THE MINING WRAP

Mining equipment manufacturer and industry giant Liebherr has brought the R9100 G8 hydraulic excavator into full commercial operation following field testing in Indonesia. During trials, the machine recorded 92% mechanical availability under demanding production conditions, including continuous digging in high-density overburden and coal operations. The excavator features upgraded hydraulic systems, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced monitoring systems designed to optimise cycle times and reduce downtime

Its performance reinforces its suitability for large-scale surface mining environments where uptime and payload efficiency directly impact cost per tonne.

ABB integrates generative AI into energy management systems

ABB has integrated generative AI into its mining energy management platforms, enabling operators to interrogate energy data using natural language commands.
The system links power consumption directly to production variables, providing real-time visibility into energy use across mining and processing circuits.
Operators can now adjust energy distribution dynamically, improving load balancing and reducing inefficiencies across plant systems.

Anglo American expands IoT monitoring on slurry pumps

Anglo American has deployed IoT-enabled sensors on slurry pumps at processing operations to monitor vibration, temperature and wear in real time.
The data feeds into asset monitoring platforms, allowing maintenance teams to track pump condition continuously and identify early signs of mechanical degradation.

Furukawa advances automated underground drilling

Furukawa is advancing underground drilling efficiency through a hydraulic hammering system with auto-stroke and idle-strike functionality, improving impact efficiency while reducing tool wear in underground environments.

OEM Developments and Electrification

Epiroc launches high-capacity underground charging system

Epiroc has introduced a 480 kW underground charging solution designed for high-demand mining conditions. The system supports mixed OEM fleets and improves charging flexibility as operations transition toward battery-electric equipment.

Sandvik secures major underground equipment order

Sandvik Group secured a SEK 250 million order from Aris Mining to supply underground loaders, trucks and drill rigs for the Marmato gold mine in Colombia. The equipment package will support mechanised underground extraction, material handling and production drilling in narrow-vein conditions.

Astec expands mobile crushing portfolio

Astec Industries introduced the A50 jaw crusher as part of its mobile crushing portfolio.
The unit enables closer positioning to extraction zones, reducing haul distances and improving cycle times in open-pit operations.

ESG, Safety And Energy Transition

Veolia and SUEZ scale modular water treatment solutions

Veolia and SUEZ have expanded modular water treatment systems for mining operations.
The systems enable on-site recycling of process water and tailings streams, reducing reliance on freshwater in water-constrained regions.

African Development Bank strengthens rehabilitation guarantees

The African Development Bank has supported new rehabilitation guarantee frameworks requiring mining companies to fully fund post-closure environmental obligations.
The approach links financial guarantees directly to environmental and land restoration responsibilities.

South Africa records zero fall-of-ground fatalities

The Minerals Council South Africa reported zero fall-of-ground fatalities in early 2026, supported by investments in ground stability monitoring technologies from companies including Anglo American and Sibanye-Stillwater.

Strategic Projects, Exploration And Operations

Tharisa advances underground transition at Rustenburg

Tharisa Minerals has initiated its transition from open-pit to underground mining at Rustenburg, supported by completed decline development and underground infrastructure.
The move targets deeper ore bodies to sustain long-term chrome and PGM production.

Zambia copper exploration gains momentum

Prospect Resources continues to report strong drilling results at its West Mwombezhi prospect in Zambia, reinforcing exploration upside in the region.
KoBold Metals is advancing its Mingomba copper project toward future production, supporting long-term copper supply.

Atlantic Lithium progresses Ewoyaa project toward construction

Atlantic Lithium has secured key approvals for its Ewoyaa lithium project, positioning the project for construction and eventual production. The development strengthens Ghana’s role in the global lithium supply chain.

Mining Finance, Investment And Capital Deployment

Exxaro acquires manganese assets for R11.67 billion

Exxaro Resources announced a R11.67 billion acquisition of manganese assets, expanding its exposure to battery and steel-linked commodities.

Gold Fields invests in South Deep expansion

Gold Fields has allocated R1.714 billion to expand its South Deep operation in Gauteng.
The project focuses on underground infrastructure, hoisting capacity and processing upgrades, while integrating renewable energy systems to support long-term production.The company also has exited the Damang mine as part of a strategic portfolio adjustment in Ghana.

Lundin secures silver streaming agreement

Lundin Royalties Corp signed a silver streaming agreement linked to the Fruta del Norte project, securing future production exposure through upfront funding.

Virtus commits $700 million to DRC assets

Virtus committed $700 million toward copper and cobalt projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, targeting high-grade deposits aligned with global electrification supply chains.

Zijin advances $3.9 billion Allied Gold acquisition

Zijin Mining progressed its $3.9 billion acquisition of Allied Gold following shareholder approval, expanding its gold portfolio across West Africa.

Rainbow Rare Earths raises $14.6 million

Rainbow Rare Earths raised $14.6 million to advance its rare earth development project in South Africa, funding exploration and early-stage development.

Policy, Regulation And Sovereign Control

Guinea tightens mining revenue regulations

Guinea introduced stricter rules requiring mining companies to repatriate a larger share of export revenues through local financial systems.
The policy aims to increase domestic retention of foreign currency and strengthen national financial systems.

METS sector evolves into technology-driven services

Mining Equipment, Technology and Services companies are evolving into technology providers, embedding AI-enabled platforms, automation systems and real-time analytics into equipment.
The shift supports predictive maintenance, fleet optimisation and performance tracking while enabling service-based revenue models.

Supply chain risks increase amid shipping disruptions

Instability in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, is driving higher freight rates and elevated war-risk insurance costs. Mining companies are mitigating exposure by diversifying shipping routes, using alternative ports and rail corridors, and expanding regional stockpiling to avoid delays.

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