Chinese companies control two-thirds of cobalt in the DRC, which accounts for an estimated 74 per cent of global output, putting it at a “high risk” of falling foul of the foreign entity clause in the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

CMOC, previously known as China Molybdenum, is a top cobalt producer from its two main sites in the DRC – Tenke Fungurume mine and Kisanfu project – and a potential target for the IRA’s foreign entity of concern clause (FEOC), Benchmark Minerals said.

Benchmark’s study noted that 60 per cent of the global supply of mined cobalt in 2024 is expected to come from assets classified as FEOC or at “high risk” of becoming part of that category.

The clause captures entities owned, controlled or subject to the jurisdictions of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.

The Washington Wizards cleaned up in the 2024 NBA Draft. With a new front office, they went the youth movement route – rightfully so – selecting Alex Sarr (No. 2), Bub Carrington (No. 14), Keyshawn George (No. 24) all in the first round with heavy minutes out of the gate – with Carrington suffering an ankle injury in the first contest, which is described as a mild Ankle Sprain that has already seen the Pittsburgh product return to the floor.

Nabbing Sarr with the second pick was viewed as a big win for the Wizards, as the seven-footer helped facilitate his “falling” to Washington. Many see the big man as the best of the 2024 NBA Draft class and in his second game of the season against the Cleveland Cavaliers, he showed flashes.

Sarr had his hands full with Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and that Cavs front court, but still produced in his 25 minutes of a lopsided 135-116 loss on Saturday.

Sarr posted 12 points, hauled in six rebounds, dished out an assist, swatted two shots and even swiped a steal while shooting 40 percent from the floor – including 2-for-6 from beyond the arc. All this coupled with just three fouls on a difficult assignment should be a good sign for the Wizards.

While NBA fans have been spoiled watching Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren and Dereck Lively II burst onto the scene in their rookie season, the big man position is still one that takes time to acclimate to the NBA level. Sarr will continue to evolve all season, but this was a clear step up from his debut.

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This offseason could be an exciting one for the Washington Nationals.

Owner Mark Lerner has stated he’s willing to open up his checkbook for general manager Mike Rizzo to spend on free agents if he feels like that is something this team needs during this cycle, but with the Nationals having some of their top prospects hit the big leagues this past campaign, the front office is weighing if they should add players or give the youngsters more time to develop.

Still, Washington is expected to spend so they can upgrade certain positions on this roster.

While first base has gotten a lot of the attention so because of the players scheduled to hit the open market this winter, the bullpen is something that could benefit from additions as well.

Someone Reese Evans of District On Deck thinks the Nationals should go after is New York Yankees star reliever Clay Holmes.

“He has at least 60 appearances in the last three seasons, 60 innings pitched, 65 strikeouts, and less than 25 walks. He’s someone that Davey Martinez could depend on out of the Nats bullpen … He’s one of the best late-inning relievers in baseball and would take Washington’s bullpen to the next level. Holmes should be at the top of Rizzo’s list,” he wrote.

Holmes is certainly someone the team should consider.

While the right-hander has had his struggles this season, blowing 13 of his 43 save opportunities, he still had a very solid year with a 3.14 ERA and ERA+ that was 31 points above the league average.

For Washington, his consistency coming out of the bullpen in high-leverage situations would be a huge upgrade.

The Nationals finished 21st in bullpen ERA with a 4.14, so there is a clear need for them to find some new arms, whether that is from internal options or externally.

Holmes would certainly provide that, and with Washington having the ability to spend money this offseason, he should be a real option they pursue.