THE MINING WRAP

Recent developments across the global mining industry highlight a growing focus on automation, energy efficiency and strategic investment as companies adapt to evolving market conditions and operational pressures.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has opened its first gold refinery, aimed at expanding domestic mineral processing and capturing more value from the country’s gold production. The facility, located in Kalemie in Tanganyika Province, can refine between 500 and 600 kilograms of gold per month and produce bullion with99.9% purity. Officials say the refinery will strengthen oversight of the gold trade and keep a greater share of revenues within the local economy. The project also targets output from the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, which accounts for a large portion of gold production in eastern Congo but has historically been exported or traded through informal channels before being refined abroad.

Automation and Smart Mining

Liebherr Delivers LiReCon Remote-Control System to SQM

Equipment manufacturers and technology providers continue to accelerate the adoption of automation and digital systems in mining operations. Liebherr recently confirmed the delivery of its LiReCon remote-control solution to SQM, enabling operators to control heavy mining equipment remotely. The teleoperation system is designed to enhance safety while allowing machinery to operate in hazardous environments.

Huawei Deploys 5G-Advanced Technology for Autonomous Electric Mining Trucks

In a similar move toward autonomous mining, Huawei has deployed a fleet of autonomous electric mining trucks powered by 5G-Advanced technology. The system combines high-speed connectivity with automated haulage, supporting smart mining operations while reducing carbon emissions associated with traditional diesel-powered fleets.

LiuGong Showcases Electric and Hybrid Mining Equipment

Manufacturers are also investing in electrified equipment. LiuGong showcased a new lineup of electric and hybrid mining machinery, alongside autonomous and remote-control technologies. The company said these systems aim to help mining companies reduce diesel consumption while improving operational efficiency.

Sandvik Expands Lifecycle Support with In-House Exciter Repairs

Mining equipment suppliers are expanding product offerings and service capabilities to strengthen operational reliability. Sandvik is expanding its lifecycle support capabilities by bringing exciter repairs in-house, reducing turnaround times for vibrating screen components used in mineral processing plants.

Vermeer Expands Portfolio with Anaconda Crushing and Screening Range

Meanwhile, Vermeer has expanded its equipment portfolio through the addition of the Anaconda product range, strengthening its capabilities in crushing, screening and material handling solutions used in mining and aggregate operations.

AECI Mining Introduces IntelliShot X Electronic Detonator

Digital blasting technologies are also advancing. AECI Mining recently showcased its IntelliShot X electronic detonator, a shock-resistant system designed to deliver improved blasting accuracy and safety in complex mining environments.

ESG and Sustainability Initiatives

Rand Refinery Partners with Gold Coast Refinery to Strengthen Responsible Sourcing

Sustainability continues to shape mining industry strategy. Rand Refinery has partnered with Ghana’s Gold Coast Refinery to improve responsible sourcing standards in West Africa’s gold sector. The collaboration focuses on strengthening traceability and ethical sourcing practices within regional gold supply chains.

BME Promotes Dual-Salt Emulsion Technology to Reduce Blasting Emissions

Explosives manufacturer BME is promoting dual-salt emulsion technologies, which can help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions during blasting operations. The approach supports mining companies pursuing lower-carbon production methods.

Seriti Green Advances Renewable Energy with Wind Turbine Delivery

Energy transition initiatives are also gaining momentum. Seriti Green confirmed the delivery of nine turbines for the Ummbila Emoyeni Wind Energy Facility in Mpumalanga, a renewable energy project designed to supply power to mining operations and reduce reliance on South Africa’s constrained electricity grid.

Corporate Deals and Project Developments

Masslift Africa Completes Management Buyout and Achieves Level 1 B-BBEE Status

Corporate restructuring and acquisitions remain a key theme in the sector. Masslift Africa, a distributor of Komatsu equipment, has completed a management buyout that resulted in Level 1 B-BBEE certification and more than 60% black ownership, strengthening its local empowerment credentials in Southern Africa.

Exxaro Strengthens Manganese Portfolio Through Strategic Acquisition

Major mining companies are also advancing new projects and acquisitions. Exxaro Resources recently concluded the acquisition of select manganese assets from Ntsimbintle Holdings and OMH, strengthening its position in a metal critical to steel production and emerging battery technologies.

Resolute Mining Approves Investment for Doropo Gold Project

Resolute Mining has approved a Final Investment Decision for the Doropo gold project in Côte d’Ivoire, committing between $170 million and $190 million to bring the operation into production.

Policy, Finance and Industry Oversight

DRC Orders Audit of Sicomines Mining Partnership

Government oversight and financial developments are also shaping the industry. The Democratic Republic of Congo has ordered a technical and financial audit of the Sicomines mining partnership covering the period from 2008 to 2024.

African Rainbow Minerals Raises Interim Dividend Amid Strong Results

Meanwhile, African Rainbow Minerals reported stronger financial performance, raising its interim dividend to 500 cents per share as revenue climbed to R8.4 billion during the first half of the 2026 financial year.

Kavango Resources Raises $8.4 Million for Zimbabwe Gold Projects

British mining company Kavango Resources has raised $8.4 million to advance its gold exploration projects in Zimbabwe’s Matabeleland region. The funding will support drilling and exploration activities across the company’s licence areas, including the Hillside GoldProject, where Kavango is targeting several historic high-grade gold prospects. The company plans to use the capital to expand its exploration programme and define potential mineral resources as it works to establish a new gold development pipeline in the country.

Neo Energy Metals Nears Completion of Beisa Mine Acquisition

Neo Energy Metals is awaiting final regulatory clearance for its planned acquisition of the Beisa uranium and gold project, located at the Beatrix 4 Shaft in SouthAfrica’s Witwatersrand Basin, from Sibanye-Stillwater. The transaction includes the underground workings and associated processing infrastructure linked to the historic Beatrix operations. Neo Energy aims to restart production by focusing on uranium extraction from tailings and underground resources in the area.

Exploration and Critical Minerals

Koryx Copper Advances Development of Haib Copper Project

Exploration and development projects targeting critical minerals are also gaining momentum. Koryx Copper is advancing development plans for the Haib copper project in Namibia, one of the country’s largest undeveloped copper deposits.

Lifezone Metals Progresses Kabanga Nickel Project in Tanzania

Lifezone Metals continues to advance the Kabanga nickel project in northwestern Tanzania, one of the world’s largest undeveloped high-grade nickel sulphide deposits. The project is being developed in partnership with the Tanzanian government and targets the growing battery metals market. Kabanga is expected to combine mining with local processing through a planned hydrometallurgical refinery. The project could position Tanzania as a future supplier of battery-grade nickel.

Makor Resources Consolidates Copper Assets in Zambia

Makor Resources is consolidating district-scale copper assets in Zambia, expanding its exploration footprint in one of Africa’s major copper regions. The move aligns with Zambia’s ambition to significantly increase copper production over the next decade. By securing additional licences, the company is strengthening its long-term development pipeline.

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