The Mining Wrap

Several notable developments emerged across the mining sector this week, including advances in automation, critical minerals projects, equipment launches, and corporate dealmaking. The week’s activity points to a sector increasingly focused on technology adoption, energy reliability, and securing future supplies of strategic minerals.

TerraHaptix Expands Mining Drone Operations

Nigerian robotics startup TerraHaptix is expanding its footprint in Africa’s mining sector through partnerships that deploy autonomous drones for mine surveying, stockpile measurement, site inspections, and environmental monitoring. The company recently strengthened its presence in Southern Africa through a distribution agreement focused on mining applications while scaling manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand. Drone-based monitoring helps mines improve safety, reduce inspection costs, and gather real-time operational data. The expansion reflects growing adoption of autonomous technologies across African mining operations.

Energy and Industrial Infrastructure

Huawei Unveils Intelligent Substation Solution

Huawei showcased its Intelligent Substation Solution at Enlit Africa 2026, demonstrating how artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and advanced monitoring systems can modernise energy infrastructure. The solution is designed to improve grid reliability, fault detection, and operational efficiency. For mining companies, more reliable power systems can reduce disruptions and improve energy management at remote operations. The technology highlights the growing role of digitalisation in supporting industrial and mining infrastructure.

Siemens Localises Switchgear Manufacturing in South Africa

Siemens has partnered with Private National Grid to localise production of its 8DA gas-insulated medium-voltage switchgear in South Africa. The move is intended to strengthen local manufacturing capacity while reducing supply chain delays for critical electrical equipment. The switchgear is widely used in power distribution systems and supports growing renewable energy and industrial infrastructure projects. Local production is expected to improve availability while supporting industrial development within the country.

Bell Equipment Launches New Motor Grader Range

South African manufacturer Bell Equipment has entered the motor grader market with a new range developed through one of the company’s largest research and development investments. The machines feature advanced machine-control technology and a ZF hydromechanical transmission designed to improve fuel efficiency and productivity. The launch expands Bell’s equipment portfolio and strengthens its position in the mining, construction, and infrastructure sectors. The move also demonstrates continued investment in locally developed heavy equipment solutions.

Mining Technology and Equipment

Sandvik Launches AutoMine Aura Automation Platform

Sandvik has unveiled AutoMine Aura, a next-generation underground automation platform that the company describes as the biggest evolution of its AutoMine system in more than 20 years. The platform uses advanced 3D perception technology to improve navigation, fleet coordination, and situational awareness in underground mining environments. By providing equipment with a better understanding of changing underground conditions, the system aims to improve safety and productivity. It also helps operators manage increasingly complex autonomous mining operations more efficiently.

Sandvik Upgrades Toro LH208L Underground Loader

Sandvik has launched an upgraded version of its Toro LH208L loader for low-profile underground mining operations. Designed for hard-rock mining environments common across Southern Africa, the machine delivers increased power and torque while reducing operator exposure to noise and vibration. The loader can operate in tunnels with headroom as low as 1.8 metres, making it suitable for narrow underground workings. Improved efficiency and operator comfort are expected to support productivity gains across underground mining operations.

Mining Partnerships and Acquisitions

Epiroc Acquires South Africa’s Eventspec

Epiroc has agreed to acquire Johannesburg-based Eventspec, a specialist supplier of aftermarket parts and maintenance services for mining equipment. Eventspec supports drill rigs, loaders, and mining trucks operating across Southern Africa. The acquisition strengthens Epiroc’s aftermarket service network and enhances support for customers seeking to improve equipment reliability and uptime. It also expands the company’s regional presence in one of Africa’s most important mining markets.

Epiroc and SANY Form Strategic Partnership

Epiroc and Chinese equipment manufacturer SANY have announced a strategic partnership focused on mining, construction, electrification, and sustainable operations. The collaboration combines Epiroc’s expertise in underground mining equipment and battery-electric technologies with SANY’s manufacturing capabilities and energy solutions. The companies aim to develop integrated solutions that support automation and lower-emission operations. The partnership points to growing efforts within the industry to accelerate mining electrification and digital transformation.

Critical Minerals and Processing

Metso Introduces Advanced Lithium Carbonate Process

Metso has introduced a next-generation lithium carbonate production process designed to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from spodumene concentrate in a single pass. The technology simplifies lithium refining while improving process efficiency and reducing operating costs. As demand for battery materials continues to grow, the process could help producers bring new lithium projects into production more efficiently. The launch strengthens Metso’s position in the critical minerals and battery materials sector.

Giyani Metals Seeks Partners for Botswana Manganese Project

Canadian battery minerals developer Giyani Metals is seeking strategic partners and investors to help advance its planned US$535 million manganese project in Botswana. The project is designed to produce high-purity manganese products for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. As global demand for battery minerals continues to rise, the development could position Botswana as an important supplier to the growing battery materials market. The project highlights increasing investor interest in Africa’s critical minerals sector.

Mining Investment and Corporate Developments

ZCCM-IH Sells Majority Stake in Limestone Resources

Zambia’s state-backed mining investment company ZCCM Investments Holdings has agreed to sell a 55% stake in Limestone Resources Limited, formerly Ndola Lime Company, to China’s Wonderful Group of Companies. The deal is aimed at reviving and expanding operations at the struggling plant, which supplies critical lime products to the mining sector. The investment is expected to improve production capacity and strengthen supply chains supporting Zambia’s copper industry. It also demonstrates continued foreign interest in the country’s mining-related industrial assets.

Jubilee Metals Secures Funding for Molefe Development

Jubilee Metals has secured a US$1.5 million unsecured convertible loan note investment to accelerate development in the greater Molefe region. The funding will support ongoing project activities as the company expands its copper-focused operations in Zambia. Additional capital provides flexibility to advance development work while strengthening the company’s resource base. The investment signals continued confidence in Zambia’s long-term copper growth potential.

Policy and Regulatory Developments

DRC Suspends Mining Activities in Mwenga and Shabunda

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have suspended mining activities in the territories of Mwenga and Shabunda as part of efforts to combat illegal mining operations. The move is intended to strengthen oversight of mineral production and improve compliance within the sector. Illegal mining remains a significant challenge in parts of the country, affecting government revenues and resource management. The suspension underlines growing efforts to improve governance in one of the world’s most important mineral-producing regions.

Boundiali Gold Project Receives Environmental Approval

The Boundiali Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire has cleared a major regulatory hurdle after receiving environmental approval. The approval allows the project to move closer to development and future production. Environmental authorisation is a key step in advancing new mining projects and securing investment. The development reinforces Côte d’Ivoire’s growing importance as a destination for gold mining investment.

Mining Policy and Licensing

Ghana Toughens Approach to Tarkwa Lease Renewal

Ghana has indicated that the renewal of Gold Fields’ mining lease for the Tarkwa mine will not be automatic when it expires in 2027. The decision signals greater scrutiny of long-term mining concessions and forms part of a broader push by governments to secure greater value from natural resources. The move could influence future negotiations between mining companies and host governments. It also highlights the importance of regulatory certainty in attracting long-term investment.

South Africa’s Mining Cadastre Faces Industry Scrutiny

South Africa’s new digital mining cadastre continues to face scrutiny as delays raise concerns within the industry. The Minerals Council South Africa has warned that prolonged implementation timelines could undermine confidence in the system and create uncertainty for investors. The new cadastre is intended to replace the outdated SAMRAD system and improve the administration of mining rights, but industry stakeholders are becoming increasingly concerned about delivery delays. Minerals Council CEO Mzila Mthenjane recently cautioned that the longer implementation takes, the less confidence the industry has in the final product, adding that delays have fuelled speculation about the project’s progress. The sector continues to watch closely as government works to complete the rollout.

Panama Audit Raises Questions Over First Quantum Mine

Outside Africa, attention remains focused on Panama’s suspended First Quantum copper mine as authorities prepare to release the final audit of the operation. The development comes amid renewed anti-mining protests and growing speculation about the government’s next steps regarding the project. The outcome could have implications for one of the world’s largest copper mines and is being closely monitored by investors across the global mining industry.