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Copper Mining News

72 articles about copper mining

John Crane signs three-year reliability deal with Saudi phosphate company

<p><strong></strong></p> <p>John Crane, a leading flow-control technology company, has formalized a three-year managed reliability program with a major phosphate mining and fertilizer producer in Saudi Arabia, announced on October 27, 2026. This strategic agreement is designed to significantly enhance equipment reliability and reduce unplanned operational disruptions at the customer's remote sites, leveraging dedicated on-site expertise, fixed-fee seal overhauls, the establishment of a new workshop, and comprehensive technical training. The initiative underscores a critical industry focus on optimizing asset performance and managing maintenance expenditures more predictably in capital-intensive sectors.</p> <p><strong>

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Energy Fuels secures $126m loan for Donald Rare Earth Project

Energy Fuels has secured conditional credit approval for up to A$180 million (approximately $126 million USD) in government-backed financing for Phase 1 of the Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project in Victoria, Australia. This crucial funding, from Export Finance Australia and the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, is expected to form the bulk of a proposed A$200 million senior project finance debt facility, propelling the project closer to a final investment decision by the end of 2026 and strengthening a Western-aligned critical minerals supply chain.

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Kazakhstan and Guyana Join International Coalition Calling for Delay of EU Methane Regulation

Kazakhstan and Guyana have formally joined an international coalition, including Algeria, Nigeria, Qatar, and the United States, urging the European Union to delay and amend its Methane Regulation (EUMR). This growing alliance, representing a significant portion of Europe’s crude oil and natural gas imports, seeks to establish a pragmatic compliance framework that ensures regulatory certainty for energy suppliers while safeguarding Europe's energy security and competitiveness. The move highlights critical concerns regarding the EUMR's current framework and its potential impact on global energy trade.

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Halo Minerals receives mining permit for Playa Verde project in Chile

Halo Minerals, through its subsidiary Minera Playa Verde, has secured a crucial mining permit from Chilean authorities for its Playa Verde copper and gold tailings project. Granted via Exempt Resolution No. 473 by the Provincial Presidential Delegation of Chañaral, this authorization, issued under Article 17 No. 1 of the Chilean Mining Code, enables the extraction and processing of historic tailings at Chañaral beach, including within the urban area, marking a significant step towards the project's final investment decision.

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Slam Exploration drills two holes at Moose Lake project

Slam Exploration has successfully completed an initial two-hole diamond drill program totaling 224.5 meters at its Moose Lake Gold-Antimony-Silver Project in New Brunswick, Canada. This campaign, targeting the prospective 4.7-kilometer Moose Lake Fault Zone, follows promising trenching results that indicated high-grade antimony, gold, and silver mineralization, signaling significant potential for critical mineral discovery in the historically underexplored area. The company is currently awaiting assay results as it plans further investigations into metal zoning and extensions of the mineralized system.

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Beat the breakdown: Four ways to keep conveyors moving

<p></p> <p>Underground conveyor systems are the indispensable arteries of subterranean mining operations, yet their vulnerability to recurrent failures poses significant threats to productivity, safety, and profitability. This article delves into four critical strategies for enhancing conveyor reliability: proactive belt protection, advanced monitoring technologies, optimized material transfer, and comprehensive training. By implementing these integrated approaches, mining companies can significantly reduce unplanned downtime, safeguard operational efficiency, and free up valuable maintenance resources for planned, preventative interventions.</p> <p>

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Energy Department Authorizes Strategic Petroleum Reserve Exchange to Support Fuel Supply Stability

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) authorized an emergency exchange of up to 400,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to the Phillips 66 Lake Charles Refinery in Louisiana on October 23, 2026. This measure aims to stabilize regional transportation fuel supplies following a disruption, with the borrowed crude oil to be returned to the SPR with a premium at no cost to taxpayers. For the mining industry, this intervention underscores the critical importance of secure and stable energy supplies for operational continuity and cost management.

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Talisman Metals reports drill results from Morocco’s Tirzzit Project

Talisman Metals has announced encouraging initial assay results from its 2026 exploration campaign at the Tirzzit Project in Morocco, revealing consistent copper-silver mineralization within Late Precambrian sedimentary strata. These early findings, including significant intercepts of up to 1.56% copper and 64 g/t silver, confirm the project's prospectivity and will inform a future resource estimate. The ongoing drill program, coupled with recent acreage expansions, positions Tirzzit as a potentially significant stratiform copper-silver asset in a geopolitically stable and increasingly attractive mining jurisdiction.

