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Editor’s Picks: Gold Knocks Out Inflation-Adjusted High, Silver Breaks US$42

Investing 4 Mins Read

Gold’s record-setting price run continued this week, with yet another new all-time high in the books. Silver also fared well, breaking US$42 per ounce.

According to Bloomberg, gold has now also surpassed its inflation-adjusted all-time high of US$850 per ounce, which it set more than 45 years ago on January 21, 1980. The news outlet notes that at the time the US was dealing with currency issues, inflation and recession concerns.

These are problems that sound all too familiar today. This week brought the release of the latest US consumer price index (CPI) data, which shows a 0.4 percent month-on-month increase for the all-items index — that’s ahead of estimates and the most since the start of 2025.

Meanwhile, core CPI, which excludes the food and energy categories, was up 0.3 percent from July. On an annual basis, core CPI was up 3.1 percent, while overall CPI rose 2.9 percent.

US producer price index (PPI) data also came out this week.

The index, which measures costs at a wholesale level, showed an unexpected 0.1 percent month-on-month decrease for August; the result was the same for core PPI.

Attention is now shifting to the US Federal Reserve’s next meeting, which is set to run from September 16 to 17. For weeks now the central bank has been widely expected to cut interest rates, and experts believe this week’s CPI and PPI numbers support that idea.

“Today’s CPI may appear to offset yesterday’s PPI, but it wasn’t hot enough to distract the Fed from the softening jobs picture. That translates into a rate cut next week — and, likely, more to come’ — Ellen Zentner, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

CME Group’s (NASDAQ:CME) FedWatch tool now shows odds of 93.9 percent for a 25 basis point cut, while the likelihood of a 50 basis point reduction stands at 6.1 percent.

Bullet briefing — Mining majors in mega M&A, Newmont to exit TSX

Anglo, Teck to merge in US$53 billion deal

Anglo American (LSE:AAL,OTCQX:AAUKF) and Teck Resources (TSX:TECK.A,TSX:TECK.B,NYSE:TECK) announced that they plan to merge in a US$53 billion transaction.

The new entity, which the companies say will be one of the world’s largest copper producers, will have assets in Canada, the US, Latin America and Southern Africa.

Its primary listing will be in London, but its headquarters will be in Canada — a commitment that Teck CEO Jonathan Price told BNN Bloomberg will be ‘perpetual.’ In a bid to safeguard its critical minerals sector, Canada said last year that it will only greenlight foreign takeovers of large critical minerals miners in ‘exceptional circumstances.’

The companies expect annual pre-tax synergies of about US$800 million by the end of the fourth year following the completion of the arrangement.

Experts say the zero-premium, all-share tie up is the second largest mining deal ever, and the biggest in more than a decade. It comes not long after other high-profile M&A attempts involving both companies — Teck rejected a bid from (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) in 2023, and Anglo turned down an offer from BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP) last year.

Newmont to delist from TSX

While the Anglo-Teck deal puts Canada front and center, major miner Newmont (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM,ASX:NEM) is backing away from the northern nation. The company said it has applied to voluntarily delist its shares from the TSX amid low volumes.

Newmont also said the move will help boost administrative efficiency and reduce expenses. The firm has faced increasing costs since acquiring Newcrest Mining in 2023, and sources familiar with the matter recently told Bloomberg that it’s looking to lower costs by around 20 percent.

Newmont will retain its primary listing in New York, as well as listings in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Its TSX delisting is expected to be effective on September 24.

Barrick to sell Hemlo for US$1.09 billion

Also making a move away from Canada this week was Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B), which has agreed to sell its Hemlo gold mine to Carcetti Capital (TSXV:CART.H) for US$1.09 billion.

Located in Ontario, Hemlo has operated for 30 years, producing over 21 million ounces of gold during that time. The sale comes as Barrick divests non-core assets and pivots toward copper.

The company put Hemlo up for sale earlier this year, and in July was rumored to be selling the operation to Discovery Silver (TSX:DSV,OTCQX:DSVSF); that deal ultimately didn’t pan out.

