Europe’s delayed “Buy European” single-market legislation, now due 4 March, is being criticised for focusing on finished goods while ignoring upstream critical minerals that underpin industrial sovereignty. Michael Wurmser, founder of Norge Mineraler, contrasts EU inaction with the US DFC-backed Orion Critical Mineral Consortium’s move to buy 40% of Glencore’s Mutanda and Kamoto copper-cobalt assets in the DRC, valuing them at about US$9 billion. He argues Europe has sizeable in‑bloc potential in copper, lithium, high‑purity alumina, phosphate and titanium that must be integrated into industrial policy.

Chile’s incoming right‑wing government under José Antonio Kast is merging the Mining and Economy ministries and handing the combined portfolio to agronomist Daniel Mas, unsettling a sector facing an estimated $105 billion in investment to 2034 and already battling a “cursed” permitting system where major projects can need 500+ permits. The shift coincides with Chile’s first critical minerals strategy, expanding focus beyond copper and lithium to 14 minerals including molybdenum, rhenium, cobalt and rare earths. Analysts warn that without faster approvals and incentives for exploration, Chile risks missing the current price cycle as copper output fell 2% in 2025 amid declining grades and ageing deposits.

Western Australia will amend the Road Traffic Act 1974 under “Kelly’s Law” to impose tougher, longer licence disqualifications on hit-and-run drivers who flee serious or fatal crashes. The reforms will target offenders who fail to stop and render assistance, preventing them from regaining a licence for extended periods and, in some cases, permanently. For road and traffic engineers, the move signals continued policy emphasis on driver behaviour and enforcement rather than geometric or asset changes to improve network safety outcomes.