Key Takeaways
The world's 50 biggest mining stocks surged past $2 trillion in valuation, adding nearly $900 billion in value after a strong 2025, according to MINING.COM.
Adani Green Energy commissioned 307.4 MW of renewable energy capacity at Khavda in Gujarat, India, as reported by PV Magazine.
Norway reached a historic 97% EV sales milestone, with electric vehicles now outnumbering diesels on its roads, according to Electrek.
JA Solar and Trina Solar tied for the top spot in Wood Mackenzie's first-half 2025 solar module ranking, as reported by PV Magazine.
LiTime launched a 320 Ah LiFePO4 battery with 4,096 Wh energy capacity, marking continued innovation in battery storage technology, according to PV Magazine.
Oil & Gas Markets
Limited substantive market coverage this week. The provided oil and gas articles focus primarily on technical research regarding reservoir characteristics, pore geometry, and shale gas accumulation mechanisms published in Petroleum Science, rather than market developments or price movements.
However, commodity markets showed notable activity in natural gas. According to Investing.com Commodities, Russia's sanctioned LNG is finding a growing market in China, while natural gas markets are adjusting as Russia's pipeline exports to Europe have hit a dead end. These developments reflect the ongoing geopolitical realignment of energy trade flows following sanctions and infrastructure disruptions.
Renewable Energy Developments
The renewable energy sector demonstrated robust momentum this week with significant capacity additions and technological advances across multiple segments.
Adani Green Energy Ltd. (AGEL) commissioned an aggregate 307.4 MW of renewable energy capacity at Khavda in Gujarat, India, according to PV Magazine. This substantial capacity addition underscores continued investment in India's renewable infrastructure as the country pursues its clean energy targets.
In the solar manufacturing sector, Wood Mackenzie's first-half 2025 solar module ranking places JA Solar and Trina Solar jointly at No. 1, according to PV Magazine. The ranking introduces a new "Grade A" benchmark aimed at supporting procurement and project finance decisions, reflecting growing sophistication in supply chain evaluation.
Battery storage technology continues to advance beyond traditional lithium-ion solutions. LiTime, a Chinese battery maker, launched its 12V 320Ah Mini Smart Self-Heating Battery, offering 4,096 Wh of energy capacity and 2,560 W of continuous output power, as reported by PV Magazine. Additionally, PV Magazine reported that longer-duration storage, safety-driven procurement, and Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) compliance in the United States are accelerating interest in alternative battery chemistries, even as lithium-ion remains dominant.
Electric vehicle adoption continues its remarkable trajectory. According to Electrek, Norway has released its December and full year 2025 automotive sales numbers, with the world's leading EV haven breaking records once again. The country reached 97% EV sales, with electric vehicles now outnumbering diesels on its roads. This milestone reflects Norway's continued leadership in automotive electrification as it pursues its previously targeted end to fossil car sales.
Looking ahead, Solcast, a DNV company, reported in PV Magazine that early 2026 will bring mixed solar conditions globally, with strong prospects in eastern Australia and eastern China, but cloudier conditions expected in other regions.
Mining & Critical Minerals
The mining sector experienced exceptional performance this week, with valuations and market sentiment reaching historic levels.
According to MINING.COM, the world's 50 biggest mining stocks surged past $2 trillion in valuation, adding nearly $900 billion in value after a bombshell 2025 as gold, silver, and copper prices surged. The publication noted that critical minerals and gold were the two big themes shaping the mining industry in 2025.
Precious metals markets showed particular strength. According to Investing.com Commodities, gold consolidated near $4,300 as markets digested what was described as a once-in-decades repricing. The same source reported that silver achieved a historic breakout in 2025, with analysis assessing the path ahead for the metal after its record surge.
On the operational front, several significant contracts and projects advanced. According to International Mining, Tapojärvi's new mining contract at Sotkamo Silver's silver mine commenced as planned, marking a significant return for Tapojärvi to a familiar operating environment. Additionally, STRACON was awarded what it described as a significant integrated engineering, construction, financing, and long-term operations and maintenance contract in connection with Anglo American's Los Bronces operation, specifically for tailings dam work at the Pérez Caldera project, according to International Mining.
Equipment suppliers also saw activity. Metso booked the third part of orders for JSC Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex's copper smelter project based on equipment and project services delivery contracts, according to International Mining.
In uranium exploration, Kirkstone Metals acquired staking rights to the Douglas River Uranium Project in northern Saskatchewan, expanding its position in Cuff Lake, according to Mining Technology.
The sector's structural dynamics are also evolving. According to Mining Technology, as larger, high-grade mineral deposits become harder to find and more costly to develop, junior miners are increasingly opting for district-scale mining approaches, representing a shift in exploration and development strategy.
Week Ahead Preview
Investors will be monitoring several key developments as the new year progresses. The renewable energy sector will likely continue tracking solar installations and battery technology developments, while mining markets will watch precious metals price movements following 2025's exceptional performance. The electric vehicle sector will continue its expansion trajectory, particularly in markets following Norway's lead toward electrification targets.
Technology sector developments will also merit attention, with CES 2026 scheduled to commence on January 6th, according to PCWorld, bringing announcements from major chip manufacturers and technology companies.
This weekly recap is compiled from coverage by PV Magazine, Electrek, MINING.COM, Mining Technology, International Mining, Investing.com Commodities, Petroleum Science, Power Magazine, and PCWorld. For daily updates, visit energystandard.io.