Summary
The U.S. Interior Department has launched a major initiative to recover critical minerals from mine waste such as tailings and abandoned sites. Meanwhile, China has reaffirmed strict enforcement to deter smuggling routes for strategic materials.
Key Points
• The U.S. will map federal mine-waste sites and streamline federal review and funding for recovery projects targeting minerals like germanium and zinc. Source: https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/land‑use‑biodiversity/us‑prioritizes‑recovery‑critical‑minerals‑from‑mine‑waste‑2025‑07‑24/ Reuters+15Reuters+15Westlaw Today+15Reuters+4Reuters+4Metal.com+4
• China’s Commerce Ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward smuggling of strategic metals like gallium and germanium. Source: https://www.reuters.com/markets/asia/china‑vows‑tougher‑action‑against‑smuggling‑strategic‑minerals‑2025‑07‑19/ Reuters
Strategic Takeaways
• Waste extraction is emerging as a viable path to domestic mineral supply.
• China's crackdown further shrinks informal supply routes.
• U.S. policy alignment could accelerate private-sector investments in recycling and tailings processing.
Watchlist Companies
• Teck Resources – Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/teck-resources-eyes-output-boost-chipmaking-metal-germanium-2025-06-20/ Facebook+15Reuters+15Reuters+15
Reason: Considering expansion of germanium byproduct output using existing Red Dog operations; in talks with Canadian and U.S. governments for funding.
• Ucore Rare Metals – Source: https://www.mining.com/web/us-prioritizes-recovery-of-critical-minerals-from-mine-waste/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Yahoo Finance+6Reuters+6Metal.com+6AOL+4Facebook+4Westlaw Today+4
Reason: Developing U.S.-backed separation technology for rare earths and gallium; aligned with federal waste-recovery initiatives.
Action Points
• Watch for Interior Department guidance and new funding announcements.
• Monitor Teck’s updates on germanium project expansion or funding deals.
• Track Ucore’s technology validation and pilot project developments.