AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 19, 2026 – Full Text
1. World first New Zealand-Singapore essential supplies agreement now in force
July 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
A landmark agreement between New Zealand and Singapore on essential supplies, is now in force following a ceremony in Auckland today, says Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay.
The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) was signed in Singapore on 4 May 2026, witnessed by the Prime Minister Chris Luxon and the Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
“As conflict in the Middle East escalates, AOTES strengthens supply chain resilience and helps ensure the continued flow of essential goods when supply chains come under pressure,” Mr McClay says.
Under the agreement Singapore guarantees to supply New Zealand with fuel, medicines and chemicals. In return, New Zealand guarantees to supply Singapore with food, creating certainty for businesses and citizens of both countries.
“The AOTES agreement reflects the long-standing and complementary relationship between our economies and the depth of our bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Hon Gan Kim Yong was present for the ceremony.
“This world-first agreement reinforces New Zealand’s and Singapore’s commitment to open, rules-based trade and supports the resilience of the supply chains that our businesses rely on every day,” says Mr McClay.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/18/world-first-new-zealand-singapore-essential-supplies-agreement-now-in-force/
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2. FIT members commit to smoother trade
July 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Members of the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership have committed to practical initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and reducing barriers at their meeting in Auckland today, says Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and Chair of the ministerial meeting.
“It was a pleasure to host ministers and representatives from Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Pacific, in Auckland. New Zealand is well respected for its principled approach to rules-based trade and reduced trade barriers. This was a chance to show the world how we do things and what we have to offer.
“The outcomes achieved illustrate the shared desire of ministers to take practical steps to enhance trade.
“I was pleased to lead the new arrangement focused on tackling non-tariff barriers (NTBs). For New Zealand alone, they impact an estimated $9 billion of trade, hitting the primary sector hardest,” Mr McClay says. “As small and medium sized economies, they directly affect whether our exporters can compete in-market.”
Outcomes from the meeting included:
Eight countries joined New Zealand in a declaration on confronting NTBs. This provides a framework for members to take practical steps to tackle trade barriers and strengthen our trading positions.
New Zealand and other FIT partners issued a Ministerial Declaration on digital trade. This is about harnessing the power of digital technology to facilitate trade, including to drive paperless trade. Next practical steps will progress pilot projects focused on electronic commercial trade documents, with a view to scaling these through public-private partnerships.
13 members of the FIT Partnership issued a Ministerial Declaration on economic resilience to address economic security risks. They resolved to work together, and with other trade partners, to ensure that trade can continue to flow unimpeded, and that critical infrastructure such as land routes, air and seaports remain open to support the viability and integrity of supply chains globally.
A new work area was agreed to focus on global subsidies, in ways that complement efforts in the WTO and other forums. Subsidies distort trade and investment flows, suppress global prices, and disadvantage competitive exporters. Addressing them is essential to restoring fair competition.
“The meeting also welcomed three new members – Korea, Peru and Thailand – bringing the total membership to 19, demonstrating the value of the work the FIT Partnership is undertaking. We also welcomed Ministers from Fiji and Samoa as guests of the chair.”
For more information on the meeting outcomes go to https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/the-future-of-investment-and-trade-partnership/the-future-of-investment-and-trade-partnership
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/18/fit-members-commit-to-smoother-trade/
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3. FIT Partnership grows to 19 countries
July 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership has grown from 16 to 19 members, with Korea, Peru and Thailand formally joining at this week’s Ministerial meeting in Auckland, hosted by Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, with other countries considering membership in the near future.
“The FIT Partnership has grown to 19 members less than a year after launch. That tells you something. Small and medium sized trading nations want practical ways to improve opportunities for their exporters, and they see FIT delivering that,” Mr McClay says.
“We are a group of countries whose economies are all dependent on trade. We know the value of simple, consistent trade rules, especially when the global rules are less certain. Working with like-minded economies through FIT supports our exporters, strengthens our trading position and grows our economy.
“It also opens doors in emerging markets where our trade links are less developed. Trade grows when countries talk to each other. Businesses build relationships, and opportunities follow.”
