What the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act means to miners
The EU published its proposed Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) on Mar. 16, with the ambitious goal of “establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical…
Op-Ed
Understanding China’s Belt and Road Initiative
The Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) — or the ‘New Silk Road’ as it was branded in 2013 at its official launch in Kazakhstan — involves around 130 countries,…
Real world constraints to rapid move toward clean energy technologies
Four large trends or themes emerged in the move toward decarbonization and clean energy in 2021. All of them are expected to grow in prominence in 2022. 1. The move…
Reflections on truth and reconciliation in Canada
Following Canada’s first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, I’d like to share my thoughts on residential schools, education, and healing. Over the last few months, as…
Mixed hydroxide precipitate–the new class one nickel
We’ve all read about the push for de-carbonization, which is the primary driver for the battery mega-factory boom. All of these factories need nickel and cobalt for their products, but…
A realistic path for improved carbon performance in mining
The demand for improved environmental and social governance (ESG) continues to intensify. Of the many issues that ESG covers, it is carbon emissions that are receiving the most attention due…
The West needs to level the playing field to compete with China
Access to the raw materials of the new green economy is increasingly a high-stakes chess match along geopolitical lines dividing the East and the West. China controls access to the…
Is uranium sentiment improving?
After years of neglect, uranium stocks have been enjoying time in the sun. What’s interesting is that today’s spot price of US$30 per lb., while considerably higher than its multi-year…
The uncertainty lurking in auto propulsion technology
There is a great deal of uncertainty about what the future of automotive propulsion technology will be. This presents challenges to capital formation and allocation. For one thing a lot…
Silver — Far From the Maddening Crowd
We were tempted to resist talking about the Reddit phenomenon but why not wade in, particularly now as we stand amongst the smoking ruins of the dreams of silver bugs,…
Retail investors beware: Manipulation is happening all around you; commodities can offset your risk
In the wake of the GameStop/Reddit saga, North American market manipulation is once again the topic du jour; that the rules of the game vary by player— institutional versus retail…
Canadian mining can supply the metals for a clean energy future
If leadership on climate action and environmental best practices are worthwhile pursuits, then the Canadian mining sector is an industry that’s deserving of Canada’s – and the global market’s –…