The Mining Wrap

Several notable developments emerged across Africa’s mining sector this week, spanning artificial intelligence, automation, equipment innovation, strategic acquisitions, and critical minerals development. From AI-powered exploration in Zambia to autonomous mining operations in Mali.

Mining startup KoBold Metals continues advancing its Mingomba Copper Project in Zambia while expanding the use of artificial intelligence in mineral exploration. The company uses machine learning and geological datasets to identify promising mineral deposits more efficiently than traditional methods. Backed by investors including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, KoBold has become one of the most closely watched mining technology companies operating in Africa.

Flyability Wins Sustainability Award

Swiss mining technology startup Flyability won the Best Sustainability Scale-Up of 2026 award at the Tech Tour Growth Awards. The company develops collision-tolerant Elios drones that mining operators use to inspect underground workings, shafts, and confined spaces. The technology improves safety, reduces downtime, and allows mines to gather inspection data without sending workers into hazardous environments.

Mining Partnerships and Acquisitions

Barrick Gold Considers African Asset Restructuring

Barrick Gold is reportedly evaluating a restructuring of its African operations that could involve spinning off assets and combining them with those of Endeavour Mining. The proposed transaction could create a gold-focused company valued at around US$30 billion. If completed, the deal would rank among the most significant corporate developments in Africa’s mining sector this year.

Zijin Mining Acquisition of Allied Gold Faces Delay

Zijin Mining’s proposed US$4 billion acquisition of Allied Gold has reportedly been delayed while Chinese regulators review the transaction. Allied Gold operates producing assets in Mali and Côte d’Ivoire, making the deal one of the most significant gold-sector acquisitions involving Africa this year. The delay highlights increasing scrutiny of large international mining transactions.

Pan African Resources Advances Growth Projects

Pan African Resources continues progressing its acquisition of Emmerson Resources while advancing development work on the Soweto Cluster tailings project in South Africa. The company views both projects as key growth opportunities. The developments are expected to strengthen its resource base and support future production growth.

CopperTech Pursues NYSE Listing to Fund Zambia Expansion

CopperTech is pursuing a New York Stock Exchange listing to raise capital for the expansion of its operations at Zambia’s Konkola Copper Mine. The funding would support production growth and infrastructure upgrades. The move highlights continued investor interest in Zambia’s copper sector and critical minerals development.

Endeavour Seeks Local Partners for Mali’s Kalana Gold Project

Endeavour Mining is seeking local partners to support development of its Kalana Gold Project in Mali. The company aims to increase local participation while advancing one of West Africa’s notable undeveloped gold assets. The initiative reflects a broader focus on local ownership and stakeholder engagement across the sector.

Mining Technology and Automation

Resolute Mining Accelerates Autonomous Mining in Mali

Resolute Mining continues expanding automation at its Syama Mine in Mali. The operation uses autonomous drilling, automated haulage, and AI-supported mine management systems to improve productivity and safety. Syama remains one of Africa’s leading examples of a digitally enabled underground mine.

BME Expands Deployment of XPLOSMART Platform

BME is expanding deployment of its XPLOSMART blasting platform, which combines artificial intelligence, drone photogrammetry, and blast analytics. The technology helps operators improve fragmentation and optimise downstream processing performance. The rollout reflects growing demand for data-driven mining solutions.

MTC Namibia Supports Mine Automation at Rössing

MTC Namibia has deployed dedicated LTE network infrastructure at the Rössing Uranium Mine to support automation and digital mining applications. Reliable connectivity is increasingly important for autonomous equipment, remote monitoring, and real-time operational data. The project highlights the growing role of telecommunications infrastructure in modern mining.

Heavy Mobile Equipment and OEM Developments

Metso Expands Promotion of Lokotrack LT400J in Africa

Metso is expanding the rollout of its Lokotrack LT400J mobile jaw crusher across African mining and quarrying markets. The diesel-electric unit is designed for high-capacity crushing applications and offers improved mobility, productivity, and energy efficiency. Growing interest in lower-emission and cost-efficient processing equipment continues to drive demand for advanced crushing solutions across the continent.

ESG and Sustainability

Schneider Electric Expands Mining Decarbonisation Efforts

Schneider Electric is working with mining companies across Sub-Saharan Africa to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. The company is deploying electrification technologies, digital energy management systems, and sustainability reporting tools. The partnerships highlight the sector’s growing focus on decarbonisation and ESG performance.

Tharisa Advances Local Beneficiation Initiatives

Tharisa continues advancing local beneficiation and processing initiatives as part of its broader sustainability strategy. The company believes greater local value addition can create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and increase economic participation in mining regions. The approach aligns with growing efforts to maximise the benefits of mineral resources within host countries.

Mining Policy and Energy

Mozambique Introduces New Mining Law

Mozambique has enacted a new mining law requiring the state to hold a 15% free-carried stake in all mining projects while promoting greater local processing of mineral resources. The legislation aims to increase national participation in the sector and capture more value from strategic minerals, including graphite. The move could influence future investment decisions as companies assess the impact of the new requirements.

South Africa Approves Preferential Power Tariff for Ferrochrome Industry

South Africa has approved a preferential electricity tariff aimed at supporting the country’s ferrochrome industry. The measure seeks to improve competitiveness, protect jobs, and encourage investment in domestic ferrochrome production. The decision underscores the growing link between energy policy and mineral processing industries.

Zambia Extends Duty-Free Copper Concentrate Export Policy

Zambia has extended its duty-free copper concentrate export policy while discussions on longer-term reforms continue. The move provides certainty for mining companies and helps maintain copper concentrate exports. The decision reflects ongoing efforts to balance revenue generation with investment competitiveness in the country’s mineral sector.

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