The Ministerial meeting was one of the most significant trade gatherings New Zealand has hosted in many years. New Zealand is a founding member of the FIT Partnership, alongside Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Costa Rica, Iceland, Korea, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Morocco, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Rwanda, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/18/fit-partnership-grows-to-19-countries/
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4. Sunwin Bus Showcases Green Mobility Solutions at Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026, Deepening Commitment to Australia’s Zero-Emission Bus Market
July 18, 2026
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)
SYDNEY, July 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shanghai Sunwin Bus Corporation (“Sunwin Bus”) showcased its latest green mobility solutions at the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026 in Sydney under the theme “Green Means More.” The company presented the iEV12 battery-electric city bus and the B13E battery-electric bus chassis, attracting strong interest from Australian public transport operators, government transport authorities and industry media.
Sunwin Bus Showcases Green Mobility Solutions at Australasia Bus & Coach Expo 2026
During the exhibition, Sunwin Bus hosted a dedicated product presentation featuring a corporate video and technical briefings, providing attendees with a comprehensive demonstration of the company’s system integration capabilities and technological innovation in the new energy bus sector.
In his keynote remarks, Ma Zhenggang, General Manager of Sunwin Bus, said Australia is actively advancing the green and low-carbon transformation of its urban public transport system. An increasing number of local governments have announced plans to transition to zero-emission bus fleets, charging infrastructure is being deployed at a faster pace, and the Australian Federal Government has also stepped up financial support for new energy infrastructure.
“As the only dedicated manufacturer of medium- and large-sized new energy buses under SAIC Motor, Sunwin Bus regards this exhibition in Sydney as the starting point for providing advanced products and services to support Australia’s transition toward zero-emission public transportation,” Ma said. “At the same time, we look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of local technical standards, regulatory requirements and the industry ecosystem. We will actively respond to the market’s expectations for localization and supply chains while building local service capabilities covering the entire product lifecycle. We remain committed to a long-term strategy supported by continuous product iteration.”
Ma added that green and low-carbon public transportation represents not only an industrial transformation, but also a commitment to social responsibility and a more prosperous future.
The two products on display were developed specifically for the Australian market to meet the demanding requirements of RHD operation, long-haul mileage, high reliability and coastal climatic conditions.
Built on Sunwin’s latest vehicle platform, both models feature a fully low-floor, barrier-free design and are equipped with advanced Cell-to-Pack (CTP) battery technology, delivering longer driving range and enhanced handling performance.
The powertrain integrates a new-generation high-efficiency electric drive motor with Sunwin’s independently developed silicon carbide (SiC) auxiliary control technology, precisely optimized for public transport operating scenarios. A highly integrated thermal management system helps ensure reliable operation during Australia’s hot summers, while enhanced anti-corrosion protection improves durability in coastal environments.
The B13E battery-electric bus chassis also offers a high level of scalability, supporting different wheelbase configurations as well as front and rear overhang options to accommodate a wide range of customized body applications and meet the Australian market’s diverse operational requirements.
Throughout the exhibition, Sunwin Bus engaged with partners across Australia’s public transport industry value chain to explore market development opportunities and future cooperation.
For Sunwin Bus, “Green Means More” means more than environmental sustainability. It also represents higher efficiency, a better passenger experience and more sustainable prosperity. This philosophy reflects the true meaning of the company’s exhibition theme and embodies Sunwin Bus’s long-term commitment to growing together with the Australian market.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/29a54cbb-df82-4ba1-a72d-04dea49ae5d9
– Published by The MIL Network
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5. Myanmar: Reported sea tragedy highlights desperate choices facing Rohingya – Amnesty International
July 17, 2026
Responding to reports that more than 500 people are feared dead after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya refugees capsized off the coast of Myanmar, Amnesty International’s Myanmar Researcher Joe Freeman said:
“These reports are a heartbreaking reminder of the increasingly desperate choices facing many Rohingya today. People do not risk their lives at sea unless the alternatives are even more unbearable. Decades of persecution, statelessness, conflict and severe humanitarian hardship have left many with nowhere safe to turn.
