Morton Salt has halted underground mining at its Fairport, Ohio rock salt operation after detecting a “significant inflow of water” on 22 October, triggering an immediate evacuation, shutdown of all underground activities and regulatory notifications. Surface work at the shaft complex is now “severely limited”, with the company declaring force majeure to customers and vendors while independent experts assess the source, extent and geotechnical implications of the water ingress. Local media report dozens of layoffs and say the future of mining at the site remains uncertain.

Rio Tinto has commissioned its $530 million Fénix 1B expansion and $374 million Sal de Vida lithium carbonate plant in Catamarca, delivering first production in Q2 2026 and adding 25,000 tonnes/year of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) capacity. The projects, part of an integrated hub on the Salar del Hombre Muerto with a 19‑million‑tonne LCE resource, lift Rio’s nominal Argentine capacity (including Olaroz) to about 100,000 tonnes/year and combine direct lithium extraction at Fénix with evaporation ponds at Sal de Vida. Further Fénix expansions, including the proposed Fénix II plant, could require around $1 billion and are being lined up for Argentina’s 30‑year RIGI incentive regime.

Eldorado Gold shares fell 7.9% to C$44.44 after it cut 2026 gold guidance 18% to 425,000–475,000 oz. and disclosed a US$160 million underlying capital increase at the Skouries copper-gold project, taking total project capital to about US$1.43 billion. Skouries’ 2026 output outlook was slashed to 10,000–35,000 oz. from 60,000–100,000 oz. as commissioning lengthens, with only two of six tailings filter presses currently operating and temporary generator use adding to costs before grid connection. All-in sustaining costs at existing mines rose 16% at the midpoint to US$1,975–US$2,125/oz., while McIlvenna Bay capex edged up 2.4% to US$975 million, extending cash burn into late 2026.