EnergyX has signed an MoU with Compass Minerals to build a 30,000 tpa direct lithium extraction and refining plant at Compass’s existing Ogden brine operation near Utah’s Great Salt Lake, using an established brine stream and returning processed brine to the current sulphate of potash and magnesium chloride system. Compass has already invested an estimated $70–80 million in lithium-related equipment, cutting upstream drilling and CapEx risk and potentially simplifying permitting. EnergyX is targeting a 2028 construction start and plans to produce lithium carbonate on-site without additional Great Salt Lake water withdrawals.

Mounting EU pressure to phase out Russian uranium and fuel services, which still provide about 25% of the bloc’s enrichment via Rosatom’s 43% share of global capacity, is pushing utilities towards Canadian supply, with Canada already covering more than 30% of EU uranium imports in 2024. Cameco, owner of 49% of Westinghouse, is positioned to capture long-term contracts as AP1000 reactor projects advance in Poland and Bulgaria and VVER units in Finland, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Ukraine convert to Western fuel. Analysts warn, however, that replacing Russian enrichment could take up to a decade due to limited Western capacity.

Anglo American has agreed to sell its Australian steelmaking coal portfolio to Dhilmar Ltd for up to US$3.875 billion, including US$2.3 billion in upfront cash and a price-linked earnout. The divestment covers multiple hard coking coal operations supplying blast furnace markets, signalling further strategic retreat from thermal and metallurgical coal. For mine planners and contractors in Queensland and New South Wales, new ownership by Dhilmar may trigger revised life-of-mine schedules, contract renegotiations and potential changes in capital spend on underground development and CHPP upgrades.