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This post is paid for by Ares Strategic Mining inc as part of their promotional and marketing activities. Not financial advice. Please consult a Financial Advisor before investing.

The global mining and metals landscape is heading into 2026 with cautious optimism, according to a new outlook from BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions. While lingering weakness in Mainland China’s property sector continues to cap upside for base metals, tighter supply conditions and sustained demand from decarbonization-linked industries are expected to push most mineral and metal prices modestly higher. BMI frames the coming year as a balancing act. On one side are easing tariff uncertainties and structural demand tied to energy transition technologies. On the other are macro headwinds from China, where the property downturn remains a drag on bulk and base metal consumption, limiting how far prices can run even as supply constraints persist. Gold is expected to average higher in 2026 than in 2025, BMI says, supported by lingering geopolitical risk and still-accommodative monetary conditions. However, the firm flags a potential softening later in the year as global easing cycles mature and the U.S. Federal Reserve brings rate cuts to an end. Global Critical Minerals Outlook Webinar Industrial Policy Takes Center Stage According to BMI, industrial policy will remain the primary lever for securing critical minerals in 2026. The U.S. and EU are expected to intensify efforts to expand domestic mining and processing capacity, while simultaneously locking in overseas supply through strategic investments, partnerships, and long-term offtake agreements. China, meanwhile, is unlikely to relinquish its grip on critical mineral value chains. BMI expects Beijing to accelerate exploration, expand capacity in batteries and rare earths, and push greener manufacturing while deepening ties with resource-rich nations under clearer outbound investment rules. Recent tariffs and rare earth export controls underscore that protectionist tools will remain firmly in play. M&A Stays Strong Competition for energy transition materials is set to keep merger and acquisition activity elevated into 2026. BMI notes that miners will continue to prioritize exposure to copper, lithium, and rare earth elements, viewing these assets as strategically indispensable. Large capital projects remain on the table, but the preference is shifting toward phased developments and brownfield expansions as companies navigate cost inflation and policy uncertainty. BMI also sees sustained investment flowing into frontier markets next year, despite rising concerns around resource nationalism. Governments and local communities—especially across Africa—are increasingly aware of the strategic value of their mineral endowments. As bargaining power shifts, miners will have limited room to push back against evolving fiscal and regulatory frameworks. A Strategic Year Ahead Partnerships between mining projects and downstream players in technology, automotive, aerospace, and defence are expected to deepen. BMI highlights that supply bottlenecks now pose real risks to growth in AI, robotics, and defence manufacturing, incentivizing end-users to secure materials directly at the mine level. Taken together, BMI’s outlook suggests that 2026 will be less about runaway commodity prices and more about positioning. Industrial policy, geopolitical competition for critical minerals, and shifting power dynamics in frontier markets are set to dictate where capital flows next, reshaping the global mining industry in the process.

Future-proofing the North American lithium supply chain: Battery X Metals takes a unique approach by combining traditional mining with battery recycling to secure a steady domestic supply. The race for battery metals is heating up, and securing a reliable domestic supply is more critical than ever. Battery X Metals (CSE:BATX) is a North American company taking a comprehensive approach to the acquisition, exploration, and recycling of battery metals. While competitors largely focus on extraction, Battery X Metals is pioneering a 360-degree strategy—securing a steady supply of lithium while simultaneously advancing battery recycling technologies. Here’s why their approach is gaining attention—and distinguishing them in the market. Battery Recycling through Black Mass ProcessingAt the forefront of their research is black mass processing, a recovery technology for discarded battery material. Black mass is the material left after end-of-life lithium-ion batteries are shredded, and it contains valuable metals like nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper, lithium, and graphite. Battery X Metals is collaborating with a leading Canadian research institute and Professor Marek Pawlik, a distinguished expert in chemical engineering, to develop more efficient methods for recovering these metals.The potential is attractive – According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), “Recovery rates of nickel and cobalt are about 95% in recycling plants, while that of lithium, manganese and graphite (with impurities) has reached around 95%, and the recovery rate is up to 99% in laboratory testing.” Traditional Mining and Urban MiningOne of their key exploration projects is the Y Lithium Project in Northern Saskatchewan, recognized for its potential to host lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites. With favorable geological formations, the project presents a prime opportunity for tapping into North America’s lithium resources.Mining alone won’t solve the growing demand for lithium, especially in a volatile geopolitical climate. To take a more comprehensive approach, the company is pioneering urban mining technology, using advanced AI-driven sorting and rebalancing systems to redistribute remaining battery capacity. This strategy could extend battery lifespans by 2-3 years and create a secondary supply chain for energy storage. Battery X Metals’ black mass recycling technology Challenges and Opportunities in Battery Metals Expanding operations, improving recycling technology, and balancing raw material extraction with sustainable recovery won’t be easy. However, as the lithium-ion battery market faces supply chain constraints, environmental concerns, and rising demand, Battery X Metals is working to integrate mining, recycling, and AI-driven sustainability. By bridging these sectors, the company is positioning itself at a critical turning point in the industry—one that could strengthen North America’s battery metals supply chain and expand the role of recycling in the market.

