Illegal Mining Crackdown (Guyana): Guyana’s GGMC seized two water dredges and gold after dismantling an illegal Puruni River operation, with three suspects escorted for investigation. Mining Safety & Accountability (Nigeria): Survivors of 37 suspected illegal gold miners who died in NSCDC custody allege suffocation and shooting during detention; protests followed and authorities ordered a full probe. Community Resistance (Philippines): Dinagat Islands residents renewed “No to Mining” protests as DENR begins a fact-finding review of a long-suspended island mining deal. Deep-Sea Mining Politics (Northern Marianas): Guam Gov. David Apatang says he won’t ask Interior to pause the Dec. 16 deep-sea lease sale, pointing to pending lawsuits while activists press for a federal stop. Critical Minerals & Trade (EU/ Brazil): The EU raised objections to MMG’s planned purchase of Anglo American’s Brazilian nickel business, arguing it could divert low-carbon ferronickel away from European stainless-steel customers. Market Watch (Copper): Copper trades near recent peaks and Yangshan premiums signal tight physical availability, reshaping 2026 supply expectations. Corporate Deal (Nevada Gold Mines): Newmont and Barrick agreed a $1.95B package to add excluded properties into their Nevada Gold Mines JV, clearing disputes and supporting a Barrick IPO path. Local Development (Nepal): Three iron mines in Baitadi remain undeveloped due to stalled excavation, with access road and electricity gaps cited. Energy Security (Strait of Hormuz): U.S. officials say mine clearance and naval protection are boosting tanker traffic through the strait, with lanes reported clear of mines.