An updated preliminary economic assessment nearly doubles the post-tax NPV of Aclara Resources’ Penco Module ionic clay rare earths project in Chile to C$344 million, despite initial capex rising to C$244 million and the discount rate increasing from 5% to 8%. The mine life is extended to 17 years with a 26.1% IRR, processing 30.8 million tonnes and producing a “super pure” carbonate grading about 6% dysprosium, 0.8% terbium, 54.5% yttrium and 4.2% gadolinium. Measured and indicated resources now stand at 35.8 million tonnes at 2,095 ppm TREO, with construction targeted for completion in 2028 and integration into Aclara’s planned Dynamo processing plant in Louisiana.

Military Metals has regained its Trojárová exploration licence in Slovakia until 18 October 2030 after the Environment Ministry ruled a May cancellation unlawful, confirming all conditions for a four-year extension were met. The Pezinok-area underground project hosts 6.5 million inferred tonnes grading 1.02% Sb and 1.06 g/t Au (about 67,000 tonnes antimony and 222,000 oz gold) based on 53 diamond drillholes totalling 7,167 m plus underground chip sampling, replacing communist-era data. Mining still needs full environmental assessment and separate production approvals, with planned work on wastewater management and mineral processing in collaboration with the Technical University of Košice.

Caterpillar is preparing to launch the 22 t R3200 diesel-electric LHD, building on the field performance of its 18.5 t R2900 XE, which has already reached at least 21 units in operation at PT Freeport Indonesia via dealer Trakindo. The new R3200 targets higher-capacity underground loading with the same hybrid drivetrain concept aimed at lower fuel burn and reduced heat load compared with conventional diesel units. For mine planners, the move signals continued OEM commitment to diesel-electric fleets as a bridge between traditional diesel and full battery-electric loading.