Canada’s latest round of retaliatory tariffs on American goods started on Tuesday, and there is still no deal in sight. The new duties cover almost C$28bn (£15bn) of US products — steel, furniture, cotton T-shirts and more — and some rates go as high as 50%. Fresh fish and lobster were originally on the list but were pulled after Canada’s seafood sector objected, showing how carefully Ottawa has to tread when hitting its biggest trading partner. Tariff Wars Talks remain stalled Both sides say they want an agreement, but negotiations that broke down in late August have not restarted. Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada wants a “durable” deal that works for both countries and is ready to talk whenever Washington is. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has pushed back, saying America already offered its best terms and that Canada walked away. He has also warned that further Canadian retaliation could lead the US to block some Canadian imports. President Trump added pressure over the weekend, threatening to cut off all US business with Canadian plane-maker Bombardier unless it moves production south. The company is a major employer and contributed more than C$7bn to Canada’s GDP in 2024. Trump also criticised Canada’s exchange rate and posted a map of North America (plus Greenland) covered in the US flag. What is already in place The two countries still have the world’s largest two-way trading relationship, worth nearly $900bn in 2025. The US already charges 25% on Canadian cars and trucks plus extra duties on steel, aluminium and lumber. In late August Trump added 50% tariffs on items such as dairy, alcohol, hockey sticks and perfume. Canada’s new “dollar-for-dollar” measures sit on top of earlier retaliatory taxes on US-made vehicles that do not meet USMCA/CUSMA rules. Public support, business caution Polls show most Canadians back hitting back. Economists, however, warn the latest tariffs will push up prices on everyday goods such as clothes, food and furniture. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce says firms accept some retaliation but do not want an endless spiral; they are planning for a drawn-out dispute. The lobster trade illustrates the tight links: American-caught lobster is often processed in Canada and then sold back in the US, which is why Ottawa dropped seafood from the latest list. Economy so far Canada’s economy looked reasonably resilient earlier in the year — GDP grew 3.3% in the second quarter and 181,000 jobs were added between April and July. August, however, saw 41,000 jobs disappear around the time the new US tariffs arrived and talks collapsed. Manufacturing picked up a little as more people bought Canadian-made goods. Carney wants to reduce Canada’s reliance on the US market. By July the share of Canadian exports going to the United States had already fallen to 66% from a pre-dispute average of 75%.