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Energy Department Designates Helium as Critical Material to Strengthen American Manufacturing and Supply Chain Security

<p></p> <p>In a move to fortify domestic manufacturing and secure critical supply chains, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) officially designated helium as a critical material on October 23, 2026. This decision, announced by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, underscores helium's indispensable role in semiconductor production and advanced energy technologies, with global demand currently outpacing supply. The designation aims to leverage America's abundant helium resources, address refining capacity limitations, and streamline permitting to reduce reliance on foreign sources and bolster U.S. economic and national security.</p> <p>

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Questcorp to acquire final 49% in North Island Project, Canada

Questcorp Mining is set to acquire the remaining 49% interest in its North Island Copper Project in British Columbia, Canada, moving to 100% ownership. This strategic consolidation, involving a cash payment of C$110,000 and the issuance of 250,000 common shares, positions Questcorp for full operational control and streamlined development of the 1,168-hectare property, alongside its active exploration at the La Union Project in Mexico.

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Thiess secures two five-year mining contracts in Mongolia

Thiess, a global leader in contract mining, has secured two significant five-year contracts in Mongolia, encompassing underground services at Rio Tinto's Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine and Coal Handling and Preparation Plant asset management for Energy Resources' Ukhaa Khudag coal mine. These agreements solidify Thiess's long-standing presence in the crucial Mongolian mining sector, particularly highlighting its expanded role in Oyu Tolgoi's complex underground operations which will become its largest worldwide, and underscore its expertise across diverse commodities and operational challenges.

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Sandvik to deliver 25 underground units to Northern Star in Australia

Sandvik has secured a significant order from Northern Star Resources for 25 state-of-the-art underground mining units, slated for deployment across its Western Australian gold operations. This multi-million-dollar contract, booked in Q3 2026 with deliveries commencing in June 2027, underscores a strategic investment in advanced automation-ready equipment aimed at enhancing safety, productivity, and operational efficiency in one of the world's premier gold-producing regions. The deal highlights the mining industry's growing commitment to technological upgrades and robust equipment partnerships to meet future production demands.

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Energy Department to Use Defense Production Act Funding to Restart American Refinery and Expand Refining Capacity

The Trump administration, on October 22, 2026, announced a significant initiative to bolster domestic petroleum refining capacity by allocating up to $150 million in Defense Production Act Title III funding. This move, championed by President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, aims to expand the production, storage, and logistics of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel across the United States, promising increased energy security and potentially lower fuel prices for American consumers and businesses. The investment underscores a strategic shift towards "energy addition policies" and is deemed critical for national defense, presenting broad implications for energy-intensive sectors like mining.

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Cornish Metals raises $181m to fund South Crofty tin project in UK

Cornish Metals has successfully closed a significant fundraising round, securing £135 million ($181 million) to fully finance its South Crofty tin project in Cornwall, UK. This substantial capital injection, derived from a diverse mix of institutional, strategic, and retail investors including the UK National Wealth Fund, VBR, and Glencore, positions the company to proceed with the final investment decision and target first tin production by mid-2028. The development marks a critical step in revitalizing a historic UK mining region and enhancing global supply of this increasingly vital critical mineral.

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Rio Tinto commits $1.9bn for Queensland’s Kangwinan bauxite project

Rio Tinto has committed $1.9 billion to develop the Kangwinan bauxite project in Queensland, Australia, a brownfield expansion poised to add 20 million tonnes per annum of bauxite capacity. This significant investment aims to secure the long-term future of the company's Weipa Operations, replace declining production from older mines, and enhance the efficiency of its global aluminium value chain, with first output expected in 2029 and full production by 2032. The project underscores Rio Tinto's strategic commitment to bauxite supply, supporting both international markets and local alumina refineries, while also generating substantial economic benefits for the region.

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Krait secures exclusive option to acquire Nevada mining claims

Krait Critical Minerals has secured an exclusive option to acquire 17 federal mining claims in Humboldt County, Nevada, from Sierra Antimony, targeting a historical high-grade antimony production site. This strategic move, involving staged cash and share payments over two years, positions Krait to expand its critical minerals footprint in the U.S., leveraging antimony's increasing importance in defense, advanced manufacturing, and industrial supply chains. The agreement sets the stage for Krait to conduct technical and geological assessments, aiming to identify future exploration targets on a property known for significant historical antimony output.

