THE MINING WRAP

BHP and Rio Tinto have taken delivery of the first Caterpillar battery-electric haul trucks for large-scale trials at their Pilbara iron-ore operations. Announced on 5 December 2025, the trials form part of Caterpillar’s Early Learner program, which partners with major miners to validate battery performance under real mining conditions.

China tests new 5G autonomous mining trucks

China has completed new trials of 5G-enabled autonomous mining trucks at the Huoshaoyun site, a high-altitude operation situated around 5,600 metres above sea level. The extreme environment marked by thin air, low temperatures and rugged terrain provided a demanding testbed for remote operations. The upgraded 5G system delivered smoother control, faster data transmission and greater operational stability,

Safety, Digitalisation & Operational Efficiency

Booyco Electronics expands Level 9 collision-avoidance rollouts
Booyco Electronics is accelerating the rollout of Level 9 collision-avoidance systems across South African mines. The technology improves real-time detection between vehicles and workers, helping reduce mobile-equipment accidents.

DRC–U.S. partnership to advance mining technology
The DRC has signed a new partnership with the United States to modernise copper and cobalt operations. The agreement focuses on advanced drilling systems, improved geological data tools, and upgraded mine-site safety technologies.

SEW-EURODRIVE grows digital drive-train presence in Africa

SEW-EURODRIVE is expanding its digital drive-train and power-pack solutions across Africa. The rollout aims to boost equipment reliability and improve energy performance in both processing plants and underground mines.

Corporate, Financial & Expansion Developments

Anglo American and Teck merger approved
Shareholders have approved the merger between Anglo American and Teck Resources. The combined group strengthens its copper portfolio and gains a stronger position in minerals vital to the energy transition.

Komatsu completes acquisition of GHH
Komatsu has finalised its acquisition of underground-equipment maker GHH. The deal expands Komatsu’s hard-rock mining offering and adds new loaders, haul trucks, and tunnelling machinery to its global portfolio.

Caterpillar maintains dividend and expands U.S. footprint

Caterpillar has maintained its quarterly dividend of US$1.51 per share as of 11 December 2025, signalling steady financial performance and strong investor confidence. The company is also expanding its presence in the Dallas–Fort Worth region through the purchase of a new office building, supporting its long-term operational and administrative growth plans.

Botswana Diamonds enters H2 with a strengthened asset base
Botswana Diamonds has entered the second half of the year with a stronger asset base and a clearer value-creation plan. Progress on its kimberlite targets in Botswana and South Africa supports new joint-venture opportunities and upcoming drill programmes.

Policy & Commodity Market Developments

Ghana bans mining in forest reserves

Ghana has introduced a nationwide ban on mining within forest reserves as part of a sweeping effort to curb environmental degradation and protect critical biodiversity zones. The decision follows growing public pressure over deforestation and water contamination linked to both legal and illegal mining.

DRC cobalt Exports

Cobalt exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo are yet to resume, even after the government issued an inter-ministerial circular on December 2 outlining procedures to restart shipments. Authorities had described the circular as the final administrative step following the October 15 lifting of a nine-month export embargo. However, companies say the new system is too complex and unclear to allow trade to resume.

Chile raises long-term mining investment forecast

Chile has increased its mining investment outlook to US$105 billion through 2034. The revision reflects strong demand for copper, lithium and other minerals needed for electrification.

Glencore ships first cobalt cargo under new DRC quota

Glencore has dispatched the first cobalt shipment under the Democratic Republic of Congo’s new export-quota system, implemented to tighten control over strategic mineral flows. The quota framework requires producers to register output volumes and comply with stricter documentation protocols designed to curb smuggling and improve tax and royalty collection.

Zimbabwe surpasses 2025 gold-production target

Zimbabwe has exceeded its 2025 gold-production target, delivering more than 40 tonnes to the Fidelity Gold Refinery ahead of year-end. Small-scale and artisanal miners drove much of the growth, boosting export earnings and reinforcing gold’s importance to the national economy.

AI Extends Its Reach Into Morocco’s Mining Exploration After Success in Zambia and Botswana

Aterian announced on December 9 that it signed a binding memorandum of understanding with French start-up Lithosquare to launch a joint exploration program in Morocco and Botswana. The partnership will allow the UK-based junior miner to use Lithosquare’s data-science and artificial-intelligence tools to identify promising copper targets.

Rio Tinto Restructuring Puts Madagascar Titanium Project in Doubt

Rio Tinto is accelerating its restructuring by reviewing and divesting non-strategic or low-margin assets, aiming to raise $5–10 billion as it refocuses on core commodities such as iron, aluminium, lithium and copper. The shift places businesses like titanium under strategic review and has raised fresh uncertainty about the long-term future of the group’s ilmenite project in Madagascar.

Robex Resources

Perseus Mining terminated its takeover bid for Predictive Discovery after rival bidder Robex Resources matched the terms of an earlier merger proposal, leading Predictive’s board to back the Robex transaction instead.

Hydrogen, Energy Transition & Decarbonisation

Air Products introduces mobile hydrogen dispenser in South Africa
Air Products has rolled out a mobile hydrogen dispenser to support South Africa’s growing fuel-cell mobility sector. The system allows fast refueling and strengthens the country’s hydrogen infrastructure.

Heraeus releases 2026 hydrogen-market outlook
Heraeus has published its 2026 outlook, projecting renewed hydrogen demand and expansion of platinum-based PEM technologies. The analysis also highlights rapid growth in hydrogen research capacity in China.

Bosch and Bambili Energy advance fuel-cell collaboration
Bosch Germany and Bambili Energy are deepening discussions on integrating locally manufactured membrane-electrode assemblies into Bosch’s fuel-cell systems. The collaboration supports localisation and strengthens South Africa’s hydrogen-technology ecosystem.

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