Bullet briefing — US drafts new critical minerals list, uranium miners make cuts

US drafts new critical minerals list

The US Department of the Interior has released a new draft critical minerals list, and the recommended additions include silver, as well as potash, silicon, copper, rhenium and lead.

Silver’s potential inclusion is turning heads in the mining community as market participants assess the potential impact for the metal. The critical minerals list is designed to guide federal strategy, investment and permitting deals as the US works to lock down supply of key commodities, meaning that silver-focused companies could see benefits such as tax breaks and faster timelines.

In total, the draft list has 54 minerals, with 50 included based on results from an economic effects assessment. Three were selected on the back of a qualitative evaluation, and zirconium is there because of the potential for a single point of failure in the US supply chain.

The list was set up after a 2017 executive order from Trump and is updated every three years.

It’s worth noting that silver and the other recommended additions aren’t officially critical minerals yet — the draft critical minerals list was posted for public comment on Tuesday (August 26), and feedback will be accepted for 30 days. It’s also worth noting that two commodities may be stripped of their critical mineral status — arsenic and tellurium have been recommended for removal.

Critical minerals lists vary from country to country based on individual needs, although in many cases they have similarities. In January 2024, a group of silver industry participants, including many major miners, sent a letter to Canada’s energy and natural resources minister proposing that silver be included in the nation’s critical minerals list; to date, it has not been added.

Uranium miners cut production guidance

Sweden’s government has proposed the removal of the country’s ban on uranium mining as it looks to reduce its reliance on imports of the energy fuel.

Uranium mining has been banned in Sweden since 2018, but the country has six operating reactors and generates around one-third of its power from nuclear energy.

The ban is set to be removed on January 1, 2026, and comes as nations increasingly look to nuclear power to fill their energy needs. It also comes amid supply questions — although demand is rising and prices are out of a years-long slump, miners have been slow to ramp back up post-Fukushima.

Just last week, Kazatomprom said it was lowering its 2026 production target compared to earlier estimates, cutting about 8 million pounds. Although the company sees stability in long-term uranium prices and strong sector fundamentals, it isn’t prepared to return to 100 percent levels.

Cameco (TSX:CCO,NYSE:CCJ) made a similar statement this week, saying its 2025 output will be impacted by delays in transitioning the Saskatchewan-based McArthur River mine to new mining areas. Production will be 4 million to 5 million pounds lower, although there is a chance for Cigar Lake to partially offset that loss.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$112,039, a 1 percent increase in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$111,198 and its highest price on Wednesday was US$112,555.

Bitcoin price performance, August 27, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Bitcoin has come under pressure in recent days, briefly sliding below US$110,000 amid a broader crypto sector selloff and macroeconomic uncertainty. Trading at its lowest level in seven weeks, the drop has sparked debate among investors over whether the pullback presents a buying opportunity.

Ether (ETH) was priced at US$4,569.50, down by 0.5 percent over the past 24 hours to its lowest valuation of the day. Its highest was US$4,657.28.

Altcoin price update

• Solana (SOL) was priced at US$26.86, up by 5 percent. Its lowest valuation on Wednesday was US$203.35, and its highest valuation was US$211.54.

• XRP was trading for US$3, down by 1.6 percent in the past 24 hours, and at its lowest valuation of the day. Its highest valuation on Wednesday was US$3.04.

• SUI (Sui) was trading for US$3.47, down by 0.1 percent in the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3.44, and its highest level of the day was US$3.51.

• Cardano (ADA) was priced at US$0.8629, down by 1.1 percent. Its lowest valuation for Wednesday was US$0.8571, and its highest valuation was US$0.8751.

Today’s crypto news to know

ETH inflows hit US$1.3 billion following Powell’s policy hints

ETH funds have seen a massive US$1.3 billion worth of inflows over the past week as traders respond to dovish signals from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Data from SoSoValue shows ETH-based exchange-traded products have absorbed US$3.7 billion since June, compared with US$900 million in outflows from Bitcoin funds.

The surge also coincides with ETH hitting a new all-time high of US$4,955 on Sunday (August 24).

Publicly listed companies joined the rush too, adding ETH to their corporate treasuries and pushing collective holdings to nearly 5 percent of total supply. That accumulation rate is running at more than twice the fastest quarterly pace Bitcoin has ever seen, according to Standard Chartered’s (LSE:STAN) Geoffrey Kendrick via DLNews.

Trump Media, Crypto.com seal US$6.4 billion CRO treasury deal

Trump Media & Technology Group shares climbed 5 percent on Tuesday (August 26) after the company confirmed a US$6.42 billion partnership with Crypto.com to launch a CRO-focused treasury vehicle.