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BHP reports decline in Q1 FY27 copper production

BHP reported a 19% decline in copper production for the first quarter of financial year 2027, primarily due to operational disruptions, planned lower feed grades, and severe weather impacts across its Chilean and South Australian assets. Despite these challenges, the company maintained its full-year copper guidance and saw a significant 53% increase in its provisional average realized copper price, reaching $7.01/lb. Meanwhile, iron ore and coal production registered increases, underscoring the benefits of BHP's diversified portfolio amidst a volatile global market.

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Gladiator initiates expanded exploration at Whitehorse Copper Project

Gladiator Metals has significantly escalated its exploration efforts at the wholly owned Whitehorse Copper Project in Canada’s Yukon Territory, deploying a fifth drill rig to accelerate definition across the promising 2km Arctic Chief trend. This expanded program, backed by a C$40 million budget for 2026-27, targets near-surface copper mineralization with over 100,000 meters of planned drilling, aiming to establish new resource opportunities and strengthen the project's economic viability. The move signals Gladiator’s commitment to advancing a key Canadian copper asset amidst rising global demand for critical minerals.

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Gordon Mining agrees to acquire Tungsten Tail project in New Mexico

Gordon Mining has announced a definitive agreement to acquire the Tungsten Tail Project in Sierra County, New Mexico, marking a strategic entry into domestic tungsten exploration. This acquisition encompasses 41 unpatented lode mining claims covering approximately 847 acres, situated in a historically active mining district with documented tungsten occurrences. The move positions Gordon Mining to explore a critical mineral resource within the United States, aligning with national priorities for secure supply chains and leveraging historical data and recent geological surveys to guide future drilling efforts.

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Energy Department Advances Constitution Pipeline Project with $42 Million in Defense Production Act Funding

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced up to $42 million in Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III funding for the Constitution Pipeline Project, a proposed 125-mile natural gas pipeline stretching from Pennsylvania to New York. This strategic investment, made on October 19, 2026, aims to enhance energy security, reduce costs for consumers and businesses in the Northeast, and bolster the nation's defense industrial base by ensuring reliable access to natural gas. The move underscores a federal commitment to critical infrastructure development and has significant implications for energy-intensive sectors, including the mining industry.

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Volvo Group to launch dedicated mining entity in 2027

Volvo Group has announced the formation of Volvo Mining, a new dedicated business entity set to launch on January 1, 2027. Operating under Volvo Construction Equipment, this strategic move aims to consolidate Volvo's mining trucks, construction equipment, and autonomous solutions into a single unit, addressing the evolving needs and projected growth of the global mining sector. The initiative is designed to enhance customer value by unifying expertise, streamlining product and service portfolios, and coordinating research for greater efficiency, safety, and sustainability in mining operations.

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Kenya must look beyond concentrate to realise Mrima Hill’s potential

An insightful opinion piece dated October 20, 2026, highlights that Kenya's Mrima Hill deposit, rich in strategic minerals like niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REEs), offers a significant opportunity for the nation. Geopolitical analyst Cyril Widdershoven argues that to fully realize the project's economic potential amidst intensifying global competition for critical minerals, Kenya must strategically move beyond merely exporting mineral concentrates and establish robust in-country processing capabilities for these valuable resources. This shift is crucial for maximizing the economic contribution and securing a prominent role in the global critical minerals supply chain.

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Mining’s separation debate is asking the wrong questions

Steve Benyo of Flottweg Separation Technology, in an October 19, 2026, opinion piece for Mining Technology, asserts that the mining industry's debate over mineral separation technologies is fundamentally flawed. He argues that instead of seeking a singular "best" technology, the focus must shift to strategically deploying the "right" technology, meticulously tailored to the specific operational, geological, and environmental context of each mining project. This perspective advocates for customized solutions that optimize efficiency, sustainability, and economic viability.

