THE MINING WRAP

Glencore’s Raglan Mine in Quebec has reached a key automation milestone in underground haulage by successfully deploying an autonomous haul truck at the Anuri mine, where it navigated a ramp without human intervention. The truck completed an autonomous ramp climb and discharged its ore load at surface, with unloading controlled remotely from an operations centre located about 14 km from the mine.
The system is built on Sandvik’s AutoMine platform, which has already been integrated across parts of the Raglan fleet, including loaders and drills.

Epiroc expands drill rig automation platform

Epiroc has made its Common Automation Panel (CAP) fully available across its RCS-based surface drill rigs, including the Pit Viper and SmartROC DTH MKII. By standardising control systems across its fleet, the company is pushing toward more seamless remote operations. The platform improves efficiency while reducing operator exposure.

MineOS pushes autonomy-first mining model

MineOS is accelerating deployment of autonomy-first mining systems. Rather than layering automation onto existing processes, the platform reduces human intervention from the outset. It integrates support equipment into automated workflows, aiming to improve safety and operational consistency.

RCT and Vertex Minerals deploy AutoNav at Reward Gold Mine

RCT, in partnership with Vertex Minerals, has deployed its AutoNav Tele system at the Reward Gold Mine in Australia. The technology enables remote and autonomous operation of loader equipment. In narrower ore bodies, where precision matters most, the company is promoting the system as a way to improve both safety and productivity.

Electrification and Equipment Innovation

LiuGong showcases electric mining equipment at CONEXPO 2026

Electrification of heavy equipment continues to gain traction. LiuGong used CONEXPO 2026 to showcase its electric portfolio, including the 922FE excavator and a range of electric wheel loaders. The focus is not only on emissions, but also on operating cost reductions, which remain a key driver for adoption.

Tonly prepares hybrid mining truck for global rollout

Tonly is preparing to introduce its TLDH180 hybrid mining truck to international markets. The unit has a 110-tonne payload. For operators not yet ready to fully electrify, it offers a transitional pathway between diesel and fully electric fleets.

Terex introduces diesel-electric hybrid units in Africa

Terex has introduced diesel-electric hybrid units into the African market. The approach reflects a more incremental shift, allowing operators to reduce emissions without overhauling existing fleet strategies.

AngloGold Ashanti tests electric haul trucks at Sunrise Dam

AngloGold Ashanti is testing electric haul trucks at its Sunrise Dam operation in Western Australia. The trials form part of the company’s broader strategy to decarbonise its mining fleet and reduce diesel reliance. The company is assessing the trucks for performance, battery efficiency, and suitability in high-temperature underground conditions.

Equipment and OEM Developments

Caterpillar launches Cat 6015 hydraulic mining shovel

Caterpillar has launched the Cat 6015 hydraulic mining shovel, targeting improved performance in mid-sized mining operations. The machine delivers higher productivity through faster cycle times and optimised fuel consumption. It incorporates updated hydraulic systems and enhanced operator controls to improve efficiency and safety.

LGMG introduces mining trucks with hydro-pneumatic suspension
LGMG has introduced mining trucks equipped with full-vehicle hydro-pneumatic suspension. The design improves stability and load handling in difficult terrain.

LiuGong and ELB Equipment expand Southern Africa partnership

LiuGong and ELB Equipment have expanded their partnership in Southern Africa. The companies are increasing spare parts availability and establishing a joint training centre to support technical skills development.

BME and Hypex Bio introduce low-emission emulsions
BME has partnered with Sweden-based Hypex Bio to introduce hydrogen peroxide-based emulsions in the SADC region. The technology reduces carbon emissions by up to 90% and eliminates harmful NOx fumes associated with conventional explosives. This positions blasting technologies within the broader decarbonisation conversation.

Deals, Acquisitions and Project Development

Rackla Metals acquires stake in Misisi Gold Project

Rackla Metals has entered an agreement to acquire a 73.5% stake in the Misisi Gold Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project includes the Akyanga deposit, which hosts a defined gold resource. The acquisition gives Rackla exposure to a largely underexplored gold belt and marks its entry into Central Africa’s gold sector.

Perseus Mining acquires Nyanzaga Gold Project in Tanzania

Perseus Mining has completed a US$180 million acquisition of the Nyanzaga Gold Project in Tanzania. The project stands as one of the more advanced undeveloped gold assets in East Africa. It will support Perseus’ long-term production pipeline while strengthening its regional footprint.

Perseus Mining to sell majority stake in Sudan gold project

Perseus Mining has agreed to sell a 70% stake in its Sudan gold project for US$260 million. The decision follows delays and operational uncertainty linked to ongoing conflict in the country. The company is reallocating capital to more stable jurisdictions.

Shuka Minerals acquires Kabwe Zinc Mine in Zambia

Shuka Minerals has acquired the Kabwe Zinc Mine in Zambia, a historically significant but underutilised asset. The mine presents opportunities for redevelopment and processing of existing material. The acquisition expands Shuka’s exposure to base metals, particularly zinc.

West Wits Mining advances Qala Shallows project

West Wits Mining is progressing the Qala Shallows gold project in South Africa’s Witwatersrand Basin. The project targets near-surface resources within a well-established goldfield. Development is advancing toward a planned production start in March 2026.

Energy, Infrastructure and Sustainability

Cummins Southern Africa installs solar and battery system in Midrand

Cummins Southern Africa has installed approximately 2,000 solar panels at its Midrand facility, delivering around 900 kVA of capacity. A battery storage system is also planned. The project supports the company’s net-zero targets and strengthens energy resilience at the site.

Regional Policy and Governance

Japan has increased its exposure to Namibia’s rare earth sector through Toyota Tsusho. The move reflects intensifying competition for critical minerals linked to clean energy technologies. Namibia continues to position itself as a stable jurisdiction for rare earth development.

DRC approves Virtus takeover of Chemaf

The Democratic Republic of Congo has approved the takeover of Chemaf by US-backed Virtus. The deal comes amid rising demand for copper and cobalt in the Katanga region. However, questions remain around the financing structure.

Guinea faces arbitration over revoked mining permits

Guinea is facing another arbitration case after cancelling mining permits, marking its second dispute in recent months. The government has taken a firmer stance on operators, particularly around project timelines and local commitments.

Senegal moves to strengthen mining sector governance

Senegal is tightening oversight of its mining sector, focusing on licensing discipline and revenue transparency. The reforms align with a broader West African trend toward stronger resource governance.

Minerals Council and Northam highlight PGMs constraints

The platinum group metals (PGMs) industry remains cautiously optimistic despite persistent structural challenges. The sector continues to face regulatory uncertainty, weak administrative processes and delays in licensing approvals.

Paul Dunne, President of the Minerals Council South Africa and CEO of Northam Platinum, pointed to the lasting effects of state capture, particularly on electricity supply and costs. These constraints continue to shape operational performance and investment confidence.

Project Updates and Resource Growth

Ghana’s Enchi project more than doubles gold resources
Gold resources at Ghana’s Enchi project have more than doubled to 1.5 million ounces, strengthening the case for development. The increase follows updated drilling results and revised resource modelling. The project remains a near-surface, open-pit operation with potential cost advantages.

Malawi’s Songwe Hill project cost rises to $297 million
Malawi’s Songwe Hill rare earth project has seen its estimated capital cost rise to US$297 million, reflecting updated engineering work and inflationary pressures. The project produces rare earth elements used in clean energy technologies. Progress on financing and offtake agreements will determine the next phase.

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