“These sea journeys are always perilous, but the fact that they are happening during the monsoon season when sailing conditions are rougher than normal further highlights the risks people are willing to take to escape the dire conditions in both the Bangladesh refugee camps and in the Rohingya homeland in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
“In Bangladesh, Rohingya families lack aid, education and proper shelter, while also facing forced recruitment by armed groups there and kidnapping for ransom by criminal gangs, trends that Amnesty International has documented through past interviews with parents and young people. In Myanmar, most of Rakhine State is now under the control of the Arakan Army, which Amnesty International and others have accused of using the Rohingya for forced labour reinforcing the apartheid-like conditions created by the Myanmar military.
“Therefore it is not surprising that these tragedies at sea continue to happen, and they only emphasize the need for durable solutions both in Bangladesh and in Myanmar. Governments across the region must strengthen search-and-rescue efforts, ensure timely access to protection for those seeking safety and work together to end the cycle of neglect that continues to put Rohingya lives at risk.”
“This should also send a message to the Bangladesh authorities and the international community to prevent repatriation. Conditions in Rakhine State are not viable for safe and dignified returns as people continue to flee the place the Bangladesh government wants to forcefully repatriate them to.”
Background
More than 500 people, believed to be predominantly Rohingya refugees, are feared to have died after two boats reportedly disappeared or sank off Myanmar’s coast in late June and early July.
According to UN agencies, the vessels left Rakhine State carrying people fleeing conflict, persecution and worsening humanitarian conditions, including some who had travelled from refugee camps in Bangladesh.
The reported incidents come amid dangerous monsoon-season sea conditions and highlight the continued risks faced by Rohingya who undertake perilous journeys in search of safety.
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6. DOC on alert after H5 bird flu detection
July 16, 2026
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 16 July 2026
DOC is working with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora as part of a One Health approach to prepare for the arrival and spread of the H5 strain in New Zealand.
DOC has been preparing for the arrival of bird flu for several years and has plans to mitigate risks to threatened species and public conservation land.
DOC Deputy Director-General Cat Wilson says the detection in the migratory seabird was significant but currently there is no evidence H5 bird flu is spreading in New Zealand wildlife.
“For now, we remain focussed on monitoring the situation closely and finalising our readiness plans and updating our guidance, working with iwi and conservation partners.
“Last week we began vaccinating core breeding populations of five of our most threatened birds – kākāpō, takahē, tchūriwat’/tūturuatu/shore plover, kakī/black stilt and kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet.
“By the end of today, 67 out of about 300 birds will have had their first vaccine, which will be followed up by a booster shot a month later. This should be complete by spring.
“We know from our research trial completed last year that the vaccination is safe and effective in these birds and will help protect them from bird flu.
“If H5 spreads here we may consider vaccinating other threatened species. It won’t be possible to vaccinate all endangered birds, but we can focus on those species where the full two doses of the vaccine can be safely given to achieve protection,” says Cat Wilson.
If H5 bird flu spreads in the wild bird population, management options will be limited. DOC’s focus will be on minimising spread on public conservation land through strong biosecurity practices and not disturbing wildlife and supporting the health and resilience of threatened bird populations through conservation work such as breeding and predator control programmes.
People who spend time outdoors – including tramping, duck hunting and bird watching – can form good habits now that will help protect wildlife if bird flu arrives here. Keep your distance from sick or dead wildlife, keep your gear clean, and know when to report.
Please report groups of three or more sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife to the MPI exotic pest and disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66.
Do not touch, handle or collect dead or dying birds to avoid spread of the virus and protect yourself.
Background information
Ministry for Primary Industries | NZ Government
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
Contact
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/16/doc-on-alert-after-h5-bird-flu-detection/
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7. Local News – Further engagement sought on Porirua memorial project
July 16, 2026
Source: Porirua City Council
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8. Cocaine Tightens Grip on NZ Workplaces, positive tests up nearly 70%
July 16, 2026
Imperans Q2 Report, State of Workplace Drug Use from TDDA
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 16 July 2026 – Cocaine use is on the rise across New Zealand workplaces. That’s a key finding of the latest Imperans Report, a quarterly analysis of drug use in the workplace prepared by The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider.
