Can the U.S. mining sector survive without China’s rare earth processing power? In the latest episode of Digging Deep, Nicole Adshead-Bell, Director at Cupel Advisory, joins Kitco’s Senior Mining Editor and Anchor Paul Harris to break down the latest developments in the mining sector amid rising geopolitical tensions and trade wars. From Trump’s sweeping tariffs and China’s dominance in mineral processing to Barrick’s high-risk Reko Diq project and growing M&A activity, Adshead-Bell offers sharp insights on global supply chains, resource nationalism, and the bull case for gold equities. Plus, she discusses the strategic importance of rare earth elements and the critical need for smelting and refining capacity in North America.

Key points:
- Trump’s tariffs risk escalating trade wars and disrupting global supply chains.
- China’s dominance in mineral processing is a major vulnerability for the West.
- Gold equities still undervalued despite strong gold prices; M&A is heating up.
- Barrick’s Reko Diq project carries major security risks despite huge upside.
- Revival Gold, Hot Chili, and others show strategic moves amid shifting investor focus.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this podcast do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.