Carcetti will be renamed Hemlo Mining once the transaction closes, and is expected to uplist from the TSX Venture Exchange’s NEX Board. Its backers include Robert Quartermain, who is known for leading SSR Mining (TSX:SSRM,NASDAQ:SSRM) and Pretium Resources.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Providence Gold Mines Inc. Announces Financing Update on the La Dama de Oro Gold Property

Investing 5 Mins Read

(TheNewswire)

VANCOUVER September 12, 2025 TheNewswire – Providence Gold Mines Inc. (‘Providence’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce a non brokered Unit Private Placement Financing of up to $250,000 through the issuance of 5,000,000 units oof the Company (each a ‘Unit’) the (‘Private Placement’). Each Unit will consist of one Common Share and one full Warrant exercisable for a period of two years. The Unit is priced at $0.05 for one Common Share in the Capital of the Company (a ‘Common Share’) and one nontransferable full Warrant. Each nontransferable Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional Common Share at a price of $0.05 for a period of 24 months from the date of closing of the Private Placement will be subject to the approval of the TSXV.

All securities issued with respect to the Private Placement will be subject to a four month plus one day hold period from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities laws. Closing of the Private Placement is subject to all necessary regulatory approvals. The Company intends to issue the Units pursuant to the prospectus exemptions set out in National Instrument 45-106- Prospectus Exemptions including the accredited investor exemption and family, friends, and business associates’ exemption.

The Company intends to use funds from the net proceeds for Regulatory Fees, sampling and evaluation of the existing potential underground mineralization at the La Dama De Oro , historical ‘Ace in the Hole stope’ , located near surface, geochemical surface survey and administration

As reported previously, an NI 43 101 has been submitted to the TMX V Exchange for review and approval., The Regulators initial review determined that the submission would be treated as a Fundamental Transaction requiring additional information and the Company is responding accordingly.

Property Summary:

Permits for a Bulk Sample, Water, Road Access, Environmental, Plan of Operation, Mill Site have been approved. To date, there has not been any known drilling or modern-day Scientific exploration or identified NI 43 101 resources.

The La Dama de Oro Property is in the Silver Mountain Mining District, within the structurally complex Eastern California Shear Zone and the intersection with the San Andreas Fault Zone. Bedrock geology includes Mesozoic quartz monzonite that intrudes the Jurassic Sidewinder Volcanics. The structural history of the region implies a sequence of compressional and extensional events that reactivated favorably oriented zones of weakness for the circulation of hydrothermal fluids. The main zone of mineralization is hosted by the La Dama de Oro Fault, a shallow northeast-dipping oblique-slip fault.

The mineralization at the property is classified as a structurally controlled, low-sulfidation epithermal gold-silver vein system. Gold and silver mineralization is associated with multi-phase quartz veining, brecciation, and pervasive hydrothermal alteration along the La Dama de Oro Fault. The largest known vein is 4.5 feet at its widest point and remains open to exploration for over 6,000 feet. The gold system has robust potential not just within the La Dama de Oro vein, but as well for additional undiscovered veins along the fault system.

Ronald A. Coombes, President & CEO commented; ‘having all permits in place gives certainty to realize potential future opportunity for production at the La Dama de Oro mine ‘ .

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Zachary Black, SME-RM, a Qualified Person as defined under NI 43-101. Mr. Black is a consultant and is independent of Providence Gold Mines Inc.

For more information, please contact Ronald Coombes, President, and CEO directly at

6047242369.

Ronald A. Coombes, President & CE

Phone: 604 724 2369

roombes@providencegold.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Neither the OTCQB and or the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this press release relative to markets about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to the permitting process, future production of Providence Gold Mines, budget and timing estimates, the Company’s working capital and financing opportunities and statements regarding the exploration and mineralization potential of the Company’s properties, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward- looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Providence Gold Mines expectations include fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and native groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; and uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Providence Gold Mines does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statement

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

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Altech Batteries LtdCERENERGY Battery Prototype Reaches Key Milestones

Investing 6 Mins Read

Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) (OTCMKTS:ALTHF) is pleased to announce the latest performance results of the CERENERGY(R) cell and battery pack prototypes. These results confirm the technological maturity and robustness of the CERENERGY(R) technology and mark another decisive step towards industrialisation.