The Imperans report empowers New Zealand employers to engage in proactive workplace risk management, it provides them with an analysis of drug and alcohol usage trends, combining results from across the country.
Growing cocaine use is not the only workplace concern. Among all positive results across New Zealand, compared with year-on-year (YoY) substance detections are as follows.
· ATS (including methamphetamine): 32.7% of positive tests, up 5.2% YoY
· Cannabis: 64.4% of positive tests, up 1.7% YoY
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that opioid use (including oxycodone) is down. Opioids were present in 18.2% of positive tests, in Q2, down 14.0% YoY.
This quarter, 2.8% of all screens conducted by TDDA indicated the presence of drugs, showing a slight downward trend compared with 3.0% in Q1. Of positive test rates, there is a backdrop of cocaine and ATS rebounding strongly against the same quarter a year ago.
Cocaine accounted for 2.8% of positive tests in Q2 2026, up 68.5% YoY, and setting aside the seasonal Q4 peak, its highest level in a year.
“TDDA data is showing that cocaine retreated from Q4 levels, which peaked over Christmas and New Year, but is roaring back in Q2. It is becoming increasingly likely that cocaine, buoyed by cartels and other South Pacific drug trade activity, is something employers even in white collar industries need to worry about. The substance is becoming highly available due to supply networks – rather than just a one-off spike,” says Glenn Dobson, chief executive of TDDA.
ATS, including methamphetamine, accounted for 32.7% of positive tests, up 5.2% YoY, after easing since Q3 2025. Businesses in the South Island should take note, as the region is seeing the largest spike in positive rates.
“Cocaine and ATS interfere with the way the brain judges risk, producing misplaced confidence and slower decisions at exactly the wrong moment. On safety-critical sites, where a small margin or a split second can be the difference, that combination can turn deadly fast. When judgement slips on a construction site or behind the wheel of a truck, the consequences reach past the workers and colleagues, and into families waiting at home.”
Regional trends
TDDA tracks regional fluctuations in substance use to help employers better manage workplace safety risks through targeted testing, education, and early intervention.
Cocaine
Cocaine is spreading nationally, reaching its highest level in a year across several regions below.
· Canterbury: 3.1% of positive tests, up 375.8% YoY
· Otago: 4.5% of positive tests, up 146.2% YoY
· Hawke’s Bay: 5.3% of positive tests, up 81.3% YoY
· Manawatū-Whanganui recorded cocaine detections of 5.1% of positive tests in Q2 2026, up from zero detections in the same quarter last year
ATS
The YoY rise in ATS runs strongest through the South Island.
· Southland: 44.0% of positive tests, up 200.8% YoY
· Otago: 25.4% of positive tests, up 153.7% YoY
· Bay of Plenty: 34.4% of positive tests, up 84.4% YoY
The quarterly ATS picture suggests employers should watch further north too. Auckland East, Hawke’s Bay, Northland, Taranaki and Tasman have all turned sharply upward in recent quarters.
Opioids
Opioids are settling nationally, though some regions keep climbing.
· Gisborne: 26.3% of positive tests, up 216.0% YoY
· Taranaki: 14.3% of positive tests, up 62.0% YoY
· Wellington: 18.6% of positive tests, up 56.6% YoY
· Otago: 41.8% of positive tests, up 27.7% YoY, the highest detection rate in the country.
What this means for employers
“When cocaine and ATS move region by region like this, a drug and alcohol testing programme set once and left alone quietly falls behind the risk. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 puts the obligation on employers to manage foreseeable risks, and substance use in safety-critical roles is exactly that. The starting point is a drug and alcohol policy that covers illicit, synthetic and prescription drugs alongside alcohol. It also gives managers and supervisors who sense something is off, yet don’t really know how to act, a clear path to follow,” says Dobson.
