Kazakhstan remained among the world’s top 10 zinc-producing countries in 2025, ranking ninth globally despite a decline in annual output, according to the latest Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 report by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Kazakhstan produced an estimated 360,000 metric tons of zinc in 2025, down from 380,000 tons in 2024. The country ranked between Russia and Sweden among the nations individually listed in the report, Kazinform reports.
The country also holds an estimated 7.4 million tons of zinc reserves, with the USGS revising reserve figures for Kazakhstan and several other major producers based on updated company and government data.
China remained the world's largest zinc producer, increasing its output from 4 million tons in 2024 to 4.1 million tons in 2025. Peru ranked second with 1.5 million tons, followed by Australia with 1.1 million tons and India with 870,000 tons.
Russia recorded one of the sharpest increases, with production rising from 310,000 tons to 430,000 tons, allowing it to move ahead of Kazakhstan in the global ranking.
Global zinc mine production reached an estimated 13 million tons in 2025, up from 11.9 million tons a year earlier. Worldwide zinc reserves were estimated at around 240 million tons, while total global resources stand at approximately 1.9 billion tons.
Zinc remains a key industrial metal, with its primary use in galvanized steel, particularly in the automotive and construction industries. It is also widely used in the production of brass, bronze and other zinc-based alloys.
The Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026, published by the USGS, provides one of the earliest comprehensive overviews of global mineral production in 2025, covering more than 90 minerals and materials.
https://caspianpost.com/kazakhstan/kazakhstan-remains-among-world-s-top-10-zinc-producers
By City A.M - Aug 26, 2026, 4:00 PM CDT
Octopus boss Greg Jackson has called on Andy Burnham to deliver “urgent reform” to the energy market to protect households from “volatile” gas prices.
Jackson, founder of the UK’s biggest household electricity supplier, said: “The government’s decision to take VAT off electricity and remove some of the levies from bills has helped soften the blow this winter, but bills are still too high.
“Britain remains far too exposed to volatile global gas prices. The wars in Ukraine and Iran have created an unprecedented double crisis, with gas prices more than doubling since the start of the year.
“We urgently need to reform the market, make better use of our wind, and let people benefit from cheaper prices when green energy is abundant.”
Jackson’s comments came after energy regulator watchdog said it will hike its cap on household bills by four per cent to £1,723 per year in October.
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Energy prices are set to spiral further next year, with Cornwall Insight forecasting the price cap will jump by another nine per cent to £1,872 from January.
Households will have to spend £264 more on energy bills within a decade, according to analysts at Boston Consulting.
Burnham urged to allow North Sea drilling
Jackson, who founded clean energy provider Octopus in 2015, has previously called on the government to allow drilling in the North Sea.
He claims that new drilling in the oilfields would bolster the UK’s energy security and push down prices, warning that the country is “staring down the barrel” of an energy crisis.
Andy Burnham had been expected to decide whether to allow new North Sea drilling after consultations on the Rosebank and Jackdaw gasfields ended earlier this month.
But the Prime Minister has reportedly opted to push his decision on the contentious topic back until the autumn over fears around the “optics” of approving new drilling during a summer of record heat, drought and wildfires.
Ofgem’s price cap hike has put Burnham in line for heavy criticism from political opposition figures after he pledged to cut living costs for working households.
Shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins described the bills hike as “outrageous,” accusing the government of “broken promises”.
“The winter fuel allowance was so important to so many of my constituents, because many of them used that payment in order to be able to fill their heating oil tanks.
“But instead now we have rising bills under this government, and my worry is not only will households suffer, people at home suffer with this,” she told GB News.
Following the West Asia war, the issuance of new LPG connections was temporarily halted across the country as vital import routes through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted. Since April 2026, oil companies in Karnataka, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), have received around 36,069 applications for new connections.
These figures were revealed by Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Rizwan Arshad while replying to an unstarred question raised by Member of the Legislative Council Tippanna Kamaknoor in the Council recently.
Mr. Arshad said, “From April 2026 to July 2026, around 36.62 lakh LPG cylinders were delivered to consumers across the State. However, after the war involving Israel, the United States and Iran began in April 2026, new LPG connections were not provided. The department had advised gas agencies to provide 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders to consumers who had applied for new connections instead of issuing 14.2-kg LPG connections.”
The Minister noted that these measures were taken in accordance with instructions from the Union government and to prioritise the supply of LPG refills to existing consumers.
