Welcome back to your weekly mining news recap, where we catch you up on some of the news you may have missed. This week’s headlines include Nova Scotia approving a new gypsum project, Sherritt International suspending its Cuban joint ventures and more first quarter results being released.

At the CIM CONNECT Convention and Expo in Vancouver this week, keynote speeches and panels focused on how Canada can strengthen its role in the global mining industry. During Monday’s opening plenary, keynote speaker Jonathan Price, CEO of Teck Resources Ltd., emphasized the need for policy alignment, infrastructure investment and stronger partnerships to accelerate project development. The subsequent panel discussion highlighted permitting certainty, shared infrastructure and deeper collaboration with Indigenous communities as key to future domestic mining growth.

Sherritt International has suspended its direct participation in Cuban joint ventures and is withdrawing staff from the country after new U.S. sanctions heightened operational risks, Investing.com reported. The move coincided with the resignation of three directors of the company’s board. While its Cuban operations are paused, Sherritt’s Alberta refinery continues to produce nickel and cobalt.

Rio Tinto CEO Simon Trott said on Wednesday that the company would maintain its focus on cost-cutting and operational efficiency, with the aim of generating between US$5 billion and US$10 billion from divestments and optimization. The process has included trimming primarily administrative staff from the organization. According to Trott, the work will create “a simpler company.”

At CIM CONNECT’s Tuesday general panel session, industry leaders said Canada’s next mining growth phase will hinge on stronger Indigenous partnerships, smarter risk management and major workforce investment. Panellists emphasized the need for competitive policies, infrastructure funding and earlier collaboration to improve project development and attract investment. They also warned that labour shortages, permitting delays and weak communication around mining careers could limit future growth, despite Canada’s strong position in the global minerals market.

The annual 2026 CIM Awards Gala, held on May 4 as part of CIM CONNECT, recognized more than 50 people and organizations shaping the future of Canada’s mining industry. The awards highlighted achievements in leadership, innovation, sustainability, safety, inclusion and technical advancement.

Lucy Potter has been named incoming president-elect of CIM for 2028-2029. She will assume the role in May 2028, following Randy Smallwood (2027-2028) and John Rhind (2026-2027). Currently general manager, technical and sustainability at Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium and Diamonds, she will bring decades of global mining experience to the role, with a focus on collaboration and professional development in the mining industry.

The operator of the Ekati diamond mine in the Northwest Territories has filed for insolvency protection as it faces weak diamond demand, rising costs and pressure from U.S. tariffs, The Canadian Press reported. Arctic Canadian Diamond Co., a subsidiary of Burgundy Diamond Mines, will use court protection under the Company Creditors Arrangement Act to restructure while continuing mining operations. The move follows financial strain across the sector, as natural diamond prices have declined sharply.

Nova Scotia has approved industrial permits for a gypsum project, allowing CertainTeed Gypsum Canada Inc. to develop the Antrim open-pit mine near Halifax, CTV News reported. The site, which has already received environmental assessment approval, is expected to begin operations in 2027 and produce about 1.5 million tonnes of gypsum and anhydrite per year.

More companies released first quarter results this week, including Taseko Mines, Torex Gold, Endeavour Silver, Lundin Mining, Equinox Gold, Coeur Mining, Nutrien, Imperial Metals, Pan American Silver, Iamgold, Artemis Gold, Cameco, Suncor Energy, Cenovus Energy, Hudbay Minerals, Wheaton Precious Metals and Lundin Gold.

That’s all for this week. If you’ve got feedback, you can always reach us at editor@cim.org. If you’ve got something to add, why not join the conversation on our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram pages?