【Flash | US DLA Cancels $250 Million 4N Indium Solicitation Without Award】

Peru’s Central Reserve Bank reported molybdenum export value of $187 million in August 2026, down 3.6% from the revised July figure but up 32.6% year on year. January–August export value reached $1.371 billion, up 23.6% year on year. The series measures FOB export value rather than physical volume or mine production.

[SMM Tantalum Flash] Aterian reports that its Rwanda-based mineral-trading subsidiary, generated about US$154,000 of unaudited gross profit in the three months to 30 September. This was its fourth consecutive quarter of gross profit. During Q3, the business moved processing into a new 500-square-metre facility at Gahanga, Kigali, causing a three-week disruption, while additional deliveries under new supply arrangements began only in the final week of September. The update provides evidence of continued trading profitability, but Aterian disclosed neither Q3 tonnage nor realised tantalum prices. The company said tantalum concentrate prices remained at multi-decade highs and expects the new suppliers to contribute more in Q4; that is guidance, not booked performance. Higher throughput at Gahanga also remains to be demonstrated, with delivery timing and scale dependent on supplier performance and operating conditions.

Zimbabwe's chrome and ferrochrome sales generated about US$221.8 million in export earnings in the first half of 2026, according to Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) figures cited as the government steps up enforcement in the chrome sector. The figure underlines what is at stake in the crackdown on illegal alluvial chrome mining, which the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development began on September 25. In a public notice dated October 2, 2026, Permanent Secretary Dr Thomas Utete Wushe directed all mining rights holders, regardless of scale, with outstanding statutory obligations to regularize their rights by December 31 or risk losing their claims. The notice came alongside the nationwide blitz inspections of alluvial chrome mining operations and processing plants, which are initially targeting Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Midlands provinces before extending to other parts of the country. Chrome is one of Zimbabwe's strategic minerals, and the ministry has asked the public to report suspected illegal alluvial chrome mining. The enforcement drive is meant to ensure that production comes from holders of valid mining rights, with operators found in breach facing suspension and other penalties.