The Mining Wrap

The past week brought a combination of exploration breakthroughs in Mining, equipment deployments, ESG developments and strategic investments across the global mining sector. From AI-assisted mineral discovery in Africa and advanced crushing technology in South Africa to worker ownership debates in the Democratic Republic of Congo and renewed investment in copper, platinum and transport infrastructure, mining companies continued positioning themselves for future growth while adapting to changing regulatory and operational demands.

Lithosquare Expands AI Exploration Presence in Africa

French startup Lithosquare is expanding its footprint in Africa after signing an agreement with mining group Eramet to identify new critical mineral opportunities across Africa. Founded in 2024, the company uses artificial intelligence to analyse geological and exploration datasets to improve target identification. The latest agreement builds on an existing partnership with British junior miner Aterian and highlights growing interest in AI-assisted mineral discovery.

Askari Metals Advances Data-Driven Exploration in Namibia

Askari Metals reported positive results from a hyperspectral mapping programme at its Uis Project in Namibia, identifying seven new high-priority pegmatite targets. The technology uses advanced remote sensing to detect mineral signatures from surface data, helping exploration teams focus drilling programmes more effectively and reduce exploration costs.

Vale Launches AI-Enabled Processing Facility

Vale officially launched its AI-enabled Conceição 2 processing facility in Brazil. The operation combines machine learning and integrated data systems to automate sections of the ore processing chain while improving operational efficiency and reducing worker exposure to hazardous areas. The facility has an annual processing capacity of 11.2 million tonnes.

Metso Expands Mineralogy Research Capabilities

Metso has invested in a TESCAN TIMA automated mineralogy analyser at its research centre in Finland. The platform combines high-resolution electron microscopy with automated elemental analysis, enabling mining companies to access faster and more detailed mineralogical data to support processing and recovery decisions.

Heavy Mobile Equipment and OEM Developments

Sandvik Advances Automation Across Processing and Mining Operations

Sandvik Rock Processing has begun delivering upgraded CH662 cone crushers to a major platinum expansion project in Limpopo, South Africa. The units combine mechanical upgrades with digital monitoring capabilities designed to improve throughput, reliability and process control. The deployment reflects growing demand for automated processing technologies as operators seek to improve productivity from increasingly complex ore bodies.

The company also secured a SEK350 million order for automated mining equipment from an Australian operation. The contract includes technologies aimed at improving fleet productivity, operational safety and automation performance, reinforcing continued investment in digitally connected and automated mining systems.

Nerospec Targets Existing Fleets with Retrofit Automation

Nerospec SK GmbH showcased a retrofit automation platform that allows mining companies to convert existing manual equipment into remotely operated or semi-autonomous machines. The technology provides a lower-cost route to automation by extending the capabilities of existing fleets rather than requiring complete equipment replacement.

Weir Group Deploys Advanced Slurry Pump Technology

Weir Group secured a contract to supply its WARMAN MCR 450 slurry pumps for a major copper mine expansion project. The pumps are designed for demanding slurry transport applications and demonstrate continued investment in specialised fluid-handling technologies.

Sintech and PT Tech Deploy Mobile Equipment Technologies

Sintech and PT Tech reported new deployments of heavy mobile crushing equipment and HPTO clutch systems across mining operations. The technologies aim to improve equipment reliability, power transfer performance and operational efficiency. Mobile crushing systems continue to play an important role in material handling and on-site processing activities. The HPTO clutch units help optimise power delivery while reducing wear on critical equipment components. The deployments reflect continued demand for equipment upgrades that improve productivity without requiring full fleet replacement.

ESG, Sustainability and Mining Policy

DRC Worker Ownership Rule Faces Industry Resistance

Major mining companies operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including Glencore, Ivanhoe Mines, CMOC Group and Eurasian Resources Group, are seeking a delay to a new regulation requiring operators to allocate a 5% equity stake to Congolese workers by July 2026. The proposal forms part of government efforts to increase local participation in the country’s mining sector, but operators argue additional clarity is needed before implementation.

WWF Zimbabwe Launches Responsible Mining Strategy

WWF Zimbabwe launched its 2026–2030 strategy to support responsible mining practices as demand for energy transition minerals grows. The programme focuses on environmental stewardship, community participation and sustainable resource development.

WSP Expands Mining and ESG Advisory Services

WSP in Africa announced an expansion of its mining, engineering and ESG advisory services in West Africa. The move responds to increasing demand for environmental compliance, community engagement and sustainability reporting as mining regulations evolve across the region.

Strategic Projects, Infrastructure and Investment

Mimosa Revives US$130 Million Platinum Project

Zimbabwe’s Mimosa Mine has revived its US$130 million North Hill life-extension project following a recovery in platinum prices. The project, jointly owned by Impala Platinum and Sibanye-Stillwater, is expected to support future production growth and extend the operation’s life.

KCM Plans US$317 Million Power Plant

Konkola Copper Mines plans to invest US$317 million in a coal-fired power plant to support its copper operations in Zambia. The project forms part of KCM’s expansion strategy under Vedanta Resources and aims to secure a more reliable electricity supply. The company wants to reduce its dependence on Zambia’s hydroelectric grid, which has faced pressure from drought-related power shortages. Reliable power remains critical as KCM works to increase copper production across its operations. The investment aligns with Zambia’s broader ambition to significantly expand national copper output by 2031.

Kenya Advances Critical Minerals Processing Agreement

Kenya is moving closer to a critical minerals agreement with the United States aimed at supporting local processing of lithium, graphite, rare earths, copper and nickel. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to increase domestic beneficiation and value addition.

Lobito Corridor Restores Copper Export Route

The Lobito Atlantic Railway confirmed the arrival of the first international copper train from the Democratic Republic of Congo at Angola’s Lobito Port since the reopening of the Lobito-Huambo section. The development restores a key export route linking Central Africa’s Copperbelt to Atlantic shipping markets after two months of disruptions.

Global Mining

Protesters Disrupt Copper Exports at Oyu Tolgoi

Protesters in Mongolia blocked copper concentrate exports from Rio Tinto’s Oyu Tolgoi mine, disrupting shipments to China from one of the world’s largest copper operations. Demonstrators argue that Mongolia is not receiving a fair share of the project’s economic benefits. Rio Tinto warned that prolonged disruptions could affect government revenues and copper supply flows from the operation.

BHP Takes US$2.3 Billion Hit on Jansen Project

BHP shares came under pressure after the company disclosed a US$2.3 billion cost increase at its Jansen potash project in Canada. The development highlights ongoing cost inflation challenges facing major mining projects globally.

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