Highlights

– 650+ cycles with no capacity loss, proving exceptional material stability and long operational lifespan compared to conventional batteries

– Near 100% Coulombic efficiency, confirming minimal side reactions and strong intrinsic safety of sodium nickel chloride chemistry

– High energy efficiency of up to 92%, surpassing typical 70-80% levels of competing battery technologies

– Proven safety under extreme conditions – cells remained stable during overcharge, deep discharge, and thermal cycling up to 300 degC with no gassing, leakage, or rupture

– Robust and reliable chemistry – sodium nickel chloride avoids flammable electrolytes and runaway risks, confirming suitability for safe, large-scale grid and renewable energy storage

– ABS60 prototype validated under real-world conditions -tested across diverse load profiles, high-current pulses up to 50 A, and thermal variations

– Stable, efficient performance – achieved ~88% round-trip efficiency with no observable capacity fade over 110+ cycles

CELL PERFORMANCE

The CERENERGY(R) prototype cells have successfully completed over 650 charge-discharge cycles without any detectable capacity loss. Cycle life is a critical measure of battery durability, as most conventional batteries experience gradual degradation with every cycle. Achieving such performance highlights the outstanding stability of the materials and points to the potential for a long operational lifespan.

For stationary energy storage systems (ESS), this translates into fewer battery replacements, lower lifetime operating costs, and greater reliability for end users.

The cells also delivered nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency alongside an energy efficiency of up to 92% across 650 cycles. Coulombic efficiency reflects the proportion of charge recovered during discharge relative to what was supplied during charging. A value approaching 100% indicates minimal side reactions or parasitic losses, confirming the intrinsic stability and safety of sodium nickel chloride chemistry. This high efficiency demonstrates that the cells are not expending energy on unwanted processes such as electrode degradation. Such performance is vital for scalability, ensuring reliable, longterm operation in commercial energy storage applications.

Energy efficiency represents the proportion of energy delivered relative to the energy supplied. Competing technologies, including conventional high-temperature batteries and many flow batteries, typically achieve only around 70-80%. By reaching 92%, CERENERGY(R) positions itself in a highly competitive class, offering more cost-effective energy storage, stronger economics for grid operators, and seamless compatibility with the requirements of renewable energy integration.

The cells achieved a nominal capacity of 100 Ah and 250 Wh, with reliable performance even at higher discharge rates. A key feature is their ability to support multiple daily charge-discharge cycles within the 20-80% state of charge (SoC) range at 25 A. This capability positions CERENERGY(R) as a highly flexible solution for grid operators and energy storage providers, enabling cost-efficient, long-life performance in applications that demand frequent cycling such as renewable integration, peak shaving, and backup power.

CERENERGY(R) prototype cells underwent rigorous abuse testing, including overcharge to 4 V, deep discharge to 0.2 V, and thermal cycling between room temperature and 300 degC. In all cases, the cells remained stable with no gassing, leakage, or rupture -clear proof of their outstanding safety. These results highlight the intrinsic stability of sodium nickel chloride chemistry, which avoids the flammable electrolytes and runaway risks common in lithium-ion batteries. The ability to withstand extreme electrical and thermal stress demonstrates CERENERGY(R)’s robustness and confirms its suitability for safe, largescale deployment in grid, renewable, and industrial energy storage applications. This was achieved over 3 cycles with 1.8 Full Charge Equivalent (FCE) into 22 hours.

BATTERY PACK ABS60 (60 kWh) PROTOTYPE

The first ABS60 battery pack prototype has been successfully validated under real-world operating conditions, marking a major step forward in product readiness. Testing included diverse load profiles,

continuous discharges at 25 A (equivalent to C-rate of C/4 (discharges in 4 hours), or one-quarter of the pack’s rated capacity per hour) at 80% depth of discharge (DoD), short-duration high-current pulses up to 50 A, and carefully controlled thermal variations.

The pack consistently demonstrated stable performance, achieving ~88% round-trip efficiency while maintaining reliable thermal management. Efficiency refers to the proportion of input energy that can be retrieved during operation-a critical measure of economic viability for large-scale storage. Over more than 110 cycles, results showed no observable capacity fading and only a slight increase in internal resistance. Capacity fading refers to the gradual decline in usable energy over repeated cycles, while internal resistance influences power delivery and heat generation.

The absence of meaningful degradation confirms the durability and electrochemical stability of the ABS60 design. These outcomes are highly significant as they demonstrate that the pack can withstand real-world duty cycles while retaining performance and efficiency, translating into longer service life, fewer replacements, and lower total cost of ownership.

For grid operators and renewable integration projects, this combination of robust cycling capability, efficiency, and thermal stability underscores the ABS60’s commercial readiness and competitive advantage in the stationary energy storage market.

