THE MINING WRAP

Anglo American and Kumba Iron Ore have launched the Impact Finance Facility (IFF) to provide growth capital to SMEs operating in mining supply chains. The facility targets suppliers in maintenance, logistics, fabrication and support services, enabling earlier-stage mining vendors to access structured financing.
The initiative strengthens supplier ecosystems by linking capital access directly to operational mining procurement pipelines.

Canada Zambia pilot launches sustainability bond for artisanal mining integration

A Canada-based advisory firm and a mid-tier Zambian copper producer are piloting a sustainability bond aimed at integrating artisanal miners into formal supply chains.
The structure links financing to traceability and environmental compliance outcomes, targeting informal mining activity that often overlaps with industrial concessions. The pilot introduces a structured financial mechanism designed to formalise artisanal production while improving revenue capture, environmental monitoring and supply chain transparency in copper production corridors.

Ghana transitions Damang gold mine to local operator Engineers and Planners Ltd

In Ghana, the government has awarded control of the Damang gold mine to Engineers and Planners Ltd (E&P) following the exit of Gold Fields. The decision concludes a fast-tracked tender process launched last month and places one of the country’s oldest producing gold assets under local ownership. The company is led by Ibrahim Mahama, marking a significant shift toward domestic control of large-scale mining operations in Ghana. More broadly, the transition highlights a regional trend of governments prioritising local ownership and operator participation in mature gold assets as multinational miners restructure portfolios.

MEMSA members scale 4IR mining equipment manufacturing

Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA) members are advancing development of next-generation mining equipment. Projects include remote-controlled water-powered rock bolting systems and digitally instrumented pumping and monitoring solutions for underground operations.
The shift reflects growing localisation of smart mining equipment manufacturing, particularly for deep-level and mechanised underground mining environments.

Digital twin and AI adoption expands across SME mining service providers

Small and mid-tier mining technology firms are deploying digital twin platforms developed by organisations such as PETRA Data Science, Hatch, and Strayos, integrating geological models, fleet data, and plant performance into real-time simulation systems for mine planning and production optimisation. These systems are increasingly linked with sensor-based technologies like MineSense Technologies’ ore sensing tools, which provide real-time grade data to improve feed control and reduce waste to processing plants. In parallel, AI-driven blasting optimisation solutions from companies such as Strayos, and partnerships like BME (AEL Mining Services) and Strayos in South Africa, are improving blast design, fragmentation consistency, and downstream processing efficiency while also supporting better ESG reporting on emissions and energy use.

OEM Developments and Electrification

Sandvik has upgraded its DD422i underground drill rig to enhance automation in development drilling operations. The upgrade improves precision and cycle consistency in narrow-vein and mechanised underground environments. Consequently, automation supports productivity gains and operator safety in confined headings.

Similarly, Boart Longyear has introduced the LF300 surface coring rig featuring automated inner tube handling systems. The system reduces downtime and improves drilling efficiency during exploration and resource definition.

Meanwhile, Caterpillar is developing an AI assistant in partnership with Nvidia to support equipment maintenance, procurement and operational decision-making. The tool applies generative AI to equipment data and maintenance histories. As a result, it aims to reduce downtime and improve total cost of ownership across mixed fleets.

In addition, Volvo Construction Equipment is restructuring its mining electrification strategy around total cost recovery models for battery-electric fleets. Ultimately, this approach integrates equipment financing, energy, and charging infrastructure into lifecycle cost structures.

MineSense deploys ore sorting at the mine face

MineSense ore sorting systems are being deployed at the mine face to enable real-time ore grade decision-making prior to processing.The technology uses sensors to classify material on shovels and conveyors, diverting waste before it reaches the plant. Early rejection of low-grade material cuts energy, water, and processing costs per recovered tonne.

ESG, Safety And Energy Transition

Mining suppliers across Southern Africa are expanding embedded energy solutions, including solar installations at copper operations in Botswana and modular power systems for underground mining in Zambia.These systems are being deployed to reduce dependency on unstable grids and manage rising energy input costs in remote mining regions.

African Development Bank supports rehabilitation guarantee frameworks

The African Development Bank is supporting new rehabilitation guarantee frameworks requiring miners to fully finance environmental closure obligations upfront. The approach links financial guarantees directly to environmental and land restoration responsibilities. Upfront closure funding aims to reduce long-term liability risk for governments and communities.

Metallium scales Flash Joule Heating for tailings metal recovery

Metallium is scaling Flash Joule Heating technology for metal recovery from tailings and e-waste without chemical leaching processes. The process uses rapid electrical heating to liberate metals, reducing reagent use and associated environmental risk.

Strategic Projects, Exploration And Operations

Ewoyaa Lithium Project advances Ghana toward first production by late 2027

Ewoyaa Lithium Project advances Ghana toward first production by late 2027
In Ghana, the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, developed by Atlantic Lithium, is set to become the country’s first lithium-producing mine, with production targeted for late 2027.
The project is expected to produce 3.58 million tons of spodumene concentrate grading 6% and 5.5%, alongside approximately 4.7 million tons of secondary product.
This development strengthens Africa’s contribution to global lithium supply and positions Ghana as a new entrant in the battery materials value chain.

Zimbabwe accelerates move up the lithium value chain

Zimbabwe, currently Africa’s largest lithium producer, is accelerating efforts to move up the value chain.
Government policies restricting the export of raw lithium are encouraging investment in local processing and beneficiation facilities.
These measures support production of higher-value lithium products and position the country as a key supplier to the global battery materials market.

African Mining Week 2026 to spotlight lithium investment

African Mining Week 2026, scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town, will serve as a key platform for global investors, project developers and policymakers to engage on opportunities within Africa’s lithium sector.As the continent’s premier mining investment event, the conference will feature highlevel discussions, project showcases and strategic networking sessions aimed at accelerating partnerships across the lithium value chain.

Mali emerges as a regional lithium hub

Bougouni Lithium Project expansion underway
Mali is rapidly positioning itself as a key lithium producer. The Bougouni Lithium Project, commissionediin 2025, currently produces approximately 125,000 tons per annum of concentrate. Phase Two expansion plans are underway that could nearly double production capacity. The project adds near term supply and signals growing investor confidence in Mali’s lithium sector.

Goulamina Lithium Project targets one million tons per year

Similarly The Goulamina Lithium Project, one of the largest spodumene deposits globally, produces around 506,000 tons of spodumene concentrate annually and plans to expand to one million tons per year, positioning it among the largest single-site producers worldwide.

Kayelekera uranium mine incident under review in Malawi

Operations at the Kayelekera uranium mine were disrupted following a fire incident affecting on-site infrastructure. Production guidance remains unchanged, with assessments ongoing to determine the extent of operational and safety impacts. The incident adds to increasing scrutiny of legacy uranium assets across African mining jurisdictions.

IMDEX completes acquisition of Krux Analytics

IMDEX has completed its acquisition of Krux Analytics, strengthening its real-time drilling data and analytics capabilities. The integration enhances exploration operations with improved data quality and decision speed at the rig. Real-time analytics support faster geological interpretation and drill program optimisation.

AOMC and Odyssey merge to advance deep-sea mineral exploration

AOMC and Odyssey have merged in a move that advances consolidation in deep-sea mineral exploration. The combined entity targets large-scale seabed resource development across polymetallic nodule and crust tenements. The merger pools technical capability and capital ahead of expected regulatory clarity on commercial seabed mining.

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