Uranium production in the United States has been volatile for decades, but the revival is here. A combination of renewed push for nuclear energy driven by data center demand and bipartisan energy-security initiatives has elevated uranium to the center of U.S. critical mineral discussions. Uranium fuels roughly 20% of U.S. electricity via nuclear power plants and plays a key role in national defense, making it strategically important of strengthening domestic supply. Domestic production currently sits around 150,000 pounds per month, far from historical highs, yet meaningful as the U.S. seeks to rebuild its nuclear fuel capabilities. Production remains concentrated in Utah, Wyoming, and Arizona. Despite strong activity, the U.S. supplies less than 5% of its own uranium needs. American reactors require roughly 50 million pounds of uranium annually, leaving the bulk sourced from Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia. This persistent shortfall has become more concerning as geopolitical pressures rise and global competition for supply tightens. New federal directives aim to narrow the gap, but rebuilding domestic capacity will take time. Government Policy Is Reshaping the Industry The U.S. government has officiallyadded uranium back to the nation’s list of critical minerals. Executive orders and funding initiatives now support ramped-up production, including $3.5 billion under the Defense Production Act and $500 million specifically for HALEU. Proposed tariffs on Russian uranium imports and streamlined permitting in states like Utah give producers clearer pathways to bring projects online. Nuclear energy has also gained rare bipartisan backing. Policymakers across party lines recognize uranium’s importance for reliable baseload power, data centre energy needs, and carbon reduction targets. This alignment has improved regulatory stability, shortened permitting timelines, and given producers more confidence to plan new projects. Challenges Facing U.S. Uranium Producers Current spot prices hover around $76-82 per pound, still below the $100 per pound many experts cite as the minimum for broad new-mine viability. There has been stabilization from 2024 peaks above $100, buoyed by utility contracting and funds like Sprott’s 2.3M-pound Q3 purchases. Costs have risen due to exploration, labour shortages, regulatory compliance, and reclamation obligations. Producers are facing logistical constraints such as trucking shortages, workforce retirements, and variable ISR recovery rates. ISR formations can see 30–40% recovery loss in complex geology, while conventional mining faces higher upfront capital burdens. New technologies like ore sorting, which can cut haulage costs by 50%, are improving efficiency but not eliminating bottlenecks. Even with recent improvements, permitting uranium mines remains a lengthy undertaking involving federal, state, local, and tribal reviews. Outlook for U.S. Uranium Mining Domestic uranium production shows signs of steady recovery, supported by a mix of policy, technology, and market factors. While European countries remain focused on transforming their energy mix, the US is increasingly prioritising nuclear security. The Department of Defense has set a procurement target of 10 million pounds of uranium between 2025 and 2030, an anchor for future demand. Technological improvements, such as ore sorting and digital twin mining, are increasing efficiency and lowering costs. The U.S. uranium industry is stronger than it has been in years. With nuclear energy gaining unprecedented political and strategic support, domestic producers are well-positioned to capitalize on rising demand and supply constraints, creating compelling opportunities to watch closely.

UK Finance’s latest report found 4.1 million incidents in which people actually lost money in 2025. That’s up 11% on the year before and 31% since 2023 — roughly eight cases every minute. Investment scams jumped 40% to a new high, and purchase scams that use stolen card details also hit record levels. Romance fraud remains a big problem. Criminals create fake dating and social-media profiles, build relationships, then take money. In some cases they have even married victims so they can keep extracting cash. One florist, Kirsty Guest, lost £80,000 after months of contact with a man who called himself Patrick; the photos belonged to someone else entirely. Another woman found that the first four matches she received on a dating site were all likely scammers. Banks now describe fraud as a national-security issue because of both the sums involved and the organised groups behind it. They say AI has made the attacks faster and more convincing — including cloned voices of celebrities or relatives, so more people fall for them, often at a moment when they are already under pressure. UK Finance argues that banks cannot be the only line of defence. It wants social-media firms and online marketplaces to face tougher, enforceable duties: better checks on ads and sellers, faster removal of fraudulent content, and safer payment systems. Most victims of authorised push-payment fraud now have a legal right to a refund, yet losses in that category still rose 19% and 12% of the stolen money was not repaid. Impersonation scams (someone pretending to be a bank or the police) actually fell 11%. Experts expect a fresh wave of World Cup-related cons in the coming weeks. Many victims never report what happened, so the official figures almost certainly understate the true scale.

The nuclear industry is pushing regulators to rethink approval systems for small modular reactors as electricity demand surges in the AI era, highlighting one of the biggest challenges facing the fast-growing SMR sector. Pressure is building on global regulators to rethink how small nuclear reactors are approved as governments and energy companies race to secure enough electricity for the AI era. Speaking at an industry event, Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev said the current licensing system for small modular reactors, or SMRs, needs a “fresh look,” arguing that many regulations were originally designed for much larger traditional nuclear plants. The comments reflect a growing issue across the nuclear industry as companies attempt to commercialize next-generation reactors designed to be smaller, faster to build, and easier to scale than conventional nuclear facilities. SMRs have become one of the fastest-growing areas of investor interest in the energy market, particularly as electricity demand projections surge due to artificial intelligence infrastructure, data centers, and industrial electrification. But while enthusiasm around the technology has grown, licensing and regulatory approvals remain one of the industry’s biggest obstacles. Many developers argue that current approval systems are too slow, expensive, and complex for reactors that are significantly smaller than traditional nuclear projects. The debate is becoming increasingly important for investors because regulatory delays could heavily impact deployment timelines across the emerging SMR sector. Governments in the United States, Canada, the UK, and Europe have all backed small reactor development as part of broader energy security and decarbonization strategies, while major technology companies continue searching for reliable long-term electricity sources. Supporters of SMRs believe the technology could eventually help provide stable carbon-free power for energy-intensive industries, including AI and semiconductor manufacturing. Still, questions around licensing, construction costs, and commercialization timelines continue to weigh on the sector. The latest comments from Rosatom add to growing global pressure for regulators to modernize nuclear approval frameworks as competition intensifies to secure future energy capacity.

