MINING.COMMining
AI to boost copper demand 50% by 2040 — S&P
The consultancy warns new AI, defence and robotics uses could strain copper supply without major gains in mining and recycling.
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Mining & Minerals
Coverage of critical minerals, precious metals, base metals, and the global mining sector. Real-time updates on commodity prices, mining operations, and resource development.
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MINING.COMMining
Venezuela shock lifts gold, but mining revival remains elusive
Gold hit $4,430/oz after Maduro’s capture, but analysts say decades of underinvestment and data gaps will deter miners.
MINING.COMMining
Rio Tinto open to owning coal to secure Glencore deal: reports
Rio Tinto’s coal flexibility as it weighs a Glencore takeover underscores copper’s pull and mining’s shifting pressures.
MINING.COMMining
Gold price could hit $5,000 in H1 2026, says HSBC
However, for the entire year, it expects gold to trade within a wide range that could go as low as $3,950 per ounce.
MINING.COMMining
Silver price extends slide on index rebalancing
Citigroup estimates that about $6.8 billion in silver futures could be sold.
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Mining
Ausenco mobilises team to revitalise Jervois nickel and cobalt refinery
This January, Ausenco is mobilising its technical team to implement the Jervois project in São Paulo. A total of 50 professionals from the areas of civil engineering consulting, electromechanical assembly, health and safety, quality, management and control, and project management will be dedicated to the venture. Part of the team already works at Ausenco’s officeRead More The post Ausenco mobilises team to revitalise Jervois nickel and cobalt refinery appeared first on International Mining...
International Mining•
Mining
New Derrick Experience Center it says sets new standard for testing collaboration & innovation
To kick off its 75th anniversary year, Derrick Corporation unveiled its new Derrick Experience Center (DEX Center) on January 6, 2026. This “first-of-its-kind” facility it says gives current and future customers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with advanced fine screen technology closer than they ever have before. “This state-of-the-art facility gives our global customers anRead More The post New Derrick Experience Center it says sets new standard for testing collaboratio...
International Mining•
Mining
Facebook parent, Sprott power nuclear revival
Meta signed deals this week with three US utilities to buy enough electricity to power 6 million homes by 2035.
MINING.COM•
Mining
Rio Tinto’s procurement strategy sees Chinese tyres and conveyor belts head to Simandou
International Mining•
Mining
University of Arizona research aims to turn mine waste into US critical minerals domestic resource
MINING.COM•
Mining
Metso wins ~$210 million copper smelter contract in Asia
International Mining•
Mining
Ryzon and Xinhai sign agreement for Nachu graphite mine in Tanzania
Mining Technology•
Mining
Cavotec banks second Civmec contract at Port Hedland
International Mining•
Mining
Rio Tinto, Glencore announce preliminary merger talks to create mining giant
Mining Technology•
Mining
SANY delivers first hybrid drive 136-ton class SET150S water truck to Vale
International Mining•
Mining
M2i, Volato sign mineral development agreement with Titanium X
Mining Technology•
Mining
Fenner Conveyors and ABB on 20 years of driving progress in materials handling
International Mining•
Mining
New Earth Resources launches exploration initiative for SL Project
Mining Technology•
Mining
Denison Mines de-risks Phoenix ISR uranium plan with SaskPower grid connection
International Mining•
Mining
Greenland miner Amaroq soars on report of US gov’t investment
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Mining
BEUMER opens ‘state-of-the-art’ manufacturing facility in Taicang, China
International Mining•
Mining
Greenland’s critical mineral resources shift Trump’s attention
Mining Technology•
Mining
Metso to boost rubber and Poly-Met wear parts in China with new Quzhou plant
International Mining•
Mining
Lindian mobilises Komatsu fleet for Kangankunde rare earths project
Mining Technology•
Mining
Hexagon, Ma’aden to help advance Saudi Arabia’s next-gen mining talent and technology
International Mining•
Mining
Pacgold begins gold production at White Dam project in SA
Mining Technology•
Mining
Warrior Met Coal celebrates Blue Creek Mine project opening
International Mining•
Mining
Meteoric secures $50m EFA backing for Caldeira project in Brazil
Mining Technology•
Frequently Asked Questions about Mining
Critical minerals are raw materials essential to modern technology and the economy that face supply chain risks. These include lithium and cobalt for batteries, rare earth elements for magnets and electronics, copper for electrical systems, and graphite for battery anodes. Their criticality stems from concentrated global production, often in geopolitically sensitive regions, and their essential role in clean energy technologies, defense applications, and advanced manufacturing.
Australia is the world's largest lithium producer, followed by Chile, China, and Argentina. Australia primarily produces lithium from hard rock (spodumene) mining, while Chile and Argentina extract lithium from brine deposits in the "Lithium Triangle." Chile holds the largest known reserves. China dominates lithium processing and battery manufacturing, giving it significant influence over the lithium supply chain despite lower raw production.
Copper is essential for the energy transition due to its excellent electrical conductivity. Electric vehicles use 2-4 times more copper than conventional cars. Solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage systems all require significant copper. Grid infrastructure for renewable energy transmission and distribution also depends heavily on copper wiring. Demand is expected to double by 2035, creating potential supply challenges.
Mineral exploration is the process of searching for and evaluating mineral deposits before mining begins. It involves geological surveys, drilling, sampling, and feasibility studies. Mining is the extraction of minerals from the earth after a deposit has been discovered and deemed economically viable. Exploration is high-risk with low success rates, while mining involves significant capital investment, permitting, and ongoing operations to extract and process ore.
Mining company stock prices are highly correlated with commodity prices. When metal prices rise, mining companies typically see increased revenues and profits, driving stock prices higher. Conversely, falling commodity prices can squeeze margins and reduce stock valuations. Other factors include production costs, reserve quality, geopolitical risks, and company-specific operational performance. Mining stocks often serve as leveraged bets on underlying commodity prices.