THE MINING WRAP

Caterpillar finalised the acquisition of RPMGlobal Holdings Limited on February 18, 2026, adding mining schedule and simulation software to its portfolio and enabling direct integration of equipment performance data into mine planning systems. The integration improves alignment between haulage output, maintenance intervals and production schedules, particularly in high-tonnage operations in South Africa and Zambia, where tighter coordination supports more consistent output and higher equipment utilisation.

Caterpillar Venture Capital also invested in lithium iron phosphate battery developer ElevenEs, strengthening its position in battery systems suited for electric mining equipment and on-site energy storage.

Barloworld expands Level 9 collision avoidance systems in South Africa

Barloworld Equipment advanced partnerships to roll out Level 9 collision avoidance systems across South African mining operations, introducing intervention-based technology that automatically slows or stops machines when collision risks are detected. The systems address vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-person incidents, which remain among the highest-risk categories in the sector, and support wider adoption of proximity detection controls following record-low fatalities in 2025 across underground and surface fleets.

XCMG delivers diesel-electric trucks to Exxaro

XCMG confirmed delivery of seven XDE260 diesel-electric haul trucks to Exxaro Resources for deployment at the Grootegeluk coal mine in Limpopo, with the diesel-electric drive systems providing consistent torque under heavy load and improved fuel efficiency compared to mechanical alternatives, translating into lower cost per tonne in a high-volume coal operation.

OES introduces fleet optimisation platform

OES launched a fleet management system in February 2026 designed to improve dispatch decisions and reduce idle time by processing live operational data to enhance haul cycle efficiency and track equipment performance trends, due to tightening operating costs across Southern African mines are increasing focus on dispatch accuracy and fuel control.

ABB launches structured maintenance framework

ABB introduced its ABB Care service model for automation and hoisting systems used in African mining, combining condition monitoring, lifecycle support and structured performance reviews to reduce unplanned shaft downtime in deep-level operations, particularly in South Africa’s gold and platinum sectors where hoisting reliability is critical to maintaining production schedules and avoiding costly stoppages.

Nkangala develops hybrid roof bolter

South African manufacturer Nkangala Mining introduced a mechanised roof bolter capable of operating on either a Tier 4 diesel engine or a 545-volt electric motor, lowering underground diesel emissions while providing operational flexibility and reducing worker exposure during support installation in high-risk stoping areas.

Fleet Space supports copper exploration in Zambia

Fleet Space partnered with CopperTech and Axiom Group to deploy satellite-supported subsurface imaging in Zambia, improving geological targeting to reduce unnecessary drilling, shorten early-stage exploration timelines and lower capital risk as the country works to expand national copper output.

RTK devices previewed ahead of Electra Mining Africa

Suppliers preparing for Electra Mining Africa 2026 in Johannesburg announced rugged RTK-enabled mobile devices designed for precise mapping, alignment and maintenance logging, with improved spatial accuracy supporting survey and engineering teams in open-pit and underground operations where measurement precision directly influences equipment positioning, drilling alignment and ore recovery control.

Energy Transition and Operational Efficiency

Kumba advances solar and wheeling arrangements

Kumba Iron Ore is advancing solar installations on waste rock dumps in South Africa while implementing wheeling agreements to access renewable energy, reducing reliance on Eskom supply, improving long-term electricity price stability and lowering Scope 2 emissions associated with processing operations.

Michelin focuses on tyre longevity and fuel efficiency

Michelin highlighted tyre designs aimed at extending service life and improving rolling efficiency in heavy-duty haul applications, addressing one of the largest operating cost components in open-pit mining after fuel by reducing downtime, lowering replacement frequency, cutting fuel consumption and decreasing transport-related emissions linked to tyre supply and change-outs.

BME improves blasting efficiency

BME, part of the Omnia Group, is expanding deployment of its Axxis electronic initiation system, providing more precise blast timing and reducing electricity intensity during detonation, which improves fragmentation consistency, lowers downstream milling energy requirements and reduces overall processing costs.

Copper, Rare Earths and Portfolio Changes

Glencore adjusts copper marketing structure in the DRC

Glencore entered an agreement allowing Gécamines to market a substantial portion of copper produced at Kamoto Copper Company in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, altering revenue flow while retaining operational control and potentially influencing trade patterns given the DRC’s importance in global copper and cobalt supply.

Rio Tinto prioritises copper growth

After merger discussions with Glencore ended earlier in February, Rio Tinto confirmed it will prioritise organic growth and selective acquisitions to strengthen its copper portfolio, reflecting sustained global demand linked to grid expansion and electrification.

Jubilee shifts capital from chrome and PGM to copper

Jubilee Metals finalised the R1.5 billion sale of its South African chrome and PGM operations to focus on copper expansion in Zambia, reallocating capital toward metals supported by long-term demand from energy transition and infrastructure development.

Harena advances rare earth development in Madagascar

Harena Rare Earths raised £2 million to advance its Ampasindava project in Madagascar and engage with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, supporting diversification of rare earth supply for permanent magnet and battery material markets.

Policy and Regional Placements

South Africa reinforces mining’s strategic role

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address described mining as a “sunrise industry” and committed to expanded geological mapping through the Council for Geoscience, with improved geological data expected to reduce exploration risk, attract new investment and support downstream beneficiation initiatives.

Gabon strengthens manganese value addition strategy

At Mining Indaba 2026, Gabon outlined plans to expand local manganese processing and develop supporting energy infrastructure to reduce reliance on raw ore exports and increase domestic refining capacity and value addition.Read more HERE