Declines in auto production, sales widen in Apr: CAAM

[SMM Gold Flash] On 30th September 2026, Asante Gold announced that its senior lenders, stream purchaser and hedge counterparty had agreed to extend its deadline for securing at least US$100 million in new funding to 31 October. The deadline for a cost-to-complete certificate moved to 31 March 2027. Asante said it had agreed funding terms with Fujairah Holding, which requested more time for internal approvals. Final approval and signed funding agreements remain outstanding. The extensions give Asante more time to address financing requirements affecting its operating Bibiani and Chirano gold mines in Ghana. They do not resolve the funding requirement: completion of the proposed package is the next material milestone.

[SMM PGM Flash] Generation Mining has begun early construction at its Marathon copper–palladium project in northwestern Ontario. Work started after the company posted a C$6.5 million bond covering construction-phase site rehabilitation. Its wider early-works programme is planned to include access-road upgrades, water-management structures and temporary power through late 2026 and into 2027. The start moves a potential North American palladium and platinum source into physical site work. Generation’s feasibility study estimates about 2.16 million payable ounces of palladium and 488,000 ounces of platinum over a 13-year mine life; these are forecasts, not production. The company also expects to make about C$30 million in initial equipment payments, subject to final contracts and approvals.

[SMM Gold Flash] A draft mining bill reviewed by Reuters on 30 September would let Ghana’s mines minister require companies to issue the state a free special share with consent rights over major transactions. It would retain the existing 10% free-carried state interest and limit mining leases to 15 years or the projected mine life, whichever is shorter. The draft would also allow future rules requiring local processing and restricting exports of unprocessed concentrates. None of these proposals has been enacted; Reuters did not establish when the draft was prepared. For Ghana’s gold miners, the proposed rights and shorter leases could affect financing, valuations and renewal decisions. Under the draft, existing rights holders seeking renewal would receive priority consideration for equivalent licences. Mining companies expect further consultation before parliamentary debate, Reuters reported. The final wording and timing remain uncertain.