For years, the supplier had enjoyed a reliable payment rhythm from one of the largest mining operations in their region. In good years, invoices were paid early. In average years, they were paid on time. Even during occasional dips in demand, payments never drifted more than a week or two. But this time was different. Invoices that once cleared in …
When 5.7% Isn’t Just Dust: The Quiet Delinquency Boom in U.S. Mining
The Bedrock Is Shifting For decades, mining has been the economic backbone of regions across the U.S. — a sector known for its grit, capital intensity, and strategic importance. From copper that powers EVs to rare earths critical for semiconductors, mining has always felt essential. And when something feels essential, financial risk tends to get underestimated. But lately, the numbers …

