Zinc and Tin Supply Pressures Put Historic Mining Districts Back in Focus

Global zinc demand is expected to exceed supply by 88,000 tonnes in 2026, while tin faces a longer supply squeeze with demand projected to grow 22% through 2035 versus only 16% supply growth. As zinc, tin, and lead are designated critical minerals, explorers are returning to historic polymetallic districts. GoldHaven Resources reported encouraging drill results at its D Zone project in British Columbia with semi-massive sulphide mineralization including visible lead-zinc minerals and tin-bearing skarn. Major producers like Nexa Resources and Titan Mining reported strong operational results, while South32 advances its Taylor zinc-lead-silver project in Arizona.

10/23/2026, 9:00 AM • GlobeNewswire

Alcoa’s $4.1 Billion South32 Deal: Opportunity Behind the 9% Drop

Alcoa announced a $4.1 billion acquisition of South32's bauxite, alumina, and aluminum assets, causing its stock to plummet 9% due to immediate financing concerns and equity dilution. However, the deal strategically positions Alcoa to control the full pipeline from raw materials to finished aluminum, with projected $900 million in net present value savings and $50 million in direct run-rate cost savings within 12 months, positioning the company to capitalize on anticipated global supply deficits in 2026-2027.

07/06/2026, 10:12 AM • Investing

Aluminum At Highs As Supply Squeeze Boosts Alcoa Outlook

Global aluminum prices have surged to multi-year highs above $3,540 per metric ton due to geopolitical disruptions and energy constraints. Bahrain's Alba smelter shut down 19% of capacity due to shipping bottlenecks through the Strait of Hormuz, while Qatar's Qatalum reduced output to 60% after gas supply suspension. These Middle East disruptions, combined with China's production caps and AI data center energy demand, have tightened supply. Analysts have upgraded Alcoa's outlook, with JPMorgan raising it to neutral and UBS raising its price target to $70.

03/16/2026, 7:12 AM • Benzinga

Rio Tinto, Glencore Merger Could Trigger A Significant Asset Spin-Off

Rio Tinto and Glencore are exploring a $200 billion merger with plans to spin off coal assets into a separately listed Australian vehicle. The combined entity would become the world's dominant copper producer with ~7% of global output, capitalizing on rising copper demand driven by electrification and energy transition. Coal operations, worth tens of billions, represent 8% of combined EBITDA but pose challenges for institutional investors. Rio has until February 5 to make a formal offer.

01/16/2026, 6:51 AM • Benzinga

Trilogy Metals Announces 2026 Program and Budget for Ambler Metals and the Corporate Budget for the Company

Trilogy Metals and South32 have approved a $35 million budget for 2026 to advance the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects in Alaska, focusing on mine permitting, technical development, and exploration activities in the Ambler Mining District.

12/17/2025, 6:30 AM • Benzinga

AI Is Squeezing Aluminum And Limiting Clean Technology Advances

AI's massive power consumption is disrupting the aluminum industry by outbidding smelters for electricity, potentially constraining global aluminum supply and hindering clean technology development.

12/12/2025, 5:34 AM • Benzinga