Daily Mining News Roundup – February 17, 2026
Today’s mining industry news is rich with significant announcements and developments. From major project updates to strategic mergers and acquisitions, here’s a detailed look at the key events shaping the sector right now.
Lundin Mining Unveils Vicuña Project Study
Lundin Mining has released an integrated technical study for the Vicuña Project, a joint venture with BHP, boasting one of the largest copper, gold, and silver resources globally. The study outlines an initial processing capacity of 175,000 tonnes per day, with plans to expand to 293,000 tpd. Lundin is fully funded for the initial construction phase with a $4.5 billion credit facility. CEO Jack Lundin emphasized the project’s potential to position the company as a top-ten global copper producer, targeting annual production of over 500,000 tonnes of copper and 550,000 ounces of gold at full operation. The company aims for project sanctioning by the end of 2026 (source).
Westgold Resources Announces Valiant Gold Demerger
Westgold Resources has announced the demerger of its Valiant Gold entity, set to become an independent ASX-listed company. Valiant Gold will operate the Reedy and Comet gold projects in Western Australia’s Murchison region. An ore purchase agreement with Westgold will grant Valiant direct access to Westgold’s processing facilities, streamlining operations and potentially enhancing project economics (source).
SSR Mining to Release Financial Results
SSR Mining is slated to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results after the market closes today. Alongside these results, the company will provide full-year 2026 operating guidance and an update on its Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources. A conference call is scheduled for 5:00 pm EST, providing insights into the company’s strategic direction and financial health (source).
BHP Enters Silver Streaming Agreement
In a strategic financial maneuver, BHP has announced a silver streaming agreement expected to yield an upfront payment of $4.3 billion in exchange for future silver deliveries. This agreement underscores BHP’s strategy to optimize its asset portfolio and capitalize on favorable market conditions for silver (source).
Bear Creek Mining Proxy Voting Deadline
Securityholders of Bear Creek Mining have until 10:00 a.m. Vancouver time today to vote on the arrangement with Highlander Silver Corp. The outcome of this vote could significantly impact the strategic direction of both companies, enhancing their positions in the competitive silver market (source).
Analysis and Outlook
The mining sector is seeing a wave of strategic expansions and financial maneuvers aimed at capitalizing on robust market conditions. Lundin Mining’s ambitious Vicuña Project positions it for significant growth in copper and gold production, while Westgold’s Valiant Gold demerger could unlock value and operational focus. The BHP silver streaming agreement reflects a strategic alignment with market demands, offering liquidity and flexibility. With financial results from SSR Mining and critical votes for Bear Creek Mining, stakeholders should stay informed on these evolving narratives. As always, past performance is not indicative of future results, and these developments may influence market dynamics differently in the coming months.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with financial advisors before making investment decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Stay tuned for further updates as these stories develop. The mining industry continues to adapt and expand, offering both challenges and opportunities as it navigates the complexities of global market demands.
Editorial Note: This article is an independent analysis based on publicly available information and press releases. MineListings.com is not affiliated with the companies mentioned. The views expressed are those of our editorial team and do not represent the official position of any company discussed. For the most accurate and complete information, readers should refer to the original source materials and company filings.
