Mining Reliability & Maintenance: FUCHS says mines are shifting from “just lubricants” to broader reliability and risk management, with lubrication suppliers now judged on long-term equipment support. Local Governance & Mining Rights: Malawi’s parliament speaker Sameer Suleman ordered a suspension of Kangankunde rare earth operations after concerns over licence scale and missing compliance documents. Lithium & Farming Backlash: South African farmers and activists are objecting to lithium prospecting that could cover about 73,000 hectares, warning of major disruption to jobs and farmland. Coal Policy & Land Use: A new USGS report says the US has about 356 billion tons of coal that could be developed beyond existing mines, but demand and developability remain open questions. Gold & Silver Market Pulse: Fresnillo reported interim revenue up 74.7% y/y on higher gold and silver prices, while Pantoro confirmed high-grade continuity at Racetrack with standout drill results. Project Moves & Permits: Global Lithium got approval for early works at its Manna lithium project, and Xinhai advanced Arcadia’s Swanson tantalum project toward definitive funding. Mining Finance & Local Content: Zimbabwe’s banking sector says it can mobilise US$4–5bn for mining over five years, and Namibia’s mining expo opens with a focus on local empowerment through procurement. ESG & Environment Debate: Deep-sea mining for critical minerals faces renewed scrutiny as countries push for a moratorium, while local opposition grows against large-scale metallic mining on Sibuyan Island. Equipment & Services: Epiroc completed an acquisition of a South African mining aftermarket solutions business, and Veriforce Canada expanded contractor oversight support for Glencore’s Cerrejón in Colombia.