Dubbed the Trump Media Group CRO Strategy, the new entity will be seeded with US$1 billion in CRO and its balance will be structured as an equity line for future token purchases. As part of the agreement, the company will operate a validator node on the Cronos blockchain, staking all its tokens to earn network rewards. CRO prices soared 30 percent in a single day after the announcement, even as most of the crypto market lagged.

Still, the deal has stirred controversy among token holders, as it requires reissuing 70 billion CRO previously “burned” to reduce supply, effectively inflating circulation by more than 200 percent.

CRO jumped 40 percent on the announcement and was up by over 25 percent over 24 hours at the time of writing.

Canary Capital files for first spot ETF tracking Trump meme coin

Crypto fund manager Canary Capital has submitted paperwork to launch the first spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) tied directly to US President Donald Trump’s meme coin, $TRUMP, according to a Reuters report.

Unlike earlier applications filed under the 1940 Investment Company Act, Canary’s proposal was lodged under the 1933 Securities Act, meaning the ETF would hold $TRUMP tokens outright rather than use offshore subsidiaries or cash equivalents. The application comes despite skepticism from analysts, who note that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) typically requires a futures ETF to trade for six months before approving a spot product.

The filing follows the SEC’s February announcement that meme coins fall outside its securities jurisdiction, a decision seen as aligning with the president’s pro-crypto stance.

The $TRUMP token has lost more than 70 percent of its value since launching in January. Analysts expect the SEC to rule on several meme coin ETF applications later this year.

DeFi industry coalition advocates for developer protections

The DeFi Education Fund and a coalition of more than 110 crypto companies, investors and advocacy groups sent a letter to the Senate Banking and Agriculture Committees on Wednesday, urging lawmakers to update financial rules to ensure developers and non-custodial actors are not misclassified as intermediaries. The signatories include major players in the DeFi space, such as Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN), Kraken, Ripple, a16z and Uniswap Labs.

“Provide robust, nationwide protections for software developers and non-custodial service providers in market structure legislation,” the letter reads. “Without such protections, we cannot support a market structure bill.”

CFTC to integrate Nasdaq Market Surveillance platform

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced on Wednesday that it plans to integrate Nasdaq’s Market Surveillance platform, a financial surveillance tool developed by Nasdaq.

“As our markets continue to evolve and integrate new technology, it’s critical that the CFTC stays ahead of the curve,” acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham said in a press release. “Nasdaq Market Surveillance will, for the first time, provide the CFTC with automated alerts and cross-market analytics that will benefit each of the CFTC’s operating divisions and better protect our markets from fraud, manipulation and abuse.”

The CFTC asserts that using the platform will allow the agency to more efficiently analyze market trends and spot unusual trading activity, enabling staff to take quicker action against bad actors.

Investor Insight

Corazon Mining Ltd presents a compelling investment case driven by a strategic pivot to WA gold exploration, capitalising on its recent acquisition of the Two Pools gold project. This acquisition offers significant near-term exploration upside, while the company retains a high-quality portfolio of base and battery metals projects, providing long-term optionality and leverage to the evolving critical minerals market. This strategy positions Corazon to deliver shareholder value through potential high-impact discovery and future project development.

Overview

Corazon Mining Ltd (ASX:CZN) is an Australian junior exploration company focused on high-quality gold and critical minerals projects in Australia and Canada.

Company Highlights

• Two Pools Gold Project: The company’s primary focus is the newly acquired Two Pools Gold Project in Western Australia’s highly productive Plutonic Greenstone Belt. This underexplored tenure contains a recently identified 20km-long greenstone belt that was previously misclassified as granite.
• Confirmed High-Grade Mineralisation: Historical drilling at Two Pools has delivered standout intercepts, including 12m @ 8.89 g/t Au (incl. 3m @ 34.25 g/t Au) and 18m @ 3.89 g/t Au (incl. 4m @ 15.96 g/t Au).
• Trident-style Analogy: Drilling has confirmed mineralisation extends beneath overthrust granite, a key geological setting similar to Catalyst Metals’ nearby Trident Deposit, highlighting the potential for significant blind discoveries.
• Strategic Location: Two Pools is located just 60km from Catalyst Metals’ Plutonic Processing Plant, offering strong future development synergies
• Strategic Battery and Base Metals Portfolio: Corazon retains ownership of key projects in Canada and Australia including the MacBride Copper-Zinc-Gold Project and the historic Lynn Nickel-Copper-Cobalt sulphide camp in Manitoba, and the Mt Gilmore Copper-Cobalt-Gold project in NSW. These assets provide long-term exposure to critical metals.
• Compelling Value Proposition: Corazon offers a unique investment opportunity with a small market capitalisation but large, high-quality assets.

