The mining wrap

This week’s Mining Wrap highlights mine expansions, critical minerals projects, equipment deployments, digital mining technologies, strategic investments and sustainability initiatives. South African miners feature prominently alongside developments in Malawi, Côte d’Ivoire, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Panama. OEMs also continue advancing automation and fleet technologies.

African Rainbow Minerals Approves US$927 Million Bokoni Expansion and Restarts Nkomati Nickel Mine

African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) has approved a R15.2 billion (approximately US$927 million) expansion of the Bokoni Platinum Mine. The company also confirmed the restart of the Nkomati Nickel Mine. The Bokoni project will increase processing capacity and boost platinum group metals production over the coming years. Nkomati’s return to production comes as demand for battery metals continues to grow.

Lotus Resources Advances Funding for Malawi Uranium Restart

Lotus Resources has lined up financing to support the restart of the Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Malawi. The funding will support refurbishment activities and prepare the operation for renewed uranium production. The project is expected to benefit from growing global demand for nuclear fuel.

Resolute Mining Advances Côte d’Ivoire Gold Project

Resolute Mining has outlined the next phase of work for its delayed Côte d’Ivoire gold project. The company is focusing on engineering, permitting and financing ahead of a construction decision. It is also progressing regulatory approvals needed for development. Once approved, the project is expected to strengthen Resolute’s West African portfolio and increase future gold production.

Namibia Critical Metals Advances Lofdal Rare Earth Project

Namibia Critical Metals has launched the next phase of the Definitive Feasibility Study for the Lofdal Heavy Rare Earth Project. It is one of the world’s few advanced heavy rare earth deposits outside China. The study will assess engineering, processing and infrastructure requirements. Lofdal hosts significant dysprosium and terbium resources used in electric vehicles, wind turbines and other clean energy technologies.

Caledonia Mining Discovers New Gold Orebody at Blanket Mine

Caledonia Mining has identified a previously unknown gold-bearing zone through surface drilling at its Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe. Initial drilling confirmed both oxide and sulphide mineralisation. The results indicate the potential for a new orebody beyond the existing underground workings. The discovery could extend the mine’s production life. Further drilling will define the size and continuity of the mineralised zone.

Heavy Mobile Equipment and Mining Technology

Sandvik Rock Processing Highlights Digital Crushing Technologies

Sandvik Rock Processing is showcasing its latest digital crushing, screening and aftermarket technologies ahead of Electra Mining Africa 2026. The portfolio includes connected plant monitoring and digital process optimisation. It also features lifecycle support services designed to improve equipment availability and processing efficiency.

Liebherr Commissions Three Ultra-Class Excavators for Gold Fields

Liebherr Mining has commissioned three ultra-class hydraulic excavators at Gold Fields’ St Ives Mine in Western Australia. The new machines strengthen the mine’s loading fleet. They are expected to improve productivity and reduce operating costs.

Komatsu Expands Hard Rock Portfolio and Fleet Diagnostics

Komatsu has introduced the HRX800 hard rock crusher. The company has also expanded deployment of its K-VAD seven-inch LCD diagnostic control system across heavy mining fleets. The upgrades improve machine diagnostics and support better equipment performance in both surface and underground mining.

Caterpillar Expands MineStar Spatial AI Platform

Caterpillar has integrated Skycatch technology into its MineStar platform. The update adds high-frequency spatial AI capabilities for staffed and autonomous haulage fleets. It enables operators to make real-time adjustments during material movement.

Perenti’s AMS Sells Mining Fleet to AngloGold Ashanti

Perenti Limited, through its African Mining Services (AMS) joint venture, has agreed to sell part of its mining fleet to AngloGold Ashanti. The sale supports the transition of operations at the Iduapriem Gold Mine in Ghana. The agreement also includes a contract extension to maintain operational continuity during the handover.

Strategic Deals and Investment

Panama Explores State Mining Company for Cobre Panamá Restart

The Government of Panama is considering the creation of a state-owned mining company. The proposal forms part of ongoing discussions on reopening First Quantum Minerals’ Cobre Panamá copper mine. If approved, it could reshape ownership of one of the world’s largest copper operations and help restore a major source of global copper supply.

Zimbabwe Secures US$300 Million for Lithium Expansion

Chinese financial and mining partners have secured US$300 million to expand major lithium projects in Zimbabwe. The investment strengthens Zimbabwe’s position as one of Africa’s leading lithium producers. It also supports rising demand from the electric vehicle battery market.

ESG and Sustainability

World Gold Council Supports Ghana’s Artisanal Gold Formalisation

The World Gold Council has committed an initial US$250,000 grant to support Ghana’s efforts to formalise its artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector. The initiative aims to improve responsible mining practices and strengthen supply chain transparency. It also seeks to reduce illegal gold trading while supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Kumba Iron Ore Expands Renewable Energy Programme

Kumba Iron Ore has finalised a new embedded solar energy off-take agreement for its Sishen Mine in South Africa. The project forms part of the company’s broader renewable energy strategy. It aims to improve energy security and reduce reliance on the national electricity grid.

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