These results are a strong confirmation of CERENERGY(R)’s technological leadership and a clear signal of the technology’s competitiveness and robustness for future applications in energy storage and industrial markets.

Group Managing Director, Iggy Tan said ‘These results confirm CERENERGY(R)’s robustness and readiness for market adoption. Demonstrating long cycle life, high efficiency, and unmatched safety, we are now strongly positioned to deliver a competitive and sustainable alternative for grid and industrial energy storage.’

*To view photographs, tables and figures, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/17QS44T3

About Altech Batteries Ltd:

Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) is a specialty battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with world leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS (‘Fraunhofer’) to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. CERENERGY(R) batteries are the game-changing alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY(R) batteries are fire and explosion-proof; have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates. The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free; cobalt-free; graphite-free; and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns.

The joint venture is commercialising its CERENERGY(R) battery, with plans to construct a 100MWh production facility on Altech’s land in Saxony, Germany. The facility intends to produce CERENERGY(R) battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.

Source:
Altech Batteries Ltd

Contact:
Corporate
Iggy Tan
Managing Director
Altech Batteries Limited
Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
Email: info@altechgroup.com

Martin Stein
Chief Financial Officer
Altech Batteries Limited
Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
Email: info@altechgroup.com

News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia

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Canada’s First Set of Nation-Building Projects Paves Way for Mining, Energy Operations

Investing 3 Mins Read

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the country’s first five nation-building projects.

In March and April, the Build Canada Strong platform was a cornerstone of Carney’s election campaign, which came amid increasing trade tensions between Canada and the US. Among his promises was to create a Major Projects Office (MPO) that would review projects deemed to be in the national interest.

That office was established over the summer, with a release saying it would be headquartered in Calgary and overseen by former TransAlta (TSX:TA,NYSE:TSE) and Trans Mountain CEO Dawn Farrell.

The MPO was created as part of a shift in the regulatory framework for approving infrastructure and resource projects in Canada. Part of that will involve streamlining reviews and assessments, as well as reducing duplication between the federal and provincial governments, an issue that has hindered investment in Canada over the last 20 years.

“One of many studies has shown that the regulatory requirements in Canada have increased by more than 40 percent since 2006 and that’s been suppressing investment growth by 9 percent,” Carney said on Thursday (September 11).

In his statement, the prime minister introduced the first tranche of projects, and suggested the second will be announced before the Canadian Football League’s Grey Cup match, scheduled for November 16.

He also outlined criteria for projects to be covered by the MPO. They must be in the national interest, and must strengthen Canada’s autonomy, resilience and security; they must also have clear benefits for Canadians.

The first group of projects selected by the MPO has already seen significant development.

The prime minister noted that they have already been through extensive consultation with Indigenous communities, and have worked with provincial and territorial governments to meet necessary regulatory standards.

For these, Carney said the goal is for the MPO to get them across the finish line.

“In some cases, they are in the last stages of regulatory approvals. In most cases, there is some aspect of the financing or support packages for the projects that remain to be determined,” he said.

Mining, energy projects highlighted in first tranche

Among the first five projects featured are three involving Canada’s mining and energy sectors:

        Additionally, the MPO has committed to supporting the Darlington New Nuclear Project in Clarington, Ontario. This project aims to develop the first small modular reactor in a G7 country.

        The MPO will also help speed up the expansion of the Contrecour Terminal container project at the Port of Montreal. This expansion is expected to boost shipping volumes along the St. Lawrence Seaway.

        A project that could be included in a future announcement is the Pathways Plus carbon capture project, which the prime minister said will eventually lead to further oil sands development and the construction of a pipeline to reach markets beyond the US. Additionally, Carney said the MPO is looking at upgrades to the Port of Churchill, as well as an Arctic economic and security corridor, a high-speed rail corridor between Toronto and Québec City and Wind West Atlantic Energy, which would provide wind power to the provinces on the Atlantic coast.

        Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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        Newmont to Exit Toronto Stock Exchange as Cost Cuts Deepen

        Investing 3 Mins Read

        Newmont (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM,ASX:NEM) is preparing to withdraw from the Toronto Stock Exchange later this month, the latest in a string of moves to streamline operations and rein in costs following its US$15 billion takeover of Newcrest Mining in 2023.

        The Denver-based miner said Wednesday it has applied for a voluntary delisting of its common shares from the TSX, effective at the close of trading on September 24.

