The Mining Wrap

Mining technology and investment remained active this week, with new equipment contracts, startup developments and project milestones emerging across the industry. Several major developments also point to continued investment in automation, processing and mine expansion.

Mining Technology And Startups

Booi Industries Develops Autonomous Underground Mining Systems

South African mining tech startup Booi Industries is developing autonomous and robotic systems for deep-level and narrow-reef mining. Its technology combines continuous mechanical cutting, material handling, sensing and automation to reduce reliance on conventional drill-and-blast methods and limit worker exposure underground. The company is developing its systems toward prototype validation and is seeking mining houses and OEM partners for pilot projects.

DOK-ING Mining Develops Battery-Electric Underground Equipment

Croatian startup DOK-ING Mining is developing battery-electric and remotely operated equipment for ultra-low-profile hard-rock mining. Its technology targets narrow underground deposits where conventional equipment and manual mining create safety and access challenges.

LoopX Raises $4.05m for Underground Mining AI

Canadian mining technology startup LoopX has raised US$4.05 million in seed funding to develop AI systems for equipment operating in uncontrolled underground mining environments. The round was led by BDC Seed Venture Fund and Orion Industrial Ventures, with participation from Hatch.

Mine Development And Operations

Karo Platinum Secures 25-Year Mining Lease in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has granted Karo Platinum a 25-year special mining lease covering 23,903 hectares in the Great Dyke. The project has already attracted $240 million in investment, while Karo plans to invest almost $1 billion in its first phase and create more than 3,000 jobs as development progresses.

Perseus Advances Yaouré Underground Mining in Côte d’Ivoire

Perseus Mining is moving the Yaouré Gold Mine in Côte d’Ivoire into an underground mining phase as the company develops additional resources beneath the existing operation. The transition comes as the project faces changes to its fiscal terms, including the end of its tax holiday and higher royalties.

Ghana Tightens Gold Refining Rules

Ghana’s GoldBod has directed self-financing gold aggregators to refine gold doré locally before export, with the requirement taking effect on September 1, 2026. The policy is aimed at increasing domestic value addition and retaining more economic value from Ghana’s gold production. GoldBod is also requiring existing offtake agreements to include local refining. The Ghana Chamber of Mines has called for lower energy costs and targeted tax measures to help local refineries secure enough gold and operate commercially.

Cora Gold Seeks Financing for Sanankoro

London-listed Cora Gold is seeking financing from West African banks to advance the Sanankoro Gold Project in Mali. The company is engaging regional lenders as it works to secure the capital needed to move the project towards development and future gold production.

Heavy Mobile Equipment And OEMs

Sandvik Wins $29m Kamoa-Kakula Equipment Order

Sandvik has secured a SEK275 million ($29 million) order from Kamoa Copper for 19 Toro underground trucks and loaders at the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the DRC. The order includes 12 Toro TH663i trucks and seven LH621i loaders, with two loaders fitted with AutoMine technology. Deliveries are scheduled between the fourth quarter of 2026 and the third quarter of 2027.

Metso Secures €10m Simberi Equipment Order

Metso has received an approximately €10 million order from St Barbara for equipment for the Simberi Gold Project expansion in Papua New Guinea. The order covers grinding, flotation, thickening and filtration equipment as the operation prepares to process fresh sulphide ore.

Bell Equipment Launches Surplus Parts Platform

South African heavy equipment manufacturer Bell Equipment has launched an online platform for surplus OEM parts. The platform gives mining and construction customers access to Bell parts and components from brands previously distributed by Bell in South Africa, including John Deere, Liebherr, BOMAG, JCB, Kobelco and Finlay.

Aramine Launches ARAMAC Underground Equipment Business

French mining equipment group Aramine has launched ARAMAC, a standalone company focused on underground mining equipment. The new business builds on more than 20 years of Aramine’s underground equipment activity and will design, manufacture and distribute equipment for underground mining operations.

Mining Processing And Automation

Metso Agrees to Acquire Valmet Pump Technologies

Metso has agreed to acquire Valmet’s peristaltic hose pump and progressive cavity pump technologies, together with related aftermarket parts and services. The transaction will expand Metso’s slurry-handling portfolio, with completion expected on 1 October 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed.

PLS Awards TOMRA 22-Sorter Contract

Pilgangoora Operations, a subsidiary of PLS Group, has awarded TOMRA Mining a contract to supply 22 XRT ore sorters for its proposed P2000 expansion in Western Australia. Engineering and procurement of long-lead equipment will begin immediately, while the expansion remains subject to a final investment decision.

Greenstone Expands Philippine Mining Fleet With Volvo Equipment

Greenstone Resources has added eight Volvo A40 articulated haulers to its mining fleet in the Philippines. The equipment will support the company’s mining operations as it expands its fleet and develops its production activities.

Troilus Selects Metso for Gold-Copper Project

Troilus Gold has selected Metso to supply key processing equipment for its Troilus Gold-Copper Project in Quebec, Canada. The first phase of procurement covers major equipment for the processing plant as the company advances development of the project.

CiDi Expands Autonomous Haulage to 1,900 Trucks

Chinese mining technology company CiDi has expanded its MetaMine autonomous haulage system to about 1,900 mining trucks across nearly 40 mines. The company reported first-half 2026 revenue of RMB804 million, representing 97% year-on-year growth as it expands its autonomous mining technology.

Strategic Deals And Investment

Orion CMC Lines Up $500m-$600m for Tanzania’s Kabanga Nickel

Orion Critical Mineral Consortium is in talks to invest between $500 million and $600 million in Tanzania’s Kabanga Nickel Project, according to reports. Lifezone Metals has selected Orion as its preferred partner following a competitive process managed by Standard Chartered. The potential investment comes as Lifezone negotiates changes to the project’s framework agreement with the Tanzanian government, with the final investment decision now expected in Q1 2027.

ESG, Governance And Policy

Implats Integrates Sustainability Into Mining Decisions

Impala Platinum (Implats) is incorporating sustainability considerations into operational decisions, capital allocation and performance incentives. Sustainable development executive Dr Tsakani Mthombeni said the approach considers climate risks, water security, social impacts and decarbonisation alongside financial and operational considerations.