The Mining Wrap

Artificial intelligence and automation continue to gain momentum across the mining sector, with the Innovation in Mining Conference 2026 placing digital mining, autonomous systems and MineTech startups in the spotlight. The event reflects growing industry investment in technologies that improve safety, productivity and sustainability while creating opportunities for emerging technology companies to engage with mining operators and investors. The continued emphasis on AI and digital innovation demonstrates how rapidly mining companies are integrating smart technologies into everyday operations.

Acquisitions and Corporate Deals

Barrick Gold Reviews Strategic Options for African Assets

Barrick Gold is evaluating strategic options for its African operations, including an all-share combination with Endeavour Mining or the creation of a separately listed Africa-focused company in London. The review is intended to unlock shareholder value while providing greater strategic focus for its African portfolio. The move could reshape the continent’s gold mining landscape and trigger further consolidation among major producers.

Genesis Minerals Launches A$3.9 Billion Bid for Vault Minerals

Australian gold producer Genesis Minerals has launched a A$3.9 billion takeover proposal for Vault Minerals. The transaction would combine two major Western Australian gold producers, increasing production capacity and operational scale. The proposed acquisition reflects continued consolidation as gold producers pursue larger, more efficient mining portfolios.

Technology, Equipment and Processing

Caterpillar Expands Digital Mining Portfolio with Skycatch Acquisition

Caterpillar has completed its acquisition of drone mapping and geospatial analytics company Skycatch, adding AI-powered aerial surveying and near real-time digital twin capabilities to its mining technology portfolio. The acquisition integrates Skycatch’s spatial intelligence platform with MineStar and the recently acquired RPMGlobal software, enabling mining companies to combine real-time site mapping with mine planning, fleet management and autonomous operations. The move strengthens Caterpillar’s position as digital mining becomes central to modern mine management.

Volvo CE Begins Serial Production of Electric Haulers

Volvo Construction Equipment has started serial production of its battery-electric articulated haulers, marking an important milestone in mining fleet electrification. Commercial production demonstrates that battery electric heavy equipment is moving beyond pilot projects and into mainstream mining applications. The transition supports industry efforts to reduce diesel consumption, emissions and operating costs.

Emesent Raises US$17 Million for Autonomous Mine Mapping

Australian autonomous mapping company Emesent has secured US$17 million to expand deployment of its autonomous drone and underground mapping technology across mining and infrastructure projects. The funding will accelerate development of AI-driven surveying solutions that improve underground mapping accuracy while reducing worker exposure to hazardous environments. The investment reflects growing demand for autonomous technologies that enhance productivity and safety.

AI, Automation and Advanced Mining

ERG Develops Digital Twin for Chrome Mine Operations

Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) is developing a digital twin at its Donskoy GOK chrome mine to predict equipment failures before they occur. The technology analyses operational data to improve maintenance planning, reduce downtime and optimise equipment performance. Predictive maintenance is becoming a key component of digital mining strategies aimed at increasing productivity while lowering maintenance costs.

Mining Developments Across Africa

Fortuna Mining Nears Final Permit for Senegal Gold Project

Fortuna Mining expects to receive the final construction permit for its Diamba Sud Gold Project in Senegal within weeks after securing environmental approval. The company plans to invest nearly US$400 million in developing the open-pit mine, with first production targeted for 2028. The project highlights continued investment in West African gold mining and demonstrates Senegal’s efforts to streamline mine development approvals.

DRC Maintains Copper and Cobalt Production Despite Supply Challenges

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Mines says copper and cobalt production remains on track despite sulfuric acid supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. Long-term supply contracts, strategic inventories and alternative regional suppliers have helped mining companies maintain production. The update reinforces the resilience of the world’s largest cobalt-producing nation amid global supply chain uncertainty.

Administrative Delays Threaten DRC Cobalt Exports

Leading producers including CMOC, Glencore, Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) and Huayou Cobalt have warned that customs declaration delays could affect exports of approximately 20,000 tonnes of cobalt valued at around US$1.1 billion. The disruption has prevented shipments from being processed before export quota deadlines, prompting calls for regulatory extensions. The issue highlights how administrative bottlenecks can disrupt global critical mineral supply chains.

Belgium Returns Colonial-Era Geological Records to the DRC

Belgium has agreed to digitise and return a vast archive of colonial-era geological records to the Democratic Republic of Congo, providing access to decades of historical mining maps, exploration reports and drilling data. The archive is expected to support AI-assisted mineral exploration, improve geological mapping and strengthen the country’s management of critical mineral resources. Greater access to historical geological data could accelerate future exploration and resource development.

Burkina Faso Moves to Restart Perkoa Zinc Mine

Burkina Faso is advancing plans to restart the Perkoa Zinc Mine as zinc prices reach four-year highs. Reopening the operation would restore one of the country’s key zinc assets and increase concentrate supply to international markets. The restart reflects renewed confidence in zinc market fundamentals and the economic viability of previously suspended operations.

Kiniero Gold Mine Exceeds Design Capacity

Robex Resources reported that its Kiniero Gold Mine in Guinea exceeded its design capacity after second-quarter production increased by 37%. The stronger-than-expected operational performance demonstrates a successful ramp-up while supporting higher gold output. Surpassing design capacity early in production improves project economics and investor confidence.

Kamoa-Kakula Achieves 46% of Annual Copper Target

Ivanhoe Mines reported that the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex reached 46% of its 2026 copper production target during the first half of the year. Continued strong performance keeps the operation on track for another record production year while reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading copper mines. The project remains a key contributor to the DRC’s growing copper output.

Xtract Begins Copper and Silver Production in Zambia

Xtract Resources has commenced production at its copper and silver joint venture project in Zambia, marking the transition from project development to commercial operations. The start of production strengthens Zambia’s copper pipeline while adding new output to the country’s growing mining sector. Bringing new projects into production remains essential to meeting rising global demand for critical minerals.