Key Projects

Two Pools Gold Project (Western Australia)

Project Highlights:

• A new, highly-prospective gold exploration project in the proven Plutonic-Marymia Greenstone Belt.
• The project covers 193km2 of underexplored tenure containing a newly identified 20km-long greenstone belt
• Historical Drilling and surface sampling have confirmed high-grade gold mineralisation, with a compelling geological setting analogous to other major deposits in the region.

Lynn Lake Base & Precious Metals (Manitoba, Canada)

Project Highlights:

• High-quality base and precious metals asset, offering strategic, long-term value.
• MacBride Copper-Zinc-Gold Project: High-grade, near-surface mineralisation and significant exploration upside for VMS-style deposits.

Other Projects

• Mt Gilmore Copper-Cobalt-Gold (NSW, Australia): An emerging porphyry play with potential for a significant potential copper-gold system.

Management Team

Simon Coyle – Managing Director

Simon Coyle is a mining executive with over 20 years’ experience in the resources sector, spanning across gold, iron ore, manganese and lithium. He is a graduate of the Western Australian School of Mines and has held a number of senior operational leadership roles across both private and publicly listed companies.

Most recently, Coyle served as CEO and president of TSXV-listed Velox Energy Materials. Prior to this, he held senior roles at Pilbara Minerals, including general manager – operations, where he was instrumental in the development and expansion of its flagship lithium project, establishing it as one of the world’s leading spodumene concentrate producers. Coyle currently serves as non-executive director of Kali Metals.

Kristie Young – Non-executive Chair

Kristie Young is a professional Board Director who began her career as a mining engineer in the mid 90’s across both underground and open cut operations (incl. Hamersley Iron, Mt Isa Mines, Plutonic Gold, New Hampton Goldfields, Surpac), feasibility studies and project evaluation. She holds a BEng(Mining) Hons from the University of Queensland.

Over 25 years’ industry experience, including business development director roles with both EY and PwC. She brings more than 15 years’ experience on boards and committees and currently serves as a non-executive director of Brazilian Rare Earths (ASX:BRE), Livium (ASX:LIT), Tasmea Ltd (ASX:TEA), and MinEx CRC.

She is a Fellow of the AusIMM and a graduate and Fellow of the AICD.

Scott Williamson – Non-executive Director

Scott Williamson is a highly experienced mining engineer with an Engineering and Commerce degree from the West Australian School of Mines and Curtin University. With more than 20 years of experience spanning technical and corporate roles in the mining and finance sectors, he brings a wealth of industry expertise and strategic insight. A proven leader in business development, Scott has extensive experience in equity capital markets, complementing his strong technical skill set.

Currently, he serves as managing director of Blackstone Minerals and non-executive Director of Leeuwin Metals.

Scott also holds a WA First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate and is a member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

Robert Orr – Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer

Robert Orr manages Corazon’s financial operations and corporate governance, ensuring compliance and effective financial management.

1. China

Phosphate production: 110 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 3.7 billion metric tons

China’s phosphate production increased in 2024 to 110 million metric tons (MT), up from 105 million MT in 2023, placing it as number one on the list of top phosphate-producing countries by a long shot. China has the second largest phosphate reserves in the world at 3.7 billion metric tons of phosphate. The country is also the fourth largest producer of fellow fertilizer mineral potash.

The rise in Chinese output came in despite of the nation’s environmental crackdown on the mining industry. China’s government has placed restrictions on phosphate exports in an effort to drive down domestic prices of the fertilizer with its own supply. In December 2024, China halted new export applications for phosphate due to the rising cost of sulfur. The material is critical in the separation of phosphates from rock.

2. Morocco

Phosphate production: 30 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 50 billion metric tons

As the second largest phosphate-producing country, Morocco produced 30 million metric tons of the fertilizer in 2024, down from 33 million MT in the previous year. The North African nation’s phosphate output is expected to increased in the coming years due to ongoing capacity expansions, which are expected to be completed by 2027.

Morocco’s phosphate production comes from state-owned fertilizer company OCP Group’s mines, including its Gantour operation, one of the world’s largest phosphate mines.

Morocco holds the world’s largest phosphate reserves at 50 billion metric tons, accounting for over 67 percent of total global phosphate reserves.

3. United States

Phosphate production: 20 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 1 billion metric tons

In 2024, US phosphate mining production totaled 20 million metric tons, up slightly by 400,000 metric tons from the previous year. The nation’s 10 producing phosphate mines are located across four states: Florida, North Carolina, Idaho and Utah.

