Developers to see M&A, ft John McCluskey, Renaud Adams and Robert Quartermain

The Northern Miner Podcast kicks off 2026 with an analysis of the surging metals market, drawing parallels to market behavior at the start of 2020. Adrian Pocobelli notes record highs in copper prices, fueled by supply concerns and demand from AI and electric vehicle sectors, and aluminum hitting levels not seen since 2022. The podcast explores the potential inflationary impact if industrial metal prices mirror the increases seen in gold and silver. It also covers China's increasing influence in the global mining industry, including Chinese mining companies in Zambia now paying taxes in yuan. Additionally, the episode touches on innovative mining techniques like bioleaching for rare earths and security risks affecting mining operations in regions like Mali.