Endangered Species Act Rollback: The Trump administration finalized a rule that narrows what counts as “harm,” potentially allowing habitat destruction tied to farming, drilling, mining, and development—prompting legal challenges. Central Bank Gold Push: China’s PBOC reported its biggest monthly gold reserve gain in 2.5 years, adding for a 20th straight month even as bullion prices fell sharply. Indonesia Nickel Quotas: Indonesia’s ESDM ministry said it won’t grant broad nickel quota increases, aiming to prevent oversupply while making limited exceptions for smelters short on feed. DRC Tax Crackdown: DGI sealed Glencore’s Kamoto Copper facilities over a $3B tax dispute, halting production at one of the world’s key copper and cobalt sites. U.S. Critical Minerals Equity: The White House expanded a $1B+ critical minerals direct equity strategy to take stakes in domestic mining and processing. Australia Gold M&A: Genesis tabled a $5.6B bid to merge with Vault Minerals, escalating consolidation as gold prices lift deal momentum. Coal Corruption Watch: Indonesia’s KPK signaled it could take over an alleged coal graft case if probes stall, while the top prosecutor resigned after raids seized gold and $20m cash. Tailings Safety Update: B.C. approved a 13-metre tailings dam height increase at Mount Polley to support its Springer Pit expansion. Local Mining Rules: Tamil Nadu empowered its mining director to regulate rough stone transport, including temporary bans on M-sand and related materials. Community vs Exploration: A Benguet court issued a TRO ordering protesters to stop blocking access roads to drilling sites tied to Crescent Mining and Development.