The two largest phosphate mining companies in the US are Mosaic (NYSE:MOS) and Nutrien (TSX:NTR). Global giant Mosaic’s Florida phosphates operation comprises three producing mines: Four Corners, South Fort Meade and Wingate. The three mines combined for 8,900 MT of phosphate rock concentrate in 2024. Nutrien operates the Aurora mine in North Carolina and White Springs mine in Utah.

Most phosphate rock mined in the US is used for manufacturing phosphoric acid and superphosphoric acid. These types of wet-process phosphate products are used for items such as animal feed supplements. About a quarter of this is exported in the form of merchant-grade phosphoric acid, upgraded granular diammonium and monoammonium phosphate fertilizer, as well as other fertilizer products, according to the USGS.

4. Russia

Phosphate production: 14 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 2.4 billion metric tons

Russia produced 14 million metric tons of phosphate in 2024, down by 1 million MT from the previous year, and the country’s phosphate reserves total 2.4 billion metric tons. Russia is also the second largest producer of potash.

A significant portion of Russia’s phosphate is produced by PhosAgro subsidiary Apatit from apatite minerals at the Khibiny deposit, which is located east of Finland in Russia’s Kola Peninsula. Phosphate operations are also found in Perm Krai at the Oleniy Ruchey apatite mine and processing facility owned by the Acron Group’s North-Western Phosphorous Company.

European nations were previously Russia’s biggest phosphate customers in the global market, but the country’s war in Ukraine initially had an impact, directly influencing phosphate prices. However, Russian phosphate exports were supported through increases in shipments to countries including India and Brazil.

5. Jordan

Phosphate production: 12 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 1 billion metric tons

Jordan’s phosphate production came in at 12 million metric tons in 2024, rising slightly from the previous year. Jordan’s phosphate reserves stand at an estimated 1 billion MT.

The country’s sole phosphate producer is state-owned Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, which operates as a phosphate miner and fertilizer producer. The company bills itself as the second largest phosphate exporter and the sixth largest producer of phosphate in the world, with combined production capacity between its three mines exceeding 11 million metric tons of phosphate annually.

6. Saudi Arabia

Phosphate production: 9.5 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 1 billion metric tons

Saudi Arabia produced 9.5 million metric tons of phosphate in 2024, down by 400,000 MT from 2023’s output level. The country is sitting on 1 billion MT of phosphate reserves. The Saudi Arabian Mining Company, also known as Ma’aden, produces up to 5 million metric tons of concentrated phosphate rock per year.

The Wa’ad Al Shamal Minerals Industrial City, an integrated phosphate fertilizer production complex, is a US$8 billion joint venture investment between Ma’aden at 60 percent, chemical manufacturer Saudi Basic Industries (TADAWUL:2010) at 15 percent and US fertilizer giant Mosaic at 25 percent. However, in January 2025, Mosaic sold its stake for US$1.5 billion in Ma’aden shares, bringing the latter company’s interest to 85 percent.

7. Brazil

Phosphate production: 5.3 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 1.6 billion metric tons

Brazil, another of the top phosphate countries by production, produced 5.3 million metric tons of phosphate in 2024, nearly on par with its production in the previous year. Brazil has a booming agricultural sector and is one of the world’s largest fertilizer consumers and importers. More phosphate production capacity in the country is expected to come online in 2027.

Mosaic is the country’s largest producer of both phosphate and nitrogen, and it also operates Brazil’s only potash mine. Swedish fertilizer company Eurochem launched a new US$1 billion phosphate fertilizer production facility in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in April 2024. The facility has a phosphate mine and plant complex with an annual production capacity of 1 million MT of advanced phosphate fertilizers.

8. Egypt

Phosphate production: 5 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 2.8 billion metric tons

Egypt’s phosphate-mining production in 2024 totalled 5 million metric tons, on par with 2023 output levels. According to the US Geological Survey, Egypt’s phosphate reserves now sit at 2.8 billion MT.

The phosphate company Misr Phosphate operates the Abu Tartour, the Sibaiya and the Red Sea mines, all of which host high grades of phosphate.

9. Peru

Phosphate production: 4.7 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 210 million metric tons

Peru produced 4.7 million metric tons of phosphate in 2024, down by 300,000 MT from the previous year. About 98 percent of US phosphate imports originate from Peru.

Peru’s investment agency ProInversión made a US$940 million commitment in mid-2024 for the expansion Fosfatos del Pacífico’s Bayóvar mine in the Piura region, which is expected to bolster the country’s domestic phosphate production for the next 10 years.

