The Mining Insider — July 3, 2026 Today's episode covers four material developments from July 2–3, 2026. BHP — San Manuel Copper Transfer to Faraday: BHP has finalized its agreement to transfer the historic San Manuel copper property in Arizona to Canada's Faraday Copper Corp. In exchange, BHP receives a 30% equity stake in Faraday — bringing its total holding to approximately 32.5% on a non-diluted basis — plus shareholder and offtake rights. Faraday's market cap stands at approximately C$1.82 billion (US$1.28 billion). The Lundin Group (Nemesia) confirmed BHP as a strategic co-investor. San Manuel was the largest underground copper mine in the US before closing in 1999. BHP says combining it with Faraday's adjacent Copper Creek project could establish a new Arizona copper hub. BHP Pilbara — Labor Deal at South Flank and Mining Area C: Workers voted 58% in favor of a new four-year enterprise agreement covering 1,814 workers. Key terms: 16% wage increase over four years, increased site allowances, and a delayed-flight payment scheme. Unions noted significant minority opposition. Port Hedland — the more critical facility at $120M/day iron ore revenue — remains unsettled, with workers previously voting for protected action. DRC Cobalt — Customs Platform Freeze: Since July 1, major cobalt producers in the DRC have been unable to register export declarations on the customs platform. ARECOMS set a July 5 deadline for first-half quota use; unused quotas will be withdrawn. Up to 20,000 metric tons — worth $1.1 billion — may be forfeited. CMOC is among those most at risk. Cobalt prices have surged 160% since February 2025 to $26/lb. Mining companies have appealed to Congo's prime minister to intervene. Gold — First Weekly Gain in Five: Spot gold rose above $4,170/oz on weak US June jobs data (57,000 jobs added vs ~150,000 expected; April/May revised down 74,000). Fed rate hike bets eased, dollar weakened. Northern Star surged 11.75% on the ASX; Catalyst Metals +19.18%; Genesis Minerals +16.70%. Copper COMEX up 1.73% to ~$6.22/lb. Sources: Reuters (BHP/Faraday, BHP labor, DRC cobalt), Kitco/Reuters (gold), ABC Markets Live (ASX data). Follow us at The Mining Insider. Host: Logan Ore.
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