The surge in mining companies pursuing listings on markets in the United States amid growing defense-driven demand for critical minerals is reshaping the capital markets for strategic resources. Haynes Boone Partner Rick Werner recently spoke with Reuters, noting that while significant capital is flowing into defense-focused exploration, much of the activity remains speculative and will require substantial time and investment to reduce reliance on China’s dominance in key supply chains.
Werner regularly advises mining companies on cross-border capital markets transactions, including recently representing Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. on its Nasdaq listing as the company sought to broaden its institutional investor base and increase visibility in global capital markets.
Werner and Partner Alla Digilova also joined a recent episode of The Assay Podcast, where they discuss key considerations mining executives should evaluate when considering a U.S. listing.
Read an excerpt from the Reuters article below:
"There's absolutely a lot of money going into defense-driven exploration, but a lot of it is also very speculative right now," said Rick Werner, co-chair of the capital markets and securities practice at law firm Haynes Boone.
"As long as you can gain access to the mines and the resources, I don't see why they can't break China's chokehold over it," Werner said, "but it'll take time and money."
Read the full article from the Reuters here.