        The company cited “low trading volumes” on the Canadian exchange and said the decision is expected to “improve administrative efficiency and reduce costs for the benefit of Newmont’s shareholders.”

        Newmont’s shares will continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange, where it maintains its primary listing, as well as on the Australian Securities Exchange and the Papua New Guinea Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol NEM.

        Rising costs and restructuring plans

        Newmont’s all-in sustaining costs reached record levels earlier this year, eroding profits even as bullion prices hit all-time highs above US$3,500 an ounce in April and remained above US$3,300 through most of the summer.

        The company has acknowledged that its cost base has outpaced peers. In the second quarter, Newmont’s costs were nearly 25 percent higher than those of Agnico Eagle Mines, a Canadian rival considered one of the industry’s leanest producers.

        Costs have also risen more than 50 percent over the past five years, driven by higher energy, labor, and material prices, as well as integration expenses tied to Newcrest’s operations.

        Chief Executive Officer Tom Palmer told investors in July that Newmont was pursuing additional measures to lower its expenses.

        Behind the scenes, Newmont has been preparing for more aggressive measures.

        People familiar with the matter told Bloomberg News that management has set an internal target to lower costs by as much as US$300 per ounce, or roughly 20 percent.

        Meeting that benchmark could require thousands of layoffs across the company’s global workforce of about 22,000, excluding contractors.

        While Newmont has not disclosed the scope of planned reductions, some employees have already been informed of redundancies, according to the report. Managers have also been briefed on potential curbs to long-term incentive programs as part of a broader restructuring.

        A company spokesperson confirmed earlier this year that Newmont launched a cost and productivity improvement program in February.

        Alongside cost cutting, Newmont has moved swiftly to divest non-core assets acquired in the Newcrest deal.

        Since late 2024, the company has sold multiple Canadian operations: the Eleonore mine for about US$795 million, the Musselwhite mine in Ontario for $850 million, and its stake in the Porcupine operations for US$425 million.

        The asset sales are intended not only to cut debt but also to sharpen focus on higher-margin operations, particularly in North America and Australia.

        Despite higher costs, Newmont shares have surged 95 percent this year, followed by also announcing a US$3 billion share repurchase program in July.

        Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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        WPIC: Platinum to Hit Third Annual Deficit as Supply Fails to Meet Demand

        Investing 6 Mins Read

        Platinum is heading for a third consecutive annual deficit in 2025, with the World Platinum Investment Council (WPIC) projecting an 850,000 ounce shortfall as demand continues to outpace weak mine supply.

        In its latest Platinum Quarterly, the WPIC states that despite a 22 percent year-on-year decline in demand, a lack of metal is expected to create a supply shortfall that’s only 13 percent lower than 2024’s 968,000 ounce shortfall.

        Its call comes amid a price breakout for platinum, which pushed past US$1,450 per ounce in July.

        Why is the platinum market in deficit?

        The biggest challenge for platinum has been weak refined production, which slipped to 1.45 million ounces during the quarter from 1.54 million ounces produced during the same time last year.

        This has led the WPIC to predict a 6 percent decrease in primary supply to 5.43 million ounces, down from the 5.76 million ounces produced in 2024. Output declines in top producer South Africa have had outsized effects on supply, as Q1 output came in at just 713,000 ounces, as heavy rainfalls negatively impacted production.

        Although output grew to 1.05 million ounces in the second quarter, it was still 8 percent lower than in Q2 2024.

        Additional decreases to output are also expected in Zimbabwe and North America, slipping 4 percent and 26 percent, respectively. However, Russia is set to see a 1 percent rise in output, increasing to 686,000 ounces from 677,000 in 2024.

        On a more positive note, recycling supply saw an increase to 423,000 ounces during Q2 from 379,000 reported in 2024. This has led the WPIC to predict a 6 percent annual increase to 1.6 million ounces from 1.52 million last year.

        The majority of this increase comes from growth in automotive recycling, aided by higher platinum group basket prices. However, the WPIC notes that despite the growth, recycling will remain depressed compared to historic levels.

        The WPIC predicts an overall supply decrease of 3 percent in 2025 to 7.03 million ounces, from 7.28 million ounces in 2024. With three years of deficits, the group is also expecting further drawdowns of above-ground stocks with a 22 percent decrease to 2.98 million ounces, representing four and a half months of demand coverage.

        In recent years, stockpiles have fallen from 5.51 million ounces in 2022 to 4.8 million ounces in 2023 and 3.83 million ounces in 2024.

