On March 23rd, the first environmental impact assessment public notice was released for the Wet Electronic Chemicals Project undertaken by a new material company in Hefei, Anhui. Project details are as follows: The project covers 72.1 mu and will be implemented in two phases. Phase I involves constructing a 30,000-ton-per-year Buffered Oxide Etchant (BOE) facility, including buildings such as an integrated office building, R&D building, BOE production workshop, liquid ammonia tank farm, raw material and product tank farm, Class A and hazardous waste warehouse, utility building, boiler room, and maintenance workshop.

Gold prices fall due to interest rate gloom and Middle East tensions. US Fed and major central banks likely to maintain current interest rates. Long-term gold outlook positive, seen as a hedge against risks.

London-listed Upland Resources Limited (LSE: UPL) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Pembangunan Aceh (PEMA) to conduct a joint feasibility study for Blocks MY1 and MY2 in Aceh Province. The agreement, signed on February 26, 2026, focuses on the high-potential Tamiang Sub-Basin, which is estimated to hold "yet-to-find" resources of 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe). Block MY1 alone contains discovered gas resources estimated between 100–400 Bcf. The partnership aims for a structured production ramp-up targeting 20,000 boe/d within five years. This project is supported by a $100 million funding commitment from Upland's strategic partner, Lost Soldier Oil & Gas.

[SMM Analysis: Key Anchor in Great Power Rivalry: The U.S. "Project Vault" and the Changing Resource Landscape in Latin America] While the second phase of Chinese company's Mirador copper mine in Ecuador remains mired in a 'completed but awaiting approval' deadlock, 10,000 kilometers away in Washington, the President, alongside the Export-Import Bank of the United States, is announcing a historic supply chain security initiative named 'Project Vault.'

[SMM Analysis: The "Key Anchor Point" in Great Power Rivalry: The US "Treasury Plan" and the Resource Reshuffle in Latin America] As the second phase of the Mirador copper mine project in Ecuador, developed by a Chinese enterprise, remains stuck in a "built but awaiting approval" deadlock, ten thousand kilometers away in Washington, the US Export-Import Bank, together with the President, is announcing a historic supply chain security initiative called the "Treasury Plan." In the pause and the start, a global covert battle over critical minerals such as copper, lithium, cobalt, and gallium is moving from behind the scenes to the forefront.

[SMM Titanium Express] Boeing is exploring Saudi Arabia as an alternative titanium supplier to reduce reliance on traditional sources like Russia. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has built titanium sponge capacity, with some Boeing suppliers already using Saudi-produced sponge processed to aviation grade. Boeing focuses on downstream titanium, requiring significant processing, certification and investment—adoption depends on business case feasibility. Saudi Arabia aims to become a global titanium supply chain participant and specialized aviation-grade titanium supplier.