Gold retreats while platinum and palladium diverge after Fed tightening

[SMM Gold Flash] Cora Gold reported that fieldwork and three-dimensional plant modelling for front-end engineering design at its Sanankoro project in Mali had been completed. It also completed compensation for 174 hectares required for the planned tailings facility and upgraded the exploration camp, while geotechnical work covered the proposed process-plant and power-station sites. Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) remains targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026. These activities improve construction readiness but do not constitute construction approval: full development remains conditional on Mali granting the required mining permit. Cora previously secured a binding US$120 million gold-stream facility, subsequently amended to permit partial replacement by senior debt.

Shandong Gold stated at its 2026 semi-annual results briefing held on September 24 that the company has always been committed to seeking high-quality gold resources in China and overseas. In selecting M&A targets, the company prioritizes targets located on major metallogenic belts, with large resource reserves and significant potential for future exploration-driven reserve growth; under equal conditions, producing mines are given priority. For overseas targets, the company also takes into account factors such as the political situation and investment environment of the host country, so as to minimize investment risks as much as possible. The company is currently actively advancing several M&A projects.