Minacu, a small city in inland Brazil, is set to become the first operation outside Asia to produce four rare earths on a commercial scale. This marks a pivotal development amid escalating trade disputes between China and the US, particularly since China has historically dominated the production of these essential minerals.
'If approved as currently written, the provision could lease in perpetuity land near Minnesota's Boundary Waters wilderness, an enormous complex of pristine lakes and untrammeled forests, to Twin Metals Minnesota.'
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans to designate the mineral-rich Ring of Fire as a special economic zone, aiming for swift development and consultation with First Nations.
Carla Antonella Rodriguez fought against societal norms for her right to work in the coal mine, ultimately impacting women’s roles in the workforce after 80 years.
Ontario is moving forward with legislation to accelerate mining development, significantly reducing environmental assessments which has raised concerns among First Nations regarding consent.
"How the Trump administration responds to the situation with Colosseum Mine will be an indicator as to how they respond to threats to our public lands in general over the next four years."
Mali, having been under French colonial rule for 68 years, still grapples with the legacy of colonial exploitation, which continued post-independence with foreign companies extracting wealth without providing adequate returns to the nation.