Daily Mining Update (June 8, 2026): Uranium ISR Build-Out, Yukon Drilling Underway, Rare Earth Funding Deal, and a Cisco Lithium Resource Filing

Daily Mining Update highlights notable exploration, development, financing, and regulatory/industrial updates from across the mining and natural-resources sector over the last couple of days.

Uranium

enCore Energy (NASDAQ: EU; TSXV: EU) reported completion of the first phase of construction on the Upper Spring Creek ISR Uranium Project Satellite Remote Ion Exchange (IX) Plant in South Texas. The IX Plant is currently processing 1,600 gpm (about 50% of planned 3,200 gpm), with 75% of flow capacity expected before the end of June and 100% by the end of July; uranium extraction is expected to begin once final permits are received, with operations planned in late 2026. (PR Newswire)

Gold & Copper Exploration

Forge Resources (CSE: FRG; OTCQB: FRGGF; FSE: 5YZ) announced it has begun its largest-ever diamond drill program at the Alotta Project (Yukon), with drilling underway as part of an approximately 2,500-metre program targeting zones including Payoff, Severance, Commission, and Alimony. (Newsfile)

Rare Earths / Critical Minerals

USA Rare Earth (Nasdaq: USAR) said it executed definitive agreements with the U.S. Department of Commerce under the CHIPS Program, unlocking access to up to $277 million in federal funding and up to $1.3 billion in senior secured loan capacity (milestone-based). The company noted the agreements support development of the Round Top heavy rare earth and critical mineral project (Texas), targeted to begin commercial production in 2028, alongside downstream processing and magnet capacity initiatives. (Business Insider / Globe Newswire)

Lithium

Q2 Metals (TSX.V: QTWO; OTCQB: QUEXF; FSE: 458) filed a NI 43-101 technical report titled “Mineral Resource Estimate for the Cisco Lithium Project” (effective April 20, 2026; signed June 3, 2026). The filing outlines a combined inferred mineral resource of 295 Mt at 1.36% Li₂O, including 270 Mt at 1.36% Li₂O (pit-constrained at a 0.4% Li₂O cut-off) and 24 Mt at 1.34% Li₂O (underground-constrained at a 0.7% cut-off). (Stock Titan)