#Beijing and #Moscow could retaliate against the West by creating a #RareEarth Metals cartel that would deprive certain industries of critically necessary materials.

Read more at: http://www.russia-direct.org/opinion/will-russia-and-china-set-rare-earth-metals-cartel

#JAKARTA: #Indonesia on Wednesday granted #Freeport-McMoRan Inc a new six-month export permit for shipments from one of the world’s largest #Copper mines, ending a near two-week stoppage due to a dispute over payment for a new metal smelter.

Read more at: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-indonesia-freeport-exports-idUSKCN0VJ0EI

 

#Australian #Nickel miners are under increasing pressure to suspend or cut production, with investors eyeing key announcements in coming weeks after rival producers in #NewCaledonia won a pledge of support from #France.

Read more at: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-nickel-mine-supply-idUSKCN0VJ0FO

 

The #UnitedStates earned less from its #Mines in 2015 and became more reliant on outside sources for critical metals, according to a new report from the #US #Geological Survey (USGS).

The data comes from statistics gathered by the #USGS on about 90 mineral commodities considered essential for the U.S. economy and national security.

Read more at: http://www.mining.com/value-of-u-s-metal-mine-production-drops-15/

#France committed on Saturday to support the #Nickel sector in the #Pacific territory of #NewCaledonia which has been severely hit by a slump in prices amid a mounting supply glut.

Read more at: http://www.reuters.com/article/france-nickel-idUSL8N15L0MD

Two weeks after the #UN #Security Council lifted economic sanctions on #Iran, a number of #Alumina market participants have said they remain cautious about trading with the #MiddleEastern state, due to uncertainties about other #International trade control regimes that may still be in force.

Read more at: http://www.platts.com/latest-news/metals/sydney/alumina-sales-to-iran-may-take-time-on-sanction-27220175

 

 

#Luxembourg has announced plans to pioneer the potentially lucrative business of #Mining #Asteroids in space for #Gold, #Platinum and #Tungsten.

Read more at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-02-04/space-mining-plans-unveiled-by-luxembourg/7138380

 

The energy harvester from MIT research lab on human energy.

Inside a lab at the #Massachusetts Institute of #Technology (#MIT), Sangtae Kim has been tinkering with a paper-thin device the size of a stamp. Kim is interested in harvesting #Energy from humans (though not the kind that turns people into #Batteries in the movie, The Matrix). He wants to harness motions, such as walking and running, to power sensors and wearable #Gadgets.

Read more at: http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/feb/04/harvesting-energy-humans-walking-charge-wearables-bending-mithttp://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2016/feb/04/harvesting-energy-humans-walking-charge-wearables-bending-mit

Beleaguered #AngloAmerican is said to be planning a complete exit from #Brazil, where the company has already put its $1 billion #Niobium and #Phosphate business up for sale.

Read more at: http://www.mining.com/anglo-american-may-fully-exit-brazil-report/

The #Swiss-based mining conglomerate #Glencore says it is committed to investing in #NewCaledonia in 2016 despite massive losses last year because of the slump in the price of #Nickel.

Read more at: http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/295422/new-caledonia’s-koniambo-holds-on-to-glencore-support