Strait of Hormuz Mine Alert: Oman’s Maritime Security Center warned of a suspected naval mine in Omani territorial waters, urging vessels to steer clear and report immediately, as UKMTO also flagged “critical” risk levels amid heightened regional tensions. US Claims vs Reality Check: NBC reported US officials have not confirmed any mines in the Strait despite extensive searches, undercutting earlier public claims of “numerous” detonations. Myanmar Rare-Earth Stakes: A new report frames northern Myanmar as a potential “mineral war” zone for AI-era rare earths, highlighting how conflict and resource control are tightening supply-chain leverage. India Illegal Ore Case Fallout: A Bengaluru special court discharged Karnataka MLA Gali Janardhan Reddy and others from illegal iron ore transportation cases, including Trident Mining Company, citing insufficient basis to proceed. Ghana Lease Pressure: Huniso chiefs appealed to President Mahama to renew Gold Fields’ Tarkwa lease, arguing the company’s presence supports roads, education and local development. ESG Rules Tighten: Coverage notes ESG reporting is shifting from voluntary brochures to mandatory, audit-like disclosure frameworks, with IFRS/CSRD-style requirements gaining force. Brazil Illegal Gold Crackdown Still Failing: Greenpeace says “ghost permits” are enabling billions in illegal Amazon gold sales despite enforcement efforts. Coal Health Backlash: A US review links coal mining and nearby exposure to higher cancer deaths, adding pressure against expanding coal operations. Petra Diamonds Restructuring: Petra placed its Finsch mine into business rescue and signaled cost cuts at Cullinan as diamond demand and the strong rand squeeze liquidity. Mining Finance & Deals: Equinox Gold’s planned all-stock acquisition of Orla Mining targets a larger North American gold platform, while Coeur Mining highlighted buybacks and dividends as it leans into shareholder returns.