The M&E Dispatch // 070

Hello Everyone,

Tariffs up. Tariffs down. Exemptions cancelled. Exemptions reinstated. Trade talks paused. Trade talks resumed.

Welcome to another week of economic flip-flopping, where the rules change faster than a minister’s talking point.

Last week, the U.S. had tariffs on Chinese imports sitting at 145%. China had retaliated with 125% on American goods. Now, in a sudden about-face, both sides have agreed to slash those numbers, for 90 days.

• U.S. tariffs drop to 30%

• China’s drop to 10%

• Even small-parcel duties on companies like Shein and Temu have been quietly halved

Markets jumped. Headlines celebrated. But let’s not kid ourselves, this isn’t a solution. It’s a timeout.

And for anyone who actually has to plan, it’s maybe worse than if the tariffs had just stayed high.

Because the real damage comes from uncertainty.

When no one knows what policy is going to stick, no one knows where to invest.
Do you reshore? Do you hold? Do you delay that expansion or double down on the quote you gave last quarter?

Exactly.

Flip-flopping doesn’t just rattle stock markets, it stalls real business.
It’s easy to pause trade deals. Harder to restart a hiring plan. Or reroute a supply chain. Or tell your bank you’re "just waiting to see what happens next."

Meanwhile, those of us who live downstream from the decisions, contractors, suppliers, equipment dealers, logistics crews, we’re just trying to keep the wheels turning while policy ping-pongs.

So yeah, the song of the moment?
“Should I stay or should I go now?”

Because if you go, there’s trouble.
If you stay, there’s… well, you get the point.

// The Dirt

Helius Gets Green Light from Colossus Shareholders
Helius’ acquisition of the Serra Pelada project advances as Colossus shareholders approve the share sale.
Read more →

i-80 Gold Upsizes Bought Deal to US$135M
After strong demand, i-80 Gold boosts its previously announced financing round.
Read more →

Homerun Applies for Strategic Minerals Funding
The company submits proposals to BNDES and FINEP for its transformative silica-based tech platform in Brazil.
Read more →

NioCorp to Speak at Aviation Week’s Defense Conference
NioCorp joins the 2025 event in Washington, D.C. to spotlight Elk Creek’s role in U.S. defense supply chains.
Read more →

Star Copper Completes Spin-Out from Alpha Copper
The plan of arrangement is complete, with Star Copper now officially spun out to existing shareholders.
Read more →

Patriot Battery Metals Upgrades Lithium Resource by 30–306%
CV5 and CV13 deposits in Quebec see big bumps in Indicated Resources, backing up the upcoming feasibility.
Read more →

Northern Superior Reports New Gold Discovery at Philibert
Drill highlights include 18m of 2.48 g/t Au and 4.9m of 7.02 g/t Au, alongside major step-outs.
Read more →

Usha Sells Projects for 19.9% Stake and Jackpot Lake Deal
Molten Metals to acquire Usha’s portfolio for equity, while Jackpot Lake exclusivity is extended.
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Silver47 and Summa Silver Announce Merger & $5M Financing
The combined explorer will hold multiple high-grade U.S. silver assets under the Silver47 name.
Read more →

Anfield Gets Permitting Boost for Velvet-Wood Uranium Mine
The U.S. Department of the Interior fast-tracks permitting at the company’s Utah uranium asset.
Read more →

// The Hustle

🌱 Sacred Soil: Indigenous-Led Environmental Restoration

Sacred Soil offers a proprietary, eco-friendly in-place soil treatment for oil, hydrocarbon, and salt contamination. Their spray-on solution requires no excavation, delivers over 50% cost savings, and is accepted by Canadian and U.S. agencies. By integrating Indigenous values with modern innovation, they provide smarter, more inclusive outcomes that help communities thrive environmentally, culturally, and economically.

Learn more → sacredsoil.ca

At our dinner table this weekend, we had one of those family conversations that feels heavy, even when the answer comes easy. Our oldest is heading to Edmonton at the end of June, that part was already in motion. But our youngest, the hockey player, received five offers this past week to join teams and academies for next season.

After weighing the options, it was clear: we’re heading to Ontario.

We’ve decided to sell our home here in BC, let go of everything we own, and start fresh in Whitby this fall. If all goes to plan, we’ll arrive with a backpack, a duffle bag each, and a goalie bag.

I know we’re not the only ones having these kinds of conversations right now. Families everywhere are trying to figure out what’s next.

It’s not always about hockey. It’s about survival.
What’s the company planning to do?
Will the Canadian division be cut next?
Can we even get the parts we need to keep the lights on?

In a lot of ways, this feels like another pandemic-level moment. Not the same shape, but the same fog. And it’s hard to plan when you can’t see two steps ahead.

So if you’re in line today and the guy next to you looks like the weight’s catching up,
Buy him a coffee.
Tell him to keep at it.
It might be just what he needs.

- Lee

P.S. If you happen to know of a rental around Whitby, I’d be grateful to hear from you.