The M&E Dispatch // 081

Hello Everyone,

The news of ~140 layoffs in the Elk Valley understandably stings. These are real jobs, real families, and real uncertainty. But instead of treating this as the start of a decline, what if we saw it as a recalibration?

Coal has been around forever, and it’s not going anywhere soon. Elk Valley’s steelmaking coal, in particular, is a vital global commodity, powering the infrastructure of economies half a world away. While short-term market challenges (yes, tariffs and macro pressures) are real, this moment also presents a rare opportunity.

In a time when investors may be more forgiving, understanding that the whole world is wobbling a bit, there's room to quietly invest in efficiency, automation, and futureproofing. These kinds of moves aren’t easy to make when times are good as investors want returns over expenditures, however we’re kind of in a “war time” environment right now. I truly believe that we’re all a little more patient with each other right now. Lay out the plan, let people buy in, move forward.

This isn’t about replacing workers, it’s about ensuring the whole industry can weather more storms ahead. If done right, the next chapter for Elk Valley coal won’t be defined by cuts, but by smart adaptation, and maybe even a few bold moves that secure the next hundred years.

And maybe, just maybe, it’s time we start pushing just as hard to invest in our youth. Instead of a mobile “haul truck driving video game” making the rounds at career fairs, we should be planting the seeds of robotics, automation, and systems design in our schools. If we’re serious about investing in our communities, we need to be thinking about where they'll be in 30 years, not just what they need today.

That starts now, with the skills we teach, the opportunities we create, and the belief that this region can be a leader not just in coal, but in the future of mining itself.

// The Dirt

Arizona Lithium Ships Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Equipment to Prairie Project
The arrival of DLE pilot plant components marks a key step in advancing Arizona Lithium’s Saskatchewan-based project.
https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/3028-tsx-venture/azl/152088-arizona-lithium-ships-dle-equipment-for-saskatchewan-pilot-plant.html

New Pacific Drills 106.36m of 2.27 g/t Gold at Carangas
A strong intercept from the latest campaign in Bolivia continues to build out the bulk tonnage gold system.
https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/2022-tsx/nuag/152082-new-pacific-reports-106-36-metres-grading-2-27-g-t-gold-from-carangas-project.html

Denison Reports 3.3% U₃O₈ Over 8.7m at Phoenix
Infill drilling confirms high-grade uranium at Denison’s Wheeler River Project, supporting ISR project development.
https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/1947-tsx/dml/152076-denison-reports-3-3-u3o8-over-8-7-metres-in-infill-drilling-at-phoenix.html

Torex Produces 117,000 oz of Gold in Q2
Solid quarterly results from the El Limón Guajes Complex in Mexico keep Torex on pace for 2024 guidance.
https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/1016-tsx/txg/152077-torex-gold-reports-q2-2024-production-results.html

Giyani Updates Feasibility Study for K.Hill Manganese Project
Project economics improve with updated capex and opex estimates, reinforcing its position as a battery-grade manganese supplier.
https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/809-tsx-venture/emn/152079-giyani-announces-results-of-updated-feasibility-study-for-k-hill.html

Orla Produces 32,425 oz of Gold at Camino Rojo in Q2
Operational consistency from Orla Mining’s Mexican project keeps the company on track for annual targets.
https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/1007-tsx/ola/152083-orla-mining-reports-second-quarter-2024-operating-results.html

Lomiko Closes $1.1M Flow-Through Financing
New funds will support exploration at the La Loutre graphite project in Quebec, advancing its battery materials strategy.
https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/2089-tsx-venture/lmr/152080-lomiko-metals-closes-1-1-million-flow-through-financing.html

Silver Viper Mobilizes for Phase 2 Drilling at La Virginia
Targeted exploration will follow up on promising intercepts from this gold-silver project in Sonora, Mexico.
https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/2021-tsx-venture/vipr/152081-silver-viper-mobilizes-for-phase-2-drilling-at-la-virginia.html

Callinex Outlines New EM Conductors at Pine Bay
Fresh geophysics identifies high-priority targets near known mineralization in Manitoba’s Flin Flon district.
https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/1272-tsx-venture/cnx/152078-callinex-identifies-new-electromagnetic-conductors.html

Benchmark Increases Land Position in Golden Horseshoe
With new claims added in B.C., Benchmark expands its regional footprint and future development potential.
https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/1012-tsx-venture/bnch/152075-benchmark-expands-land-position-in-golden-horseshoe-region.html

I’m back the moving work today, getting a bit closer day by day to the moment where we set off out east for a new adventure.

At least that’s how I’m phrasing it in my head, easier mantra to lean on 😆

Have a great weekend all,

- Lee

P.S. CoalJobs.ca likely isn’t built specifically for you, but you might still see some real value in it as you keep an eye on our industries as a whole.

While you’re there, hit subscribe 😉