Mining and natural-resource news from Aug. 7–9, 2026 includes a new Mali permit for B2Gold’s Fekola Regional project, quarterly operating updates from Lucara and Heliostar, a proposed strategic financing for Standard Uranium, a technical-report filing by Kootenay Silver, and a new U.S. critical-minerals funding push.
B2Gold receives Mali permit for Fekola Regional
B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO; NYSE American: BTG; NSX: B2G) said the State of Mali granted its Malian subsidiary the Menankoto exploitation permit on Aug. 7. Together with the Dandoko exploration permit, Menankoto forms the Fekola Regional project, located about 20 kilometres from the Fekola Mine. B2Gold said Fekola Regional will be owned 65% by B2Gold and 35% by Mali; pre-stripping and finalization of a tolling agreement are expected to begin, with ramp-up through 2027 and production of more than 150,000 ounces per year expected from 2028 through the mid-2030s. Read B2Gold’s permit release.
Lucara maintains 2026 outlook after Q2 diamond update
Lucara Diamond Corp. (TSX, BSE and Nasdaq First North Growth Market: LUC) reported Q2 revenue of US$41.0 million and recovery of 90,082 carats at the Karowe mine. The company maintained its 2026 revenue guidance of US$100 million to US$130 million and said open-pit mining remains on track to conclude in Q4 2026, followed by stockpile processing ahead of planned underground production. Lucara also reported the subsequent July recovery of a 1,303-carat Type IIa diamond and licensing progress for two production-shaft winders. Read Lucara’s Q2 release.
Heliostar reports record Q2 gold and silver production
Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSX-V: HSTR; OTCQX: HSTXF; FRA: RGG1) reported Q2 production of 14,803 ounces of gold and 79,710 ounces of silver from its Mexican operations. Revenue was US$56.485 million, and cash at June 30 was US$43.047 million with no debt stated in the release. Heliostar said it remains on track for 2026 guidance of 50,000–55,000 ounces of gold and 290,000–320,000 ounces of silver, while advancing mine-life work at La Colorada and San Agustin and development and drilling at Ana Paula. Read Heliostar’s Q2 release.
Standard Uranium agrees to proposed C$3 million strategic investment
Standard Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: STND; FSE: 9SU0) announced a non-brokered private placement with a Southeast Asian energy-sector conglomerate. The proposed investment would provide gross proceeds of C$3 million and approximately 19.7% non-diluted ownership based on the current capital structure, through 39,215,686 units priced at C$0.0765 each. Each unit would include one common share and one-half warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable at C$0.115 for 36 months from closing. The company said proceeds are intended for exploration at the Davidson River Project and general corporate purposes; closing remains subject to required approvals, including TSX Venture Exchange approval. Read the Standard Uranium release.
Kootenay Silver files technical report for La Cigarra PEA
Kootenay Silver Inc. (TSXV: KTN; OTCQX: KOOYF) said it filed an independent NI 43-101 technical report supporting the positive PEA for its wholly owned La Cigarra Silver Project in Chihuahua, Mexico. The report, effective Jan. 15, 2026, supports the June 15 PEA disclosure, with no material differences stated between the report and the earlier release. That June PEA outlined a US$763 million after-tax NPV and a 41% after-tax IRR; those figures are study outputs, not guarantees of project performance. Read the Aug. 7 filing announcement and review the June PEA release.
U.S. announces new critical-minerals and battery project support
Reuters reported on Aug. 7 that the U.S. government announced a US$3 billion investment push for critical-minerals and battery projects. Named commitments included a US$1.4 billion conditional loan for Sila Nanotechnologies, US$400 million for scandium miner Sunrise Energy Metals, US$150 million for Niron Magnetics, and a combined US$58 million Export-Import Bank loan for Westwater Resources, Global Advanced Metals and 5E Advanced Materials. Reuters also reported a US$725 million conditional loan previously received by Energy Fuels. The announcements could affect project financing and supply-chain development, but individual project execution and funding conditions remain material considerations. Read Reuters’ report.
Closing note: The releases above are company statements or reported government announcements. Exploration results, preliminary economic assessments, production guidance and proposed financings carry execution, permitting, financing, commodity-price and other risks.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice.