Stimulants can clear the body faster than depressants like opioids, so a single test at one point in time often misses them, and when and how a business tests employees shapes what is discovered.
“Pre-employment testing catches drug use at the door and shows on day one that the policy is more than words on paper. To keep catching fast-clearing substances like stimulants after that, random testing works well alongside it.
“In Q1 we warned that opioids were spreading quietly, and this quarter the more visible stimulants are returning alongside them. In the end, this isn’t just about compliance, because every person who turns up on site each day deserves to finish the day and get home safe. That is what TDDA protects.”
Methodology: Tests from 27 sterile clinic locations and over 60 mobile clinics throughout New Zealand were used. All tests were taken between 1 April and 30 June 2026. Data from pre-employment, post incident, regular and random testing has been combined. Testing methods included urine and oral fluid screening. Data is reported into, anonymised, and aggregated using TDDA’s Imperans system, a bespoke IT platform for testing services, data recording, and reporting. It represents a snapshot of drug trends across Australasian workplaces and industries.
Total figures on testing volumes or testing results by industry and region are commercially sensitive.
TDDA drug tests screen for amphetamines; benzodiazepines; cocaine; methamphetamine; opiates and opioids; Cannabis; and synthetic drugs.
About the Imperans Report
The Imperans report addresses an information gap for business. Government organisations like ACC and WorkSafe publish incident reports, but they do not quantify when substances are a factor. Reports build businesses’ understanding of substance use patterns regionally and temporally so that they can anticipate and reduce workplace risks. TDDA provides over 250,000 tests every year.
About The Drug Detection Agency
The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) is a leader in workplace substance testing with more than 300 staff, 90 mobile health clinics, 65 locations throughout Australasia. TDDA was established in 2005 to provide New Zealand and Australian businesses with end-to-end workplace substance testing, education and policy services. TDDA holds ISO17025 accreditation for workplace substance testing in both AU and NZ. Refer to the IANZ and NATA websites for TDDA’s full accreditation details. As members of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) and the California Narcotic Officers Association (CNOA), TDDA closely follows and acts on global drug trends.
Learn more about TDDA at https://tdda.com/, and read about the thinking behind TDDA’s work at https://tdda.com/protecting-the-girl-on-the-bike/.
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9. Exports grow amid worst conditions on record – BusinessNZ
July 15, 2026
Source: BusinessNZ
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10. Minim Martap Development Update
July 17, 2026
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)
Highlights
- The surface miner has arrived in Cameroon, with mining operations scheduled to commence in February 2026.
- Delivery of locomotives and wagons scheduled in Q1, 2026.
- Ore haulage from the Inland Rail Facility to the Port of Douala is planned for Q2, 2026, supporting first bauxite shipment targeted for late June 2026.
- Recruitment of the Mine Director and Port Manager has been finalised, with both appointees due to be in country this month.
- The alumina refinery Feasibility Study is progressing well and is 45% complete.
- Discussions with Camrail regarding the increase in ownership from 9% to approximately 35% are ongoing and expected to be completed in Q1, 2026.
- Drafting of meeting documentation for the EEA placement has been completed, with shareholder approval to be sought at a General Meeting scheduled for early March 2026.
- Afriland continues to progress discussions within country regulators in relation to remaining financing approvals.
PERTH, Australia, Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canyon Resources Limited (ASX: CAY) (‘Canyon’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to provide a development update for its Minim Martap Bauxite Project (‘Minim Martap’ or ‘the Project’), located in Cameroon.
The road contractor has mobilised additional equipment to site, with upgrade works progressing well and remain on track for completion by the end of Q1, 2026.
Image 1: Haul Road Development between Danielle Plateau and Inland Rail Facility
The commencement of mining at Minim Martap is on track for February 2026 following the arrival of the surface miner at the Port of Douala in Cameroon in December 2025.
Images 2, 3 & 4: Arrival of the surface miner at the Port of Douala in Cameroon
Delivery of the Rolling Stock is expected in Q1, 2026, and commissioning targeted for early Q2, 2026.
