THE MINING WRAP

Metso secures Tonkolili processing order

Metso will deliver a full suite of mineral processing equipment to Leone Rock Metal Group’s Tonkolili iron-ore operation in Sierra Leone. The package includes crushers, vertical mills and a high-rate thickener to support higher throughput and more stable processing. Supplied under Metso’s “Plus” portfolio, the equipment is designed to lower energy consumption per tonne and improve plant availability at scale.

Sandvik expands battery-electric footprint at Lamaque

Sandvik has secured an order from Eldorado Gold for battery-electric trucks, loaders and charging infrastructure at the Lamaque underground mine in Québec. The deployment strengthens Eldorado’s electrification roadmap and targets lower underground emissions. It also aims to reduce ventilation demand and improve operating costs over the life of the mine.

Caterpillar and Komatsu push power-agnostic haulage

Caterpillar and Komatsu are advancing power-agnostic haul truck platforms that allow operators to start with diesel and transition to battery systems later. The approach reduces upfront risk for miners while keeping fleets aligned with longer-term decarbonisation goals. Flexibility improves as charging and power infrastructure develops.

Hybrid dump-truck trials backed by UNIDO

Hybrid dump truck demonstrations at selected South African mines have been included in a UNIDO Industrial Cooperation Programme. The trials will test fuel savings, emissions reduction and performance under operating conditions. The selection reflects growing public-sector backing for transitional technologies between diesel and fully electric fleets.

Automation, AI and Digitalisation

Ma’aden partners with OffWorld on autonomous mining robots

Ma’aden has partnered with OffWorld Inc. to deploy autonomous, AI-powered robotic systems in deep underground environments. The robots are designed for precision tasks in confined or hazardous areas. They reduce human exposure while enabling continuous inspection, data collection and selective material handling.

Hitachi Construction Machinery invests in Rithmik Solutions

Hitachi Construction Machinery has made a minority investment in Rithmik Solutions Ltd. to scale AI-driven analytics for mixed equipment fleets. The platform allows operators to monitor performance, utilisation and maintenance across multiple OEM assets. The move reflects rising demand for data-layer capabilities beyond proprietary hardware.

Ericsson highlights 5G Standalone as mining backbone

Ericsson Executive has reiterated that 5G Standalone networks are becoming critical for modern mining operations. Low latency and higher reliability support real-time data flows, automation and remote control. The technology also underpins safety systems and centralised control rooms.

Private 5G investment accelerates

Research firm SNS Telecom & IT forecasts private 5G spending to reach around US$5 billion annually by 2028. Mining is expected to remain a key driver of demand. Use cases include automation, digital twins, predictive maintenance and mission-critical connectivity across remote sites.

Corporate, Financial and M&A Activity

Gold Fields launches US$2.35bn bid for Gold Road

Gold Fields Limited has launched a US$2.35 billion takeover bid for Gold Road Resources. The offer reflects continued consolidation in the gold sector. Producers are seeking scale, longer reserve life and jurisdictional balance in a high-price environment.

LG Innotek advances low-carbon IC substrate technology

LG Innotek has unveiled a next-generation smart IC substrate that cuts carbon emissions in production by about 50%. While not a mining product, the technology has implications for equipment, automation hardware and data-centre supply chains. Demand for advanced electronics continues to grow across the sector.

Policy, Regulation and Markets

DRC halts artisanal copper and cobalt processing

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has ordered a suspension of artisanal copper and cobalt processing to tighten traceability and curb illegal exports. Processors must now certify the legal origin of material before resuming operations. The decision affects global cobalt and battery-material supply chains.

EU pivots aid toward African minerals infrastructure

The European Union has announced a €2 billion initiative focused on minerals-linked infrastructure. Priority has been given to the Lobito Corridor rail route linking Zambia’s copper belt to Angola’s Atlantic port. The programme is backed by the African Development Bank.

Botswana plans to lift diamond production

Botswana intends to increase diamond production as market demand strengthens, according to Minerals and Energy Minister Bogolo Joy Kenewendo. The move supports fiscal revenues and reinforces the country’s role in global diamond supply.

Gold prices hit record highs

Gold prices have climbed above US$4,500 per ounce amid rising geopolitical risk and safe-haven demand. Expectations of future U.S. rate cuts have also supported prices. Higher prices strengthen producer cash flows but raise acquisition costs.

Exploration, Projects and Industry Outlook

Makor advances Muli Copper Project

Makor Resources continues exploration at the Muli Copper Project in Zambia’s Central Province. Work includes geological mapping and geochemical surveys. The programme aims to define district-scale copper potential ahead of drilling.

Kanyika niobium project pushed to 2028

Globe Metals and Mining now expect production at Malawi’s Kanyika niobium project to begin in 2028, reflecting ongoing financing and development challenges in bringing specialty-metal projects to market.

African Mining Week 2026 confirmed

African Mining Week will return to Cape Town in October 2026. The event will bring together miners, investors, policymakers and technology providers. Discussions will focus on critical minerals, sustainability and project development.

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