        “I don’t think we’re going to see any meaningful mine supply response at these levels. It’s also worth bearing in mind that these are, for the most part, deep-level underground mines. So even if we had another 50 percent increase in the basket price, you’re still not going to see a supply response over the near to medium term,” he said.

        Watch Sterck discuss the platinum market.

        He went on to explain that development times for mining operations will take several years and wouldn’t be possible on time frames shorter than 18 months.

        “Recycling is definitely much more price elastic than mine supply over the near to medium term,” Sterck said.

        However, he added that while people tend to scrap vehicles at a consistent rate, the pace and overall supply entering the market from the auto sector is constrained.

        “Yes, we’ve seen quite a big increase in the platinum price year to date, but it’s not the main driver of the economics for those scrap aggregators and recyclers. It’s really more of a palladium story, even more so than rhodium. So, you need a sustained increase in palladium prices to drive a meaningful change there,” Sterck said.

        Demand to weaken in 2025, jewelry a bright spot

        Despite the expected deficit, the WPIC expects demand to weaken this year.

        Q2 saw automotive demand fall to 769,000 ounces, down from 788,000 ounces in the year-ago period.

        The WPIC’s expectation is that the auto sector will require 3.03 million ounces of platinum in 2025, a 3 percent decrease from the 3.11 million ounces needed in 2024. Likewise, the council is expecting a decrease in industrial demand for the metal as consumption drops off by 22 percent to 1.9 million, down from 2.42 million ounces last year.

        Jewelry demand, however, has been on the rise, with the expectation that it will increase by 11 percent to 2.23 million ounces in 2025. The WPIC suggests the higher growth is owed to its discount relative to gold, and notes that it is seeing the most substantial increase in China — fabrication is seen growing 42 percent in 2025 to 585,000 ounces.

        “What’s driving that increase has been fabrication funded by wholesalers, and they’re promoting platinum because they’ve seen a huge drop in their gold jewelry sales,” Sterck explained.

        Despite an increase in holdings of bars, coins and exchange-traded funds, overall investment demand was dragged down in Q2 by a 317,000 ounce decrease in stocks held in exchanges due to tariff-related concerns.

        Sterck said ongoing uncertainty in the platinum market earlier this year caused physical metal to shift from overseas markets into the US as traders began to worry about tariffs being applied.

        Although movement reversed as traders were told tariffs wouldn’t be applied, fears were later stoked when copper tariffs were announced, and an “ideological disconnect” between the White House and South Africa emerged.

        “Given that the current US administration has shown that it is willing to use tariffs as a kind of stick, if you like, for enacting foreign policy, you kind of come back to this sort of whole situation where there’s a non-zero chance of platinum being subject to tariffs in the US,” Sterck commented during the conversation.

        Overall, the WPIC expects total platinum demand to drop by 4 percent year-on-year in 2025 to 7.88 million ounces.

        Will the platinum price rise further in 2025?

        Fundamentals should remain the primary driver for platinum. Despite weakening demand through the first half of 2025, a structural deficit in the market still exists due to a lack of supply to close the gap.

        However, Sterck suggested the mining supply is likely to increase before the end of the year.

        “This year was particularly accentuated by flooding in South Africa during the first quarter of the year, so we do expect a bit of an increase in mining supply,” he said. However, he also noted that until there are more significant changes to the amount of supply, the price conditions aren’t likely to change much.

        “Fundamentally, at the moment, it just appears that the platinum price at current levels isn’t sufficient to attract enough metal into the market to really ease those market conditions,” Sterck noted.

        Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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        Clem Chambers: Gold’s Top Driver Now, Silver’s Coming Boom Phase

        Investing 1 Min Read

        Clem Chambers, CEO of aNewFN.com, shares his outlook for gold and silver.

        He also shares his thoughts on the broader US economy.

        ‘We’re in an elevated inflationary situation, QE is coming, interest rates are coming down, the dollar’s going to fall hard and precious metals are going to go up,’ Chambers emphasized.

        Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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        Mart Wolbert: Uranium Prices, Supply, Demand — What’s Next as Mindset Shifts

        Investing 1 Min Read

        Mart Wolbert, analyst at Contrarian Codex, is seeing a uranium mindset shift as more investors take stock of the growing supply/demand imbalance in the market.

        He explains how he’s approaching uranium stocks and shares his price outlook.

        Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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