Images 5 & 6: Camalco Wagons at Texmaco Rail & Engineering Limited
Images 7 & 8: Camalco locomotive fabrication and locomotive engine at CRRC Ziyang Co., Ltd
Ore haulage from Inland Rail Facility (“IRF”) to Port of Douala is scheduled for Q2, 2026, and first bauxite shipment scheduled for late June 2026.
Final tenders for the dredging of the access channel to the Port du Bois berth have now been received, with works on track to commence in Q1, 2026.
All transhipping tenders have now been received, with the contract scheduled to be awarded in Q1, 2026, keeping the Project timeline firmly on track to allow Canyon to complete the first bauxite shipment in June 2026.
Discussions with Camrail continue to advance and are now well progressed, with the Company targeting an increase in its investment in Camrail from the current 9.1% to approximately 35%. Completion is expected in Q1, 2026, and would enable greater participation in the PQ2 upgrade, further strengthening and de-risking the Company’s mine-to-port logistics strategy.
The Feasibility Study for the proposed value-adding alumina refinery is now approximately 45% complete, advancing Canyon’s downstream value-add strategy and supporting its objective of positioning the Company as an integrated participant in the global aluminium value chain. The Study leverages the cost benefits of operating in Cameroon and the Project’s low-silica, high-grade bauxite, with completion targeted for Q3, 2026.
Key senior operational appointments have been completed, with the recruitment of an experienced Mine Director, who is a mining engineer with over 15 years of experience in Africa and Asia and previously worked in bauxite operations in Guinea, as well as an experienced Port Manager, who is an engineer with over 15 years of port operations experience in Asia and Guinea, with significant bulk tonnage ore shipments, port handling and off-shore transhipping expertise.
Both appointees are scheduled to be in-country in this month, materially strengthening Canyon’s on-the-ground leadership team as the Company transitions from development into operations. These appointments significantly enhance operational readiness across mining and port logistics and support the continued progression of the Minim Martap Bauxite Project toward first production.
At the Annual General Meeting held on the 25th of November 2025, shareholders approved the ~A$70 million equity raise pursuant to Tranche 2 of the Placement, announced on the 25th of September to Afriland Bourse & Investissement (‘Afriland’). Refer to ASX announcement dated 25 September 2025 for further details in relation to the Tranche 2 Placement.
Following shareholder approval, the Placement to Afriland is now subject only to approval from the Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale, the central bank for the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, the Commission de Surveillance du marché financier de l’Afrique Centrale, the market regulator for the Central African Economic and Monetary Community and the Government of Cameroon, which are progressing.
The remainder of Tranche 2 of the equity raise, comprising a placement of A$100M to Eagle Eye Asset Holdings Pte. Ltd (“EEA”) remains subject to shareholder approval and is progressing as planned. Drafting of the documentation required to convene the General Meeting has been completed, and the Company will seek shareholder approval at a General Meeting to be held in early March 2026. Subject to shareholder approval, settlement of this tranche of the Placement, on the previously announced terms, is expected in Q2, 2026.
Commenting on Afriland’s Tranche 2 of the Placement, Afriland stated: “Afriland remains fully supportive of Canyon and the advancement of the Minim Martap Bauxite Project. We continue to work closely with the Company and the relevant authorities to progress the remaining regulatory approvals to raise funds and look forward to supporting Canyon as it moves toward the next phase of project development.”
Commenting on project funding, EEA stated: “Canyon continues to make strong progress across key project milestones, and we are pleased with the momentum being demonstrated as the Company advances toward production. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Canyon and reaffirm our commitment to completing the A$100 million Tranche 2 equity funding under the announced terms of the Placement, subject to shareholder approval anticipated in early March 2026.”
Canyon Chief Executive Officer Peter Secker commented: “Following the arrival of the surface miner in Cameroon as well as confirmation of the delivery of the Rolling Stock scheduled in Q1, the key operational milestones continue to be achieved across mining, logistics and infrastructure workstreams.
“Project readiness continues to be strengthened, with key senior leadership appointments now completed. The Mine Director and Port Manager roles have been filled, with both executives scheduled to be on the ground this month to support the ramp-up to first production.
