Critical One Energy has signed a binding MOU with Solar International Core Canada for C$25 million in equity, a construction financing facility of up to C$400 million and exclusive offtake rights for up to 150 million lb of antimony from the Howells Lake antimony-gold project in Ontario. The deal includes C$15 million at C$1.20 per share— a 48% premium to the prior C$0.81 close—giving SICC a 12% fully diluted stake and one board seat, plus a C$10 million carried equity interest for Critical One in an Ontario antimony processing plant led by Northlink Development Group. Located 120 km west of the Ring of Fire access corridor on Eabametoong First Nation homelands, Howells Lake is described as Canada’s largest undeveloped antimony deposit, with current work focused on airborne geophysics and verification of historic antimony-gold zones across the 26 km property.

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.

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.