 6,000m.

Riau to legalise thousands of hectares of small-scale illegal gold mines

Under the planned regulation, individual miners will be allowed to operate on a maximum of five hectares, while cooperatives will be permitted to mine up to 10ha.
Under the planned regulation, individual miners will be allowed to operate on a maximum of five hectares, while cooperatives will be permitted to mine up to 10ha.

Chile's miners flag risks in dual oversight of mining, economy ministries

President-elect Jose Antonio Kast speaks to the media after a meeting with President Gabriel Boric at La Moneda Presidential Palace after Kast won in the runoff presidential election, in Santiago, Chile December 15, 2025. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido
President-elect Jose Antonio Kast speaks to the media after a meeting with President Gabriel Boric at La Moneda Presidential Palace after Kast won in the runoff presidential election, in Santiago, Chile December 15, 2025. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido

G-7, other allies discuss ways to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said there was “broad agreement on the need to swiftly reduce reliance on China for rare earths.”
Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said there was “broad agreement on the need to swiftly reduce reliance on China for rare earths.”

Japan sets sail on rare earth hunt as China tightens supplies

Japan's drilling-equipped research vessel Chikyu departs from Shimizu port to conduct a test recovery of rare-earth–rich mud near Minamitori Island on Jan 12.
Japan's drilling-equipped research vessel Chikyu departs from Shimizu port to conduct a test recovery of rare-earth–rich mud near Minamitori Island on Jan 12.

Cutlery, trays and coins: Rising silver prices send Malaysians hunting for ‘poor man’s gold’

As supplies tighten, buyers face longer delivery times.
As supplies tighten, buyers face longer delivery times.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.