As supply chains become an increasingly geopolitical topic, there has been a rise in investments into defence-oriented battery cell production facilities especially in the US.

Portugal’s electric vehicle (EV) penetration rate surpassed 50% for the first time in September 2026, as 58% of new passenger cars and light duty vehicles registered for the first time were either a battery EV (BEV), plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) or range extended EV (REEV). While neighbouring Spain also experienced a record EV penetration rate in September of 30%, Portugal has long led Spain in terms of EV adoption, despite both having operated EV subsidy schemes in recent years. The design of Portugal’s tax incentives is largely responsible.

Benchmark Mineral Intelligence is pleased to announce the launch of its Uranium Price Assessments, bringing price transparency to the market for uranium oxide concentrate (U3O8), commonly known as yellowcake. Yellowcake is the feedstock that is converted into uranium fuel for nuclear reactors. Demand for uranium is rising as governments and technology companies turn to nuclear power. Approximately 430 nuclear reactors operate worldwide today, and Benchmark expects global uranium demand to grow by around a third, from about 74 ktU in 2026 to 98 ktU in 2035.

Benchmark Mineral Intelligence has been appointed primary data provider for Veramark's new Responsible Metals Value Chain Platform, giving companies across the copper value chain a shared, independent view of the market they operate in. Veramark, formerly the Copper Mark, launched the platform on 28 October. It brings together miners, smelters, refiners, fabricators, recyclers, traders, manufacturers and financial institutions to work on shared challenges, from traceability and transparency to greenhouse gas emissions and recycled content. More than 20 companies have already signed up as Value Chain Partners, adding to Veramark's assurance coverage of over 140 upstream sites.