The Mining Wrap

This week’s Mining Wrap covers the latest developments in mining operations, technology and investment across Africa and beyond. It also includes workforce development initiatives as leading OEMs expand technical training and skills programmes. From AI-powered mineral processing to new mine infrastructure, here’s what made headlines this week.

Tanzania-based MineTech startup Tukutech is expanding the commercial deployment of its drone-powered mineral exploration services across Tanzania, Zambia and Somaliland. The company uses autonomous drones to conduct magnetic surveys and high-resolution topographic mapping, helping exploration teams collect geophysical data faster, more safely and at lower cost than conventional field methods.

Glencore Technology Advances AI-Controlled Mineral Processing

Glencore Technology is preparing its Jameson Cell flotation system for AI-enabled process control, enabling mining operations to optimise flotation performance in real time. The development is expected to improve mineral recovery, reduce reagent consumption and support more efficient concentrator operations.

Multotec Launches Higher-Efficiency Separation Equipment

Multotec has introduced upgraded spiral concentrators and cyclones designed to improve mineral recovery while lowering operating costs. The company says the systems deliver more accurate particle classification and enhanced separation performance to improve processing plant efficiency.

Mine Development And Operations

Northam Opens No. 3 Man and Material Shaft at Zondereinde

Northam Platinum has officially inaugurated the No. 3 Man and Material Shaft at its Zondereinde mine in Limpopo. The new shaft improves the movement of personnel, materials and mine services to deeper mining levels, supporting the Western Extension project, improving underground logistics and extending the operation’s long-term platinum group metals production.

Abu Marawat Gold Project Advances Towards Production

The Abu Marawat Gold Project in Egypt’s Eastern Desert is expected to begin production in 2027, adding momentum to Egypt’s growing mining sector. Developed through a 50:50 joint venture between Aton Resources and the Egyptian Mineral Resources Authority (EMRA), the project is expected to increase gold production while supporting new mining investment.

BHP Approves Ministers North Iron Ore Project

BHP has approved development of the Ministers North iron ore project in Western Australia. The project will provide replacement iron ore capacity for the company’s Pilbara operations while supporting long-term production efficiency.

DRC’s Largest Industrial Tin Mine Maintains Production

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s largest industrial tin mine Alphamin Resources’ Bisie Tin Mine has maintained stable production following operational disruptions experienced in 2025. The recovery supports continued tin supply from one of Africa’s most important industrial mining operations.

DRC Begins Lithium Export

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has begun exporting lithium concentrate for the first time, marking a major milestone in the country’s critical minerals sector as China’s Zijin Mining starts shipments from the giant Manono lithium project.

De Beers Suspends Venetia Diamond Mine Operations

De Beers has suspended operations at the Venetia Mine, South Africa’s largest diamond mine, following continued weakness in global diamond demand. The decision places approximately 4,400 jobs at risk as the company adjusts production in response to softer market conditions.

Heavy Mobile Equipment And OEMs

Hitachi Construction Machinery Partners with Pronto

Hitachi Construction Machinery has entered a strategic partnership with Pronto, the autonomous vehicle technology company within Travis Kalanick’s Atoms group. The collaboration aims to deliver open-platform autonomous haulage solutions, providing mining companies with greater flexibility than traditional single-vendor automation systems.

Caterpillar Opens Black Hills Engineering Design Centre

Caterpillar has opened its new Black Hills Engineering Design Centre, expanding its engineering and digital development capabilities for next-generation mining equipment. The facility will support advances in automation, virtual engineering and machine design across the company’s global mining portfolio.

Komatsu Expands Technical Training Across Southern Africa

Komatsu Southern Africa has launched targeted recruitment and technical development programmes across its operations, focusing on remanufacturing specialists and operator trainers for high-capacity electric haul trucks and electric rope shovels.

Sandvik Launches Millwright Development Programme

Sandvik Rock Processing has introduced its Millwright Development Training Programme in South Africa to strengthen specialist maintenance skills for automated crushing and screening equipment used across modern mining operations.

Strategic Deals And Investment

Zijin Gold International Acquires Allied Gold

Zijin Gold International has agreed to acquire Canada’s Allied Gold Corporation in a C$5.5 billion transaction. The acquisition gives Zijin control of the Kurmuk Gold Project in Ethiopia, strengthening its African gold portfolio and expanding its presence in East Africa.

Alien Metals Completes Knox Resources Acquisition

Alien Metals has completed the acquisition of Knox Resources, securing full ownership of the Georgina Basin Iron-Oxide Copper-Gold project in Australia’s Northern Territory. The acquisition expands the company’s copper and gold development portfolio.

Makor Resources Accelerates Zambia Copper Growth Strategy

Makor Resources has accelerated its US$30 million copper growth strategy by consolidating licences within Zambia’s Mkushi copper corridor. The company plans to develop a modular mineral processing facility capable of processing between 1,000 and 2,000 tonnes per day, supporting multiple regional ore sources and strengthening Zambia’s downstream copper value chain.

ESG, Governance And Policy

Ghana Links New Mining Projects to Community Agreements

Ghana has announced that new mining projects will be required to secure formal community development agreements before approval. The measure is designed to strengthen local participation, improve accountability and ensure communities benefit from future mining developments.

Lithium Africa Strengthens Board Ahead of AGM

Lithium Africa has nominated experienced mining executives John Kanellitsas and Ernie Ortiz to its board of directors. The appointments are intended to strengthen governance and project oversight as the company advances its critical minerals strategy.

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