Genesis Minerals has launched a $3.9 billion takeover bid for Vault Minerals, highlighting a growing consolidation wave across the gold sector as miners race to scale operations amid elevated gold prices. Gold sector consolidation is heating up after Australian miner Genesis Minerals launched a takeover bid worth roughly $3.9 billion for rival producer Vault Minerals. The proposed deal would create a significantly larger gold producer at a time when mining companies are racing to scale operations amid elevated gold prices and growing investor interest in safe-haven assets. According to Mining.com, Genesis is looking to combine the two businesses as producers increasingly pursue mergers to expand reserves, increase production capacity, and improve operational efficiency. The move highlights a broader trend emerging across the mining industry, where larger producers are using strong commodity markets to pursue acquisitions and strengthen long-term growth pipelines. Gold prices have remained historically strong over the past year as geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, and central bank buying continue supporting demand for the metal. That environment has helped fuel renewed merger activity across the sector, with miners seeking larger reserve bases and longer-life assets while financing conditions remain favorable. For Genesis, the acquisition would significantly increase scale and strengthen its position within Australia’s gold industry. Larger mining companies often attract stronger institutional investor interest because they can offer: more diversified operations, lower production risk, and greater long-term output visibility The proposed transaction also reflects growing confidence inside the gold sector itself. Mining executives are generally more willing to pursue major acquisitions when they believe commodity prices will remain supportive and future production economics are attractive. For investors, the deal is another sign that consolidation is becoming a major theme across the global mining industry as companies compete for quality assets and long-term resource security.

As demand for critical minerals accelerates, a new report suggests one of the industry's biggest obstacles isn't finding resources it's bringing new mines into production. For investors, project timelines are becoming just as important as the minerals themselves. The global race to secure critical minerals is accelerating, driven by growing demand from artificial intelligence, data centres, electric vehicles, defence technologies, and modern energy infrastructure. But according to a new report from PwC Canada, one of the biggest challenges facing the industry isn't a lack of resources it's the time it takes to develop new mines. The report estimates that mine development in Canada now averages around 20 years, highlighting how lengthy permitting and development timelines can delay new supplies of copper, nickel, lithium, and rare earth elements at a time when demand continues to grow. While the findings focus on Canada, the implications extend across North America. The United States has made securing domestic and allied supplies of critical minerals a strategic priority, making the speed at which new mines reach production an increasingly important factor for manufacturers and investors alike. Long development timelines can increase financing costs, expose projects to changing commodity prices, and delay returns for investors. PwC estimates that more than C$11 billion in nationally significant mining projects could be at risk if project timelines are not improved. For investors, the report reinforces a broader trend across the mining industry. As demand for critical minerals continues to rise, companies with producing mines or advanced-stage projects may hold a competitive advantage over projects that remain years away from production. The report also highlights an important shift in how mining projects are being evaluated. While the size and quality of a mineral deposit remain critical, the ability to move a project efficiently from discovery to production is becoming an increasingly valuable asset. As the United States continues working to strengthen critical mineral supply chains with trusted partners, bringing new production online quickly may prove just as important as discovering the next major deposit. In the race to supply the materials powering tomorrow's technologies, speed is becoming a competitive advantage.