“Downstream value creation remains a key focus, with the alumina refinery Feasibility Study advancing well and reinforcing Canyon’s long-term, value-add development strategy.
“Discussions with Camrail regarding an increased equity interest are nearing completion and are expected to support greater involvement in critical rail infrastructure upgrades, further de-risking the Company’s mine-to-port logistics pathway. In parallel, documentation for the EEA placement has been completed, with shareholder approval to be sought at a meeting to be scheduled for early March 2026, while Afriland continues constructive engagement with authorities in Cameroon to finalise the remaining approvals.
“Canyon is fully funded through Stage 1 production through a balanced mix of debt and equity, underpinned by strong support from domestic and international investors and key in-country stakeholders, as the Company remains firmly on track toward first production.”
This announcement has been approved for release by Canyon’s Board of Directors.
Forward-looking statements
This announcement contains “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information”, such as statements and forecasts which include (without limitation) financial forecasts, production targets, industry and trend projections, statements about the feasibility of the Project and its financial outcomes (including pursuant to the DFS), future strategies, results and outlook of Canyon and the opportunities available to Canyon. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “is expecting”, “budget”, ‘outlook”, “scheduled”, “target”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes”, or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such information is based on assumptions and judgments of Canyon regarding future events and results. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, targets, performance or achievements of Canyon to be materially different from any future results, targets, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information.
Forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, sensitivities, contingencies, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are beyond the control of Canyon and its directors and management. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Key risk factors (including as associated with the DFS) are detailed (non-exhaustively) in this announcement or in Canyon’s previous ASX announcements. These and other factors (such as risk factors that are currently unknown) could cause actual results, targets, performance or achievements anticipated (including in the DFS) to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements and information.
Forward-looking statements and information (including Canyon’s belief that it has a reasonable basis to expect it will be able to fund the costs of the Project for its estimated life of mine) are (further to the above) based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of Canyon made in light of its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that Canyon believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Canyon believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information (including as described throughout this announcement) are reasonable, readers are cautioned that this is not exhaustive of all factors which may impact on the forward-looking statements and information. Canyon does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Investors should note that there is no certainty that the Project will be feasible and there can be no assurance of whether it will be developed, constructed and commence operations, whether the DFS results will be accurate, whether production targets will be achieved or whether Canyon will be able to raise funding when it is required (nor any certainty as to the form such capital raising may take, such as equity, debt, hybrid and/or other capital raising). It is also possible that such funding may only be available on terms that dilute or otherwise affect the value of Canyon’s shares. It is also possible that Canyon could pursue other ‘value realisation’ strategies such as sale, partial sale, or joint venture of the Project. Risk factors which are set out (non-exhaustively) in this announcement, or in Canyon’s previous ASX announcements, highlight key factors identified by Canyon which may cause actual results to differ from the DFS or may otherwise have material detrimental impacts on Canyon and its business.
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves
This announcement contains estimates of the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves estimated for the Project. This information in this announcement that relates to those Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves has been extracted from Canyon’s accompanying ASX announcement entitled “Definitive Feasibility Study Results and Reserves Upgrade Confirms Minim Martap as a Tier-One Bauxite Operation” dated 1 September 2025, a copy of which is available at www.asx.com.au. Canyon confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in that announcement and, in relation to the estimates of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in that announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Competent Person for the Mineral Resources estimate in the announcement was Mr. Rodney Brown and the Competent Persons for the Ore Reserve estimate in the announcement was Mr. Donald Eld.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a774eb91-6072-4211-99b3-bef65e19f4f4
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https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a6efd860-dc49-4f6d-931b-0375a71edc6a
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/398c01c6-748c-4860-b58f-3936ece3b525
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/720e92e0-ff05-4192-b0a5-e7a886315edd
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e2e5d629-eed9-460f-9ede-2b1c2cd0037c
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9253fc9c-5e58-4493-a8c4-c9237c985667
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e429bec6-7089-4ef6-bd22-f08f352b09c8
– Published by The MIL Network
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