“Once the situation normalises, new LPG connections will be provided to consumers across the State,” Mr. Arshad said.
He also said that the State government had urged domestic LPG producers to increase production.
Elaborating on the measures taken, Mr. Arshad said, “In the initial phase of the crisis, LPG supply to the commercial and industrial sectors was regulated to meet the demand for essential cooking gas. More importantly, C3 and C4 hydrocarbon streams, which are normally used as feedstock in the petrochemical industry, were diverted on a priority basis for domestic LPG supply.
“The Essential Commodities Act, 1955, was invoked to regulate the distribution of LPG and ensure that LPG connections were made available equitably to all consumers,” he said.
To prevent household consumers from booking additional LPG cylinders, the department introduced a minimum gap of 25 days between two refills in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas, the Minister said.
He added that, to reduce dependence on LPG, the department has taken steps to create awareness about PNG connections and the use of alternative sources of energy, including electricity, for cooking.
In addition, the department has taken measures to prevent the illegal diversion of domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use, as well as the hoarding of cylinders by hotels, suppliers and others.
Oil prices dropped sharply for the third day in a row on Wednesday (August 26), reflecting renewed optimism about the stability of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. crude fell over 1.5 percent to around $81 a barrel and briefly hit $79, a level not seen since August 13. Brent crude, the international benchmark, was also down about 2 percent, trading just under $86 per barrel.
This slide comes as headlines from the Middle East signal potential progress in diplomatic talks, which has reassured global markets that supply disruptions could ease. The Strait of Hormuz, which previously carried about one-fifth of the world’s oil, remains at the center of these developments. Recent reports indicate that negotiations between Oman and Iran are at an advanced stage, with hopes to reopen the waterway “as soon as possible,” according to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry.
However, the situation remains complex. Tehran maintains that reopening the strait is tied to conditions including U.S. war reparations and the lifting of sanctions. Despite these challenges, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States has “total control” over the strait, even though actual shipping activity remains far below pre-war levels.
Market analysts caution that although the number of tankers passing through the strait has increased, it is still only a fraction of normal traffic. The U.S. Energy Information Administration recently stated that oil production in the Middle East is unlikely to return to pre-conflict levels until early 2027 and expects Brent prices to average $87 a barrel in 2026.
Investors remain watchful of ongoing tensions, including recent attacks on vessels and disagreements over the use of unfrozen Iranian assets. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is also monitoring the possibility of Iraq seeking a higher production quota or leaving the group, which could affect future supply levels.
As the region’s political and security environment continues to shift, oil prices are likely to remain sensitive to new headlines and any further signs of progress or setbacks in reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz. For now, renewed optimism is driving prices lower, but analysts warn that risks remain if talks stall or violence resumes.
Saudi Aramco has offered more oil for loading outside the Strait of Hormuz in September, four sources with knowledge of the matter said on Wednesday, after the producer sold at least 4 million barrels to China this month.
Shipping data indicates that Aramco has resorted to shuttling cargoes aboard tankers with their trackers switched off to evade attacks during transit through the strait, which was used by a fifth of the world's oil and gas before the U.S.-Iran war broke out on February 28.
Aramco has declined to comment.
Aramco has started a sales process for Arab Medium and Arab Heavy crude with Asian buyers for a second consecutive week, with cargoes offered via ship-to-ship (STS) transfers off Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates or Sohar in Oman, both outside the strait, the sources said. Bids are due by Wednesday, one of the sources said.
The offers come after two supertankers carrying 4 million barrels of Saudi crude were bound for China after loading the cargoes via STS transfers off Sohar, shipping data from Vortexa and Kpler showed.
Very large crude carrier Singapore Prosperity transferred its Saudi crude cargo around August 22 to the VLCC Xin Hui Yang, which is expected to arrive at eastern Chinese Ningbo port on September 15, the data showed.
On Tuesday, VLCC Algeria Prosperity transferred its cargo to the VLCC Xin Han Yang, which is expected to arrive at the Zhanjiang port in southern China on September 12. Both cargoes are to be delivered to the world's largest refiner Sinopec, according to Vortexa. Sinopec did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Aramco also sold at least 4 million barrels of the heavier grades to PetroChina and Sinochem last week after resuming oil loading at the Ras Tanura port earlier in August.