10. Tunisia

Phosphate production: 3.3 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 2.5 billion metric tons

Tunisia’s phosphate output in 2024 totaled 3.3 million metric tons, down from 3.6 million metric tons the previous year. Tunisia is home to the fourth highest phosphate reserves in the world at 2.5 billion metric tons.

The North African country has been rising among the ranks of the world’s largest phosphate producing nations. In 2023 Tunisia’s state-owned phosphate firm Gafsa Phosphate Company ramped up its production as part of its US$76 million investment program.

FAQS for phosphate

1. Softbank to invest US$2 billion in Intel

Intel’s (NASDAQ:INTC) share price got a boost this week after a series of major announcements, beginning with SoftBank Group’s (TSE:9984) Monday (August 18) announcement that it plans invest US$2 billion in the company.

“Semiconductors are the foundation of every industry. For more than 50 years, Intel has been a trusted leader in innovation,’ said Masayoshi Son, chairman and CEO of SoftBank, in a press release.

‘This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States, with Intel playing a critical role,” he added.

Following that news, sources confirmed last week’s reports that the US government was seeking an equity stake in Intel in exchange for Biden-era Chips Act funding. Then, on Friday (August 22), US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced that Intel had agreed to sell an 8.9 percent stake to the federal government, a move that will convert billions of dollars in previously awarded grants into a passive ownership stake.

Intel performance, July 28 to August 18, 2025.

Chart via Google Finance.

These developments have sent Intel’s market value soaring, with its share price increasing over 28 percent from the start of the month. Shares of Intel closed up on Friday at US$24.80.

2. Figure files for Nasdaq IPO

Figure Technology filed for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq on Monday under the ticker symbol FIGR, joining a growing list of crypto-related companies looking to access public markets following the successful debut of stablecoin issuer Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL).

Figure leverages blockchain to streamline financial services. The company’s filing reveals a strong financial performance, with profit reaching US$29 million in the first half of 2025, compared to a US$13 million loss in the same period last year. Its revenue for the first half of the year was US$191 million.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Jefferies Financial Group (NYSE:JEF) and Bank of America Securities are acting as lead underwriters for the offering. The number of shares and price ranges are yet to be confirmed.

3. Google unveils new Pixel and more

Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) made headlines this week with several new developments spanning its business lines.

The week kicked off with the tech giant announcing it has increased its stake in data center operator and Bitcoin miner TeraWulf (NASDAQ:WULF) to roughly 14 percent, worth US$3.2 billion.

The company also revealed a partnership with advanced nuclear startup Kairos Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority to power its data centers in Tennessee and Alabama using a new nuclear reactor.

On Wednesday (August 20), Google unveiled its latest Pixel smartphone, the Pixel 10, and accessories, with upgrades including a health coach powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

The week culminated with reports of a US$10 billion cloud computing agreement with Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) to provide the necessary servers and infrastructure for Meta’s expanding AI operations. The news sent Google’s share price up by over 3 percent and Meta’s up by over 2 percent.

4. NVIDIA tumbles amid China tension and chip sales

NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) experienced a volatile week, with its share price slipping in early trading on Monday following reports of renewed tensions with China. The downturn was triggered by news that Beijing will move to restrict sales of the H20 AI chip, the company’s most advanced product approved for the Chinese market.

China’s internet and telecom regulator, as well as the state planning agency, issued informal guidance to major tech companies, instructing them to halt new orders of the H20 chips, citing security concerns.

According to unnamed officials who spoke to the Financial Times, the decision was also influenced by “insulting” remarks from US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.

In response to the Chinese directive, NVIDIA has reportedly instructed its component suppliers, including Foxconn Technology (TPE:2354), Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and Amkor Technolgy (NASDAQ:AMKR), to suspend production of the H20 chip; the company also said it is working on a new AI chip for China.

Alphabet, NVIDIA, Palo Alto Networks and Meta Platforms performance, August 19 to 22, 2025.

Chart via Google Finance.

NVIDIA saw the greatest losses midweek, falling over 4 percent between Tuesday and Thursday. The company recovered some of its losses during Friday’s rally, but finished the week over one percent lower.

5. Palo Alto Networks rises on strong forecast

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) surged over 7 percent on Tuesday after the cybersecurity company forecast that revenue and profit for its 2026 financial year will come in above estimates.

The company gave a strong performance in its 2025 fiscal year, with total revenue increasing 15 percent year-on-year to US$9.2 billion, fueled by an increase in revenue from newer, cloud-based security products. This growth occurred alongside a 24 percent rise in its future contracted business to US$15.8 billion.

The company also surpassed a US$10 billion revenue run rate while maintaining its “Rule-of-50” status — a measure of the balance between growth and profitability — for the fifth consecutive year.