THE MINING WRAP

The global mining industry is seeing strong activity in technology development, acquisitions and strategic investment. Recent announcements highlight growing momentum in digital mining, critical minerals supply chains and energy-transition infrastructure. Companies are repositioning portfolios to meet rising demand for copper, lithium and rare earth elements.

Rio Tinto approves Zulti South investment

Rio Tinto approved a $473 million investment to restart the Zulti South Project at the Richards Bay Minerals mineral sands operation in South Africa. The development is expected to secure long-term feedstock for RBM’s processing plants and extend the life of the operation to around 2050.

Sandvik launches My Sandvik Geo platform

Sandvik introduced My Sandvik Geo, a cloud-based platform that converts drilling measurements into real-time geological insights. The system analyses drilling data to interpret rock strength, fracture patterns and subsurface conditions. This helps mines improve blast planning, drilling accuracy and operational efficiency. The platform was unveiled at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 to support faster decision-making using near real-time geological intelligence.

Komatsu HM460-6 articulated haul truck

Komatsu introduced the HM460-6 articulated haul truck at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026. The machine features a new high-output powertrain and improved traction control. It also includes an updated operator cabin designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce cost per tonne in challenging terrain.

HD Hyundai / Develon autonomous excavator

HD Hyundai and Develon showcased nine next-generation machines at the event. The display included an autonomous excavator concept and AI-driven safety technologies aimed at improving productivity in mining and construction.

Volvo CE large wheel loader updates

Volvo Construction Equipment presented updates to its large wheel loader range at CONEXPO. Improvements include enhanced operator visibility and machine health monitoring systems designed to reduce downtime in high-load mining environments.

Edge IoT & AI acquires mining analytics firm Kuchera

Edge IoT & AI acquired analytics specialist Kuchera. The deal will integrate automation, predictive maintenance and digital monitoring into mining operational data systems.

Satellite-supported exploration deployed

Fleet Space Technologies partnered with CopperTech and Axiom Group to deploy satellite-supported subsurface imaging technology in Zambia. The system improves geological targeting, reduces unnecessary drilling and accelerates early exploration timelines.

Acquisitions and Investments

Corporate activity across the mining sector continues to focus on copper, lithium and rare earth projects. Companies are repositioning portfolios around critical minerals.

Hudbay Minerals acquires Arizona Sonoran Copper

Hudbay Minerals agreed to acquire Arizona Sonoran Copper Company in an all-share transaction valued at about $1.48 billion. The deal secures full ownership of the Cactus Copper Project and strengthens Hudbay’s position in the US copper market.

Exxaro expands manganese portfolio

Exxaro Resources finalised a R10.6-billion acquisition of manganese assets from Ntsimbintle Holdings and OM Holdings. The transaction increases exposure to the Tshipi Borwa Mine and expands Exxaro’s position in battery and steelmaking minerals.

Virtus Minerals moves to acquire Chemaf assets

Virtus Minerals reached an agreement to acquire copper and cobalt mines previously operated by Chemaf Resources. The move reflects increasing competition to secure critical mineral supply chains.

Lithium Africa acquires Springbok project

Lithium Africa Corp agreed to acquire the Springbok Lithium Project in South Africa. The project includes a past-producing spodumene mine and a 1,675 km² exploration area containing lithium-bearing pegmatites.

Rare earth and exploration deals

• Dateline Resources moved to acquire the Music Valley rare earth project.
• Cascade Natural Resources increased investment in Pensana Plc.
• Kingfisher Mining agreed to sell its Gascoyne assets to Dreadnought Resources.

Project Development and Expansion

Manono Lithium Project progresses

The Manono Lithium Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues progressing toward commercial production. New infrastructure includes a solar power installation commissioned in early 2026. The project is being developed by AVZ Minerals and partners and hosts one of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium deposits.

Khoemacau copper mine expansion

The Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana has launched a $900 million expansion. Operated by Khoemacau Copper Mining, part of MMG Limited, the project will increase underground mining and processing capacity.

Pensana secures $165M for Angola rare earth project

Pensana Plc has raised $165 million to accelerate development of the Longonjo Rare Earths Project in Angola. The project aims to strengthen non-Chinese supply chains for critical minerals used in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

Energy Transition and Operations

Kumba advances solar energy strategy

Kumba Iron Ore is developing solar installations on mine waste dumps. The company is also implementing electricity wheeling agreements to access renewable power and reduce reliance on Eskom.

Critical Minerals and Supply Chains

Rio Tinto prioritises copper growth

Rio Tinto confirmed it will prioritise organic growth and selective acquisitions to expand its copper portfolio as global demand for the metal increases with electrification and renewable energy infrastructure. The strategy includes advancing major projects such as the Oyu Tolgoi Mine in Mongolia and the Resolution Copper Project in United States,

Harena Rare Earths raised £2 million to advance development of the Ampasindava Rare Earths Project in Madagascar. The funding will support technical studies, permitting work and further project development following completion of a pre-feasibility study confirming the project’s potential viability.

Canada announces major critical minerals partnerships

Canada announced $12.1 billion in new investments and partnerships to strengthen critical mineral supply chains during the PDAC Convention 2026 in Toronto. The initiative involves collaboration with allied countries and industry partners to accelerate development of projects producing minerals such as graphite, rare earth elements and scandium.

Market and Industry Outlook

Northam Platinum reports profit surge

Northam Platinum reported a 25-fold increase in profits driven by strong platinum group metal prices. The company also declared a record interim dividend of R7 per share.

Impala Platinum adopts cautious expansion strategy

Impala Platinum indicated it will avoid developing new greenfield mines for now. Instead, it plans to extend existing shafts to maintain production levels.

Botswana diamond market weakens

Diamond sales in Botswana have declined as global demand remains weak, particularly in the United States and China. Lower sales volumes at Debswana Diamond Company are placing pressure on export revenues.

Ghana considers increasing gold royalties

Ghana is considering replacing its current 5% fixed gold royalty with a sliding-scale system ranging from 5% to as much as 12%, linked to global gold prices. The proposal is part of broader mining-sector reforms aimed at allowing the government to capture more revenue during periods of high commodity prices.

Competition intensifies for DRC critical minerals

Competition for copper and cobalt resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is increasing. Governments including the United States and China, along with companies such as Glencore and CMOC Group, are seeking long-term access to these resources.

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