Russian mining and metals giant Nornickel on Thursday lowered its forecast for the global nickel surplus this year, but said it expected a bigger global palladium deficit.

Vale and the Brazilian state of Para have moved closer to an agreement that could allow the mining group to resume operations at its Onca Puma nickel mine.

Horizonte Minerals has appointed Chad Griffin and Geoff Rowley as administrators, following its inability to secure full financing for the Araguaia nickel project, in Brazil.

Indonesia has granted Vale’s (NYSE: VALE) local unit a special mining permit extension.

The Australian government on Tuesday announced a A$22.7-billion package to boost domestic manufacturing and renewable energy as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers for key technologies.

Australia’s budget will feature a bigger boost for the nation’s critical minerals industry, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said.

Canada’s mining industry is pushing for an carveout to the federal government’s proposed increase to capital gains taxes, warning the hike will make it harder for junior miners to raise money to find new mineral deposits.

The Philippines said on Friday it aimed to add three more processing plants in the effort to develop a downstream industry for its abundant nickel resources, after nations such as China and the United States expressed interest in the mining sector.