Showing 1 - 10 of 141
Japan says rare earth found in sediment retrieved on deep-sea mission
AFP, Published on 02/02/2026
» TOKYO — Sediment containing rare earth was retrieved from ocean depths of 6,000 metres (about 20,000 feet) on a Japanese test mission, the government said Monday, as it seeks to curb dependence on China for the valuable minerals.
Trump considering military options to acquire Greenland
AFP, Published on 07/01/2026
» WASHINGTON (UNITED STATES) - President Donald Trump is exploring how to take control of Greenland and using the US military is "always an option," the White House said Tuesday, further upping tensions with NATO ally Denmark.
Philippine death toll tops 140 as typhoon heads towards Vietnam
AFP, Published on 06/11/2025
» LILOAN (PHILIPPINES) - Typhoon Kalmaegi killed at least 140 people and left another 127 missing after unleashing devastating flooding across the central Philippines, official figures showed Thursday, as the storm headed towards Vietnam.
US, Australia sign rare earths deal as Trump promises submarines
AFP, Published on 21/10/2025
» WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump signed a deal on rare earth minerals on Monday with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and said Washington's key ally would get its coveted nuclear-powered attack submarines.
Pacific microstate sells passports to fund climate action
AFP, Published on 07/08/2025
» SYDNEY - A remote Pacific nation has started selling passports to fund climate action, but is so far struggling to attract new citizens to the low-lying, largely barren island.
The Pacific island nation that wants to mine the ocean floor
AFP, Published on 23/07/2025
» RAROTONGA (COOK ISLANDS) — A 1,000-tonne ship is exploring the far-flung South Pacific for riches buried beneath the waves, spearheading efforts to dredge the tropical waters for industrial deep-sea mining.
Philippines biodiversity hotspot pushes back on mining
AFP, Published on 02/07/2025
» BROOKES POINT (PHILIPPINES) - A nickel stockpile towers over farmer Moharen Tambiling's rice paddy in the Philippines' Palawan, evidence of a mining boom that locals hope a new moratorium will tame.
Rare earth production outside China 'major milestone'
AFP, Published on 23/05/2025
» An Australian firm's production of a heavy rare earth, a first outside of China, is a "major milestone" in diversifying a critical supply chain dominated by Beijing, experts say.
Ukraine and US sign minerals deal
AFP, Published on 01/05/2025
» WASHINGTON - The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump’s administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid.
Australia to stockpile critical minerals in strategic reserve
AFP, Published on 24/04/2025
» SYDNEY - Australia will stockpile critical minerals in a new strategic reserve, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday, as nations scramble to source rare earths and coveted metals outside China.