RIO

Rio Tinto reported Q3 2026 results with Pilbara iron ore shipments rising 2% year-over-year to 85.7 Mt, while production declined 1%. Copper production remained flat at 205 thousand tons, with weakness at Kennecott and Escondida offset by a 27% surge at Oyu Tolgoi. The company maintained its 2026 guidance for copper output (800-870 kt) and Pilbara shipments (323-338 Mt), while projecting lower unit costs across both segments.

Fieldstone Bio, a synthetic biology company, has been selected for the Mining Tech Accelerator program run by Founders Factory in partnership with Rio Tinto. The company's platform combines synthetic biology, hyperspectral imaging, and data analysis to provide rapid elemental measurements for ore body characterization during exploration and mining operations, addressing the critical knowledge gap in mining decision-making.

Albemarle (ALB) and Rio Tinto (RIO) are both well-positioned to benefit from growing lithium demand driven by electric vehicles and energy storage. ALB is executing capacity expansion projects and achieving significant cost savings, while RIO is advancing major lithium projects with a stronger balance sheet. Rio Tinto appears to offer better value with more attractive valuation metrics, higher return on equity, and rising earnings estimates, making it the more favorable investment option currently.

New CEO Chris Adams outlines Entrée Resources' strategic priorities following his appointment in July 2026, including engagement with stakeholders on the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project in Mongolia, board refreshment with new directors, and plans to release an updated technical report in Q1 2027. The company continues working with the Government of Mongolia and Rio Tinto on joint venture license transfers and aims to resume Hugo North Extension Lift 1 underground mining operations.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the lithium battery ecosystem across mining, manufacturing, and recycling, with billions in institutional capital flowing into AI-enabled infrastructure. Key achievements include EVE Energy's 95% OEE and 97% first-pass yield, AI-driven recycling achieving 95% lithium recovery rates, and accelerated geological exploration timelines. Geopolitical pressures are driving domestic AI-assisted lithium sourcing initiatives globally.

Brunswick Exploration announced significant lithium assay results from its Anatacau Main Project in Quebec, with a 202-metre interval grading 1.31% Li2O, including an 85-metre high-grade core at 1.73% Li2O. The Anais dyke remains open in all directions and additional pegmatitic intervals were identified, indicating a wider mineralized system. The company continues drilling with more results pending.

Vale surged 2.83% to $14.15 on Oct. 5, 2026, following Brazil's presidential election where conservative candidate Flávio Bolsonaro took a surprise lead in the first round. Investors believe his potential victory could create a favorable fiscal and regulatory environment for miners like Vale. The stock jumped on elevated trading volume of 98.9M shares, with investors also awaiting Vale's late-October earnings report.