(Reuters)
https://www.maritimeprofessional.com/news/aramco-offers-loadings-outside-hormuz-422411
CrossBoundary Energy’s solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage system serving the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo reached commercial operation on August 12, 2026, and is now supplying 30 MW of continuous baseload power to Kamoa Copper. The milestone comes 16 months after Kamoa Copper signed a power purchase agreement with CrossBoundary Energy in April 2025, marking the transition of the project from commissioning into commercial operation.
The facility comprises 233 MWp of solar photovoltaic capacity and a 123 MVA/526 MWh battery energy storage system, designed to provide at least 30 MW of firm power to the mining complex. The battery system allows electricity generated during daylight hours to be stored and dispatched when solar generation falls, enabling the project to provide continuous power rather than intermittent daytime supply. CrossBoundary Energy said the project is the first operational solar-plus-battery facility of its type and scale in Africa to provide baseload power.
The new power supply forms part of Kamoa-Kakula’s broader efforts to strengthen electricity reliability at the operation. Kamoa Copper, which is jointly owned by Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group and the DRC government, has been developing additional solar and battery capacity alongside upgrades to the DRC grid as it seeks to reduce exposure to power interruptions and reliance on diesel-generated electricity.
The start of commercial operations represents a meaningful power-supply milestone for Kamoa-Kakula, where electricity reliability remains important to maintaining stable mining and processing operations. The new 30 MW firm renewable supplyshould provide an additional source of continuous power alongside existing grid and backup generation, while reducing reliance on diesel. The development is particularly relevant as Kamoa-Kakula continues to manage operational and infrastructure constraints, making improved power availability an important factor in supporting more stable copper production.
Provided by Dow Jones Aug 27, 2026 at 2:15:00 PM
Tiny Nuclear Reactors Are Coming to Army Bases. AI Data Centers Could Be Next.
The U.S. Army selected five companies to build nuclear microreactors at military bases, with the first one switching on as soon as September 2028.
Key Highlights
A Partner-Funded Copper Story
Shares of Kincora Copper Limited (TSXV: KCC) climbed 10.47% on 25 August 2026, adding to a volatile run in the small-cap copper-gold explorer this year. The gain comes less than two weeks after second-quarter results confirmed roughly A$12 million in cash, a near-complete Mongolian exit, and two active Australian drill programs awaiting assays.
Drilling and Partnerships
AngloGold Ashanti continues to fund and drill at Nevertire South under an arrangement that has grown to commit up to $100 million in partner funding, while Kincora completed the first systematic drilling at its Condobolin project in over a decade, with assays still pending. A formal partnering process is also underway across four further Lachlan Fold Belt targets.
Why the Stock Is Moving
No single company-specific announcement was identified dated to the Trading session itself. The gain likely reflects a mix of lingering investor interest in pending Condobolin and Nevertire South assay results and a broader copper-market backdrop that has kept exploration names in favour.
Opportunities & Risks
Conclusion
Kincora Copper's 10.47% advance on 25 August 2026 extends a pattern of sharp, sentiment-driven moves in a company reshaping itself around a partner-funded Australian exploration strategy. With no resource estimate yet in hand, investors weighing this rally may want to focus on the substance of forthcoming assay results rather than the size of any single day's move.
TSX-V-listed Highland Copper has garnered final approval by the Michigan Strategic Fund for a $50-million performance-based grant to develop the Copperwood project, in Michigan.
The funding is being awarded under the state's Strategic Site Readiness Programme, with the grant consisting of $44.9-million to Highland Copper's subsidiary, Copperwood Resources, for infrastructure expenditures associated with the development of the Copperwood project, and $5-million to the Gogebic County Road Commission to support critical local infrastructure improvements associated with the project.
Notably, the Gogebic County Road Commission also secured a $7-million Transportation Economic Development Fund grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation, also for improvements to County Road 519.
Highland Copper says the Michigan government thoroughly reviewed the copper project following a recommendation by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which Highland Copper CEO Barry O'Shea says reflects the importance of the project's development to the Upper Peninsula while meeting the state's rigorous environmental standards.
The funding will be provided through performance-based reimbursements for eligible site-readiness and infrastructure expenditures, including roads, power and communications infrastructure required to advance Copperwood.
These investments are also expected to deliver broader regional benefits through improved transportation, utility infrastructure and cellular and broadband connectivity.
O'Shea affirms that with the grant funding, together with a letter of interest having been received from the US Export-Import Bank, Highland Copper's capacity to finance Copperwood is considerably strengthened.
