Northern Star leadership reset: Gold miner Northern Star appointed Glencore executive Suresh Vadnagra as managing director and CEO, as activist Elliott presses for board renewal, better disclosure and a strategic review. Coal worker protections: Australia passed reforms to strengthen coal long-service leave, aiming to bring more workers into the scheme and protect 100% entitlements. Rare earths momentum: Lindian Resources fired its first production blast at Malawi’s Kangankunde rare earths project, starting active mining toward Q4 2026 first production. Copper-gold drilling update: FireFly Metals reported new high-grade core results at Green Bay, supporting an upscaled restart case. Critical minerals supply chain: IperionX completed its $3m Camden critical minerals acquisition, using at-surface stockpiles to de-risk development. Illegal mining crackdown: Philippines police arrested 17 people in Camarines Norte for mining without permits, seizing equipment, ore and mercury. Policy pressure on mining laws: Liberia’s mines ministry called for urgent amendments to curb illicit mining and smuggling, citing governance and security risks. Rare earth offtake: Iluka agreed long-term supply of rare earth concentrate from VHM’s Goschen project, feeding Iluka’s Eneabba refinery. Tin resource boost: Stellar Resources expanded Heemskirk tin resources by 64%, lifting contained tin and advancing its PFS. Battery materials investment: Pure Battery Technologies plans a $350m Indonesia pCAM facility to complete the EV battery value chain.