THE MINING WRAP

The Democratic Republic of the Congo government is preparing the next phase of a nationwide airborne geological survey aimed at improving Mining knowledge of the country’s mineral resources. The program is designed to generate updated geological data that can guide exploration and attract new investment into the mining sector.

The survey is expected to help identify new deposits of copper, cobalt and other strategic minerals as the country seeks to expand production and strengthen its position in global supply chains.

Sandvik Rock Processing completed a refurbishment of rock-breaking equipment for a gold mining customer in Ghana, focusing on restoring the performance of critical comminution components used in ore handling and crushing. The work is part of Sandvik’s strategy to expand aftermarket services in Africa, where many operations continue to run long-life equipment fleets. Sandvik noted that demand for these services is rising across West Africa as operators prioritise equipment reliability and availability.

Volvo wheel loaders expand presence in South Africa

Volvo Construction Equipment is expanding the presence of its large wheel loaders in South African mining and quarry operations as contractors and producers replace aging fleets and look for more fuel-efficient loading equipment. The company has been promoting models such as the L260H and L350H, which are designed for heavy-duty loading in aggregates, coal and open-pit mining environments.

Aramine deploys AutoNav system at Reward Gold Mine

Aramine introduced its AutoNav tele-loader technology at the Reward Gold Mine, allowing underground loaders to operate through remote control and automated navigation systems. The technology supports operations in narrow underground environments where productivity and safety improvements are a priority.

Ericsson pushes private 5G networks for mining

Ericsson is promoting private 5G networks to support real-time connectivity between mining equipment, sensors and control systems across large operations. The technology allows autonomous trucks, drilling rigs and monitoring systems to transmit operational data continuously, enabling central control rooms to track performance and respond quickly to issues in the field.

Imdex sees strong demand for exploration technology

Imdex reported strong demand for its exploration technologies as drilling activity increases globally. Its tools support geological data collection, drilling optimisation and real-time analysis of subsurface conditions.

Malvern Panalytical is seeing increasing adoption of its on-line XRD and CNA analysis systems in mining operations. These technologies allow processing plants to measure mineral composition continuously and adjust beneficiation processes immediately.

Mine Developments and Project Progress

Fire forces shutdown at Eramet’s Grande Côte operation

Eramet declared force majeure at its Grande Côte mineral sands operation in Senegal after a fire occurred at the wet concentrator plant. The plant plays a key role in separating heavy minerals such as zircon and ilmenite from sand deposits.

Lindian advances Kangankunde rare earth project logistics

Lindian Resources confirmed a favourable determination regarding the transport classification of its rare earth concentrate from the Kangankunde project in Malawi. The decision provides greater certainty around logistics and export routes for the project.

Lotus reports positive test results for Botswana uranium project

Lotus Resources announced promising metallurgical results from the Letlhakane uranium project. Tests showed that a revised flowsheet could reduce acid consumption, one of the major cost drivers in uranium processing.

Aterian secures environmental approval in Morocco

Aterian received Environmental Impact Assessment approval for its Agdz mining licence in Morocco. The approval allows the project to move closer to development and signals regulatory progress for the company’s critical minerals portfolio.

Uganda graphite project expands ahead of development plans

Exploration at the Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda increased the project’s estimated resource base, strengthening its potential as a future supplier of battery-grade graphite. Developers are targeting production around 2027 as demand for anode materials continues to grow.

Markets, Policy and Industry Direction

Zimbabwe export ban sends lithium prices higher

Zimbabwe’s suspension of raw mineral exports, including lithium concentrates, quickly triggered reactions in commodity markets. The policy aims to encourage local processing and value addition rather than exporting unprocessed materials.

Industrial diamonds return to Antwerp trading market

Industrial diamonds from the Democratic Republic of the Congo have resumed public sales in Antwerp after more than a decade. The move signals renewed activity in the country’s diamond sector and reflects efforts to reconnect production with international trading centres. Resumption of sales is expected to improve transparency and potentially attract new buyers to Congolese diamond supply.

Fraser Institute survey highlights global mining investment trends

The latest Fraser Institute survey ranked Nevada as the most attractive mining jurisdiction globally, reflecting investor confidence in regulatory stability and investment conditions. China ranked last in the survey, highlighting concerns around policy certainty and investment climate.

Corporate Activity and Investment

Black Cat Syndicate approves mill expansion

Black Cat Syndicate approved a A$20 million expansion of its processing mill to increase capacity and improve operational flexibility. The expansion is expected to support higher throughput as the company develops additional ore resources.

Kali Metals strengthens lithium exploration portfolio

Kali Metals agreed to acquire a 30 percent interest in the DOM’s Hill and Pear Creek projects from SQM. The transaction expands Kali’s exposure to lithium assets at a time when exploration activity across the sector is intensifying.

Tungsten Mining explores US listing

Tungsten Mining announced plans to pursue a United States listing as it looks to access larger pools of investment capital. The strategy could help accelerate development of its tungsten projects. Interest in tungsten has grown due to its importance in defence, aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.

Anglo American and Kumba launch SME support initiative

Anglo American and Kumba Iron Ore launched a funding facility aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses operating in the mining supply chain. The initiative aims to strengthen local supplier networks and improve economic participation in communities around mining operations.

Gold sector consolidation continues

Magnetic Resources attracted acquisition interest from Genesis Minerals while Gold Fields monitors developments. The activity reflects continued consolidation across the gold sector as companies seek to secure long-life assets.

Sustainability, Energy and Responsible Mining

Metalkol achieves Copper Mark certification

 ERG subsidiary, Metalkol, became the first tailings reprocessing operation to achieve Copper Mark certification. The certification recognises responsible production practices and improved governance of tailings management. Tailings standards have come under greater scrutiny globally following several high-profile mining disasters.

Minerals Council South Africa raises ferroalloys concerns

The Minerals Council South Africa warned that budget constraints affecting the ferroalloys sector could threaten competitiveness if infrastructure and policy conditions do not improve as Energy costs, logistics challenges and regulatory uncertainty remain major concerns for the industry.

Read more about THE MINING WRAP here