The Copperwood project is supported by more than 22 formal resolutions from governmental agencies and ten letters of support from local and regional stakeholders, reflecting broad recognition of the long-term economic opportunity associated with the responsible development of Copperwood.
With Copperwood fully permitted and this important state funding now approved, the project is positioned to bring significant investment and economic activity to the Western Upper Peninsula through local employment, procurement, services and infrastructure development.
Copperwood also has the potential to establish a new domestic source of copper and strengthen the US supply chain for a critical mineral essential to energy infrastructure, manufacturing and economic security.
Denarius Metals has completed a C$28.8 million strategic investment in Copper Giant Resources and closed a C$28.81 million private placement with Trafigura to fund the transaction.
Denarius subscribed for 40 million Copper Giant shares at C$0.72 each, giving it an approximately 15.34% ownership interest in the copper developer.
Denarius CEO Federico Restrepo-Solano has also joined Copper Giant’s advisory board.
The investment provides Denarius with exposure to Copper Giant’s Mocoa copper-molybdenum project in southern Colombia, which Copper Giant describes as one of the largest undeveloped resources of its kind in the Americas.
Concurrent with the Copper Giant investment, Trafigura subsidiary Urion Investments Holdings purchased Denarius securities for approximately C$28.81 million.
Urion acquired 67 million Denarius common shares and 12.5 million warrants at C$0.43 per unit.
Each warrant can be exercised at C$0.60 per share through August 21, 2029.
Denarius used the private placement proceeds to finance its Copper Giant investment.
The transaction significantly increases Trafigura’s ownership of Denarius.
Before the financing, Trafigura held approximately 1.73% of Denarius’ outstanding common shares.
Following closing, Trafigura beneficially owns and controls approximately 74.58 million shares, representing about 14.79% of the company’s outstanding common stock.
Trafigura also holds approximately 19.18 million warrants.
Assuming full warrant exercise, its ownership could rise to approximately 17.92% on a partially diluted basis.
Denarius currently operates mining projects across Colombia and Spain.
In Colombia, the company is in early production at its Zancudo gold-silver project while completing a 1,000-tonne-per-day processing facility expected to begin producing high-grade concentrates in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Its Spanish portfolio includes the Aguablanca nickel-copper project, the Lomero polymetallic project and the Toral zinc-lead-silver project.
On August 26, LME three-month zinc rose to around $3,950/mt during intraday trading, its highest level in nearly four years, moving closer to the key $4,000/mt threshold. The rally was supported by a combination of regional supply imbalances in overseas refined zinc markets, a tight nearby structure and increased fund participation.
On August 25, the LME cash-to-three-month zinc backwardation stood at approximately $134/mt, while the Cash–September backwardation was around $78.50/mt, indicating continued tightness at the front of the curve. LME zinc inventories stood at approximately 95,100 mt, down 20.7% from the end of June, while warrant holdings remained highly concentrated. Around 17,000 mt of zinc has recently been delivered into LME warehouses, approximately two-thirds of which entered warehouses in Hong Kong. However, with the Chinese export arbitrage window remaining only marginally open, the additional deliveries have yet to materially ease the tight nearby structure in the London market.
Fund positioning has further increased zinc prices’ sensitivity to changes in inventories and time spreads. Aggregate long positions held by investment funds in LME zinc have exceeded 110,000 lots, indicating active bullish participation. However, position concentration data have yet to show clear dominance by any single long holder. In the short term, LME zinc may continue to test the $4,000/mt level. Key factors to monitor include the SHFE/LME ratio, Chinese refined zinc exports, the pace of deliveries into LME warehouses, and changes in LME position and warrant concentration.
Canada's aluminum industry is not worried about U.S. tariffs continuing into the new year.
While Canadian domestic producers will absorb the loss of U.S. business and find other customers, the U.S. will find it nearly impossible to replace its cheapest supplier, says Jean Simard, president and chief executive officer at Aluminum Association of Canada.
"We wish them good luck," says Simard.
The U.S. depends on Canada for 75 per cent of its imported primary aluminum, covering 60 per cent of its yearly usage, the association says.
With 50 per cent tariffs in place, he says American industries, not Canadian smelters, will bear the brunt of the financial pain, as U.S. manufacturers face soaring production costs.
"They're pricing themselves out of export markets because, basically, they're paying US$1500 to US$2,000 a tonne more for the metal than their competitors in Europe are paying for," says Simard.
Aluminum extrusions sit in storage at Magna Stainless and Aluminum in Montreal on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov