DR Congo Policy Shock: The government has banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrates and introduced new taxes on mining by-products, with a three-month transition and possible one-year waivers for “strategic” cases—aimed at forcing more domestic processing. South Africa Mining Modernisation Debate: A new survey says many miners and services firms are still focused on doing things “better” rather than modernising meaningfully, with sustainability often treated as secondary. Critical Minerals Trust & Permits: A TAI report argues deregulation won’t speed projects unless governments improve procedural fairness, environmental stewardship, and community participation to avoid costly disputes. Project Moves in Gold & Copper: Albion Resources won approval for maiden drilling at WA’s Gidgee Gold Project; NTT Docomo Business and Codelco launched a proof-of-concept for remote operations at El Teniente using an All-Photonics Network. Company & Market Signals: Kinross received an S&P upgrade to BBB; Glencore plans an Australia secondary listing by October to tap pension capital; Sunrise Resources jumped on high-grade Nevada zinc/lead/silver results; American Tungsten and Antimony outlined a phased restart of its Del Sol antimony refinery. Safety Watch: Impala Platinum faced renewed scrutiny after a sulphur dioxide leak at Rustenburg killed an employee. Commodities & Macro: Gold hit a seven-week high as Hormuz reopening hopes eased oil risk while rate expectations shifted; South Africa’s first-half export earnings topped R261bn, led by precious metals and coal.