M&A Watch: Zijin Gold has cleared Canada’s Investment Canada Act for its $4bn takeover of Africa-focused Allied Gold, with ECOWAS and COMESA merger approvals also in hand; the deal now awaits Chinese regulatory sign-offs and the “outside date” has been extended to July 29. Activist Pressure: Elliott Investment Management disclosed an A$1bn+ stake in Australia’s Northern Star and is pushing for a strategic review that could include a sale, citing repeated operational missteps and multiple outlook misses. Iron Ore Output: India’s NMDC reported May iron ore production of 5.31MT (+19.86% y/y) while sales slipped to 4.04MT (-6.91%); shares jumped on the release. Uranium Development: Aura Energy says it is nearing a final investment decision for the Tiris uranium project in Mauritania, targeting an announcement by year-end after a bankable feasibility study due in September. Copper Exploration: Green & Gold Minerals has started reverse circulation drilling at Copper Hills in Queensland, with rock chips returning up to 2,212g/t silver and 13.7% copper. Ghana Mining & Governance: Ghana’s courts admitted new witness material in the Samreboi illegal mining case, while officials also signaled a tougher stance on illegal miners after a collapse rescue. Policy & Community: Odisha’s Koraput protests over alleged bauxite clearance “bulldozing” drew fresh political fire, as villagers allege fraudulent gram sabha approvals. Legal/Trade Dispute: Trafigura won a roughly $92m arbitral award in a Zambia copper mine payment dispute. Market/Commodity Context: China’s state iron-ore buyer has asked steel mills to question Fortescue’s new low-grade product quality as long-term contract talks stall.