Blue Moon Metals Inc. has agreed to acquire the Apex germanium and gallium mine in Utah from Teck Resources Limited. The transaction aims to create an integrated North American critical minerals supply chain, combining the Apex mine with Blue Moon's existing projects in California and Nevada, along with processing at Teck's Trail Operations in Canada.

Copper demand is surging due to electrification, AI infrastructure, and renewable energy needs, while supply constraints persist. Major miners are responding with strategic mergers and organic growth initiatives. Despite elevated inventories, prices remain high due to long-term supply concerns and the metal's critical role in 21st-century infrastructure.

The global zinc market is projected to grow from USD 26.95 billion in 2025 to USD 44.73 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 6.57%. Growth is driven by increasing demand from construction, automotive, galvanization, and battery applications, with the U.S. market expanding from USD 3.11 billion to USD 5.37 billion. Asia-Pacific dominates with 48.62% market share, while North America shows the fastest growth at 8.07% CAGR.

Anglo American posted a $3.7 billion loss after a $2.3 billion writedown on its De Beers diamonds business, bringing total writedowns to $6.8 billion over the past year. The company cut its dividend by 64% to 23 cents per share, reflecting weak diamond prices and oversupply in the market. Anglo is pursuing a merger with Teck Resources to pivot toward copper production and has put De Beers up for sale, with Botswana and Angola seeking increased stakes in the business.

Teck Resources Limited announced that its Board of Directors has declared an eligible dividend of $0.125 per share on its outstanding Class A common shares and Class B subordinate voting shares, payable on March 31, 2026 to shareholders of record as of March 13, 2026.

BHP Group reported first-half earnings beating expectations with underlying profit surging 22% to $6.2 billion. For the first time in its 170-year history, copper generated more profit than iron ore, driven by a 32% jump in realized copper prices. This structural shift reflects massive demand from AI infrastructure, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. The company increased its dividend by 46% and is well-positioned to capitalize on forecast higher long-term copper prices.

BHP Group and Wheaton Precious Metals have signed a record $4.3 billion silver streaming agreement covering BHP's share of output from the Antamina mine in Peru. Wheaton will pay BHP an upfront $4.3 billion and ongoing payments equal to 20% of spot silver price per ounce. The deal allows BHP to monetize silver byproduct while retaining full exposure to copper, zinc, and lead production, and doubles Wheaton's exposure to Antamina's silver production amid growing demand for the metal.

Teck Resources Limited will release its fourth quarter 2025 earnings results on February 19, 2026, before market open, with a webcast and Q&A session for investors and analysts. The company is a leading Canadian resource company focused on copper and zinc operations across North and South America.

The US, EU, and Japan are coordinating efforts to counter China's dominance in critical minerals processing and supply chains. The US launched Project Vault ($12B) to stockpile critical minerals and passed the Critical Mineral Dominance Act. Copper demand is surging due to AI data centers, EVs, and defense needs, with prices hitting record highs. Major mining companies are ramping up production to meet expected 50% demand growth by 2040.

Escalating US-NATO tensions over tariffs and Greenland's strategic resources are expected to drive increased defense spending and resource competition. Five stocks are positioned to benefit: Lockheed Martin and RTX from Arctic defense requirements, Critical Metals from rare earth mineral demand in Greenland, Teck Resources from strategic raw materials demand, and Caterpillar from Arctic infrastructure development.

Teck Resources announced strong 2025 production results with annual copper production of 453,500 tonnes and zinc in concentrate production of 565,000 tonnes, both in line with or exceeding guidance. The company reported positive settlement pricing adjustments of $295 million in Q4 2025 due to increased base metals prices. Teck reaffirmed production guidance for 2026-2028 while adjusting Antamina's 2026 zinc guidance downward to 35,000-45,000 tonnes based on an updated mine plan.

Global mining M&A activity is accelerating with approximately $30 billion in deals recorded in the first three quarters of 2025, with 74% directed toward Latin American assets. Deal values in Latin America have surged over 200% since 2021, driven by the region's copper endowments and lithium supply potential. Meanwhile, Africa has experienced an 80% decline in mining deal values since 2021 as investors shift capital to lower-risk jurisdictions.