Crypto firms are preparing for a future shaped by quantum computing. While it can't yet break current encryption, the push for quantum-resistant security signals a broader investment opportunity across cybersecurity, finance, healthcare, and AI. The cryptocurrency industry is beginning to prepare for what could become one of its biggest long-term security challenges: quantum computing. Leading crypto companies and blockchain developers are exploring new forms of quantum-resistant encryption as advances in quantum technology raise questions about whether today's digital security standards will remain sufficient in the decades ahead. The concern centres on the encryption that protects cryptocurrency wallets and transactions. While modern computers would take millions even billions of years to break this encryption, a sufficiently advanced quantum computer could one day perform some of those calculations dramatically faster. Importantly, experts agree that such machines do not yet exist, and the threat remains a future challenge rather than an immediate risk. However, firms including Ripple, Circle, Coinbase, and developers within the Ethereum ecosystem have already begun researching ways to strengthen their networks before quantum computing reaches that stage. The preparations reflect a broader reality: quantum computing is moving from a scientific ambition toward a technology with potentially far-reaching commercial implications. Unlike traditional computers, which process information as either a 0 or a 1, quantum computers use quantum bits or qubits that can exist in multiple states at once. This allows them to tackle certain highly complex calculations far more efficiently than conventional computers, opening the door to breakthroughs that are currently impossible with today's hardware. For investors, the significance extends well beyond cryptocurrency. Quantum computing has the potential to transform industries ranging from healthcare and pharmaceuticals to artificial intelligence, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and financial services. Drug discovery could accelerate, supply chains could become more efficient, and financial institutions may eventually use quantum systems to optimise portfolios, model risk, and analyse markets at unprecedented speeds. At the same time, the technology could force one of the largest cybersecurity upgrades in modern history. Much of today's digital infrastructure including banking systems, government networks, cloud computing platforms, and blockchain technology relies on encryption methods that would need to evolve in a post-quantum world. That shift is already driving investment. Governments and major technology companies are committing billions of dollars to quantum research, while businesses across multiple industries are beginning to explore quantum-resistant security and future computing applications. For now, quantum computing remains an emerging technology rather than an immediate disruptor. But the fact that the cryptocurrency industry is preparing years in advance underscores how seriously the technology is being taken. For investors, the story is no longer simply about whether quantum computing will arrive it is about identifying which companies and industries are positioning themselves to benefit when it does.

Bitcoin has taken a heavy hit, falling almost 30% from its October high. That kind of decline usually sparks the same question: is this finally the dip worth buying? Right now, the answer might still be no. According to one valuation framework, the market is still pricing Bitcoin well above its estimated fair value. Learn more about Metcalf's law applied to Bitcoin here This conversation circles back to Metcalf’s Law, a framework that links the value of a network to the number of people using it. Claude Erb, a former commodities portfolio manager at TCW Group, has been applying the idea to Bitcoin for years. In simple terms, he uses the total number of bitcoins mined as a stand-in for user count, then projects what the asset should be worth. Erb is the first to admit this method is not perfect. Some investors own multiple coins, others hold tiny fractions, and plenty of bitcoins have disappeared forever. Still, he believes the model does something valuable. It creates what he calls a “conversational anchor”, a reference point that cuts through hype cycles and shifting narratives. Based on the model, Bitcoin’s fair value sits around $53,000. Today’s price is about $33,000 above that. The spread sounds extreme, but historically Bitcoin has wandered much further away from its fair value. Over the past five years, the price-to-value ratio has climbed as high as 3.2 and sunk as low as 0.4. Even earlier this year, when Bitcoin crossed $100,000, the ratio peaked at only 2.4. That means the rally did not break any historical patterns. The recent selloff has pulled the ratio down to roughly 1.6, yet that is still comfortably above levels that historically signaled strong long term entry points. So for investors scanning the market for a flashing buy signal, the takeaway is clearer now. A correction does not automatically create value. And while Bitcoin’s slide has been steep, the model suggests buyers may still be paying a premium. For now, the Metcalf lens offers useful perspective. It is a reminder that price action and real network strength do not always move in sync. Even Erb acknowledges the model has flaws, yet he also notes that a valuation framework does not need to be flawless to help investors separate noise from signal.

Artificial intelligence investment remains one of the most durable growth themes in the global economy. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), spending on AI is expected to keep rising, even as broader economic conditions soften and trade uncertainty lingers. The Paris-based institution recently upgraded forecasts for several major economies, including the U.S., noting that technology investment is already helping offset external pressures. AI, in particular, is emerging as a stabilizing force at a time when traditional growth drivers face headwinds. OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann said the momentum behind AI investment is far from peaking. In comments to Bloomberg Television, he explained, “We do expect that the level of investment in relation to AI will continue to increase for some time,” adding, “Over the medium- to long-term, we do expect a significant beneficial impact when it comes to productivity growth from the accelerating diffusion and adoption of AI across the economy.” As AI tools diffuse more broadly through supply chains, services, and manufacturing, efficiency gains could help counter slower labor growth and rising input costs. That optimism, however, is tempered by a more cautious macro outlook. The OECD expects global economic growth to slow to 2.9% next year, from 3.2% in 2025. Trade-related risks remain elevated, with tariffs and policy uncertainty yet to be fully reflected in economic data. Cormann warned that downside risks are still material. “The impact of tariffs are yet to be fully felt and there is a continued level of trade uncertainty and a whole range of other structural pressures.”