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Flynn Gold extends gold-tungsten mineralisation at Firetower Project

Flynn Gold has announced significant assay results from its 2026 drilling program at the wholly owned Firetower Project in northern Tasmania, successfully extending high-grade gold-tungsten mineralization. The latest findings, particularly from drill-hole 2019FTD003E, demonstrate continuity of a polymetallic system comprising gold, tungsten, copper, cobalt, and silver, supporting potential for further expansion. This development precedes planned metallurgical testwork and an initial mineral resource estimate, marking a critical advancement for the project within the prospective Mt Read Volcanic Sequence.

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Yukon Metals identifies copper-gold system at Viper prospect

Yukon Metals has announced the identification of a significant copper-gold-molybdenum porphyry-style hydrothermal system at its Viper Prospect within the AZ Project, located 36km south of Beaver Creek in Canada’s Yukon Territory. The 2026 exploration program, featuring three diamond drill holes totaling 1,948m, confirmed increasing mineralization with depth and revealed alteration assemblages characteristic of world-class porphyry deposits. This discovery marks a pivotal advancement for Yukon Metals, positioning the Viper Prospect as a strong target for future resource definition and development in a region known for its mineral potential.

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Kingsrose secures exploration permit for Penikat Area 6 in Finland

Kingsrose Mining has achieved a significant regulatory milestone in Finland, securing both an exploration permit and an enforcement order for Area 6 of its Penikat Project. This dual approval from the Finnish mining authority, Tukes, paves the way for the company to commence drilling activities as early as January 2027, even if the primary permit faces an appeal. The decision underscores Finland's structured approach to resource development, balancing exploration needs with stringent environmental protections.

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Energy Department Announces Virginia and West Virginia Transmission Project to Receive Defense Production Act Funding, Strengthening National Security and Grid Reliability

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on October 16, 2026, its intent to allocate up to $50 million in Defense Production Act (DPA) funding to accelerate transmission capacity expansion in Virginia and West Virginia. This initiative, led by Virginia Energy in coordination with Appalachian Power and Potomac Edison, aims to deploy advanced reconductoring and Dynamic Line Rating technologies, adding an estimated 290 megawatts of capacity up to four years faster than conventional methods. The project is critical for strengthening grid reliability, lowering energy costs, and supporting national defense, with significant implications for energy-intensive sectors like mining.

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CoTec, BMR plan partnership to boost Punitaqui copper production

CoTec and Battery Mineral Resources (BMR) have entered a non-binding framework agreement to explore a strategic economic joint venture aimed at significantly increasing copper production at BMR’s Punitaqui mining district in Chile. This proposed partnership seeks to leverage CoTec’s expertise in advanced processing technologies to recover copper from lower-grade sulphides and existing mine tailings, combining it with Punitaqui's established infrastructure and resources. The collaboration underscores a growing industry trend towards optimizing resource utilization and extending mine life from previously uneconomic materials.

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Estrella Resources secures approval for first Laleno Dome drilling

Estrella Resources has secured pivotal approval from Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional dos Minerais (ANM) to commence its inaugural drilling campaign at the Laleno Dome. This significant step, announced on October 16, 2026, targets prospective porphyry-style copper-gold mineralization identified through extensive geophysical surveys and surface sampling. With site preparations already underway and drilling slated to begin early next week, this program marks a crucial phase for Estrella Resources in developing its Timor-Leste portfolio, potentially unveiling a new copper-gold discovery in the region.

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Atomionics survey matches Indian iron ore estimate using quantum tech

Atomionics, a quantum sensing company, has achieved a significant milestone in mining exploration by matching an existing iron ore resource estimate at an active Indian mine using its quantum gravimeter technology, GRAVIO, combined with a machine learning tool, ORE-O. This breakthrough demonstrated the ability to accurately delineate a deposit within 5% of a figure established by over 30,000 meters of conventional drilling, all within three weeks and without interrupting operations, promising substantial cost and time savings for the global mining industry.

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Energy Department Releases Emissions Value Request Process for 45Z Fuel Production Credit

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has unveiled the Emissions Value Request (EVR) process, a critical pathway for transportation fuel producers to access the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. This new mechanism, stemming from the Working Families Tax Cut, aims to incentivize domestic clean fuel production by providing a provisional emissions rate for fuels not yet included in existing rate tables. For the mining industry, this development signifies potential shifts in energy procurement, new opportunities for supplying critical feedstocks, and a strategic alignment with broader national goals of energy security and decarbonization.

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Systemiq and ERM report assesses future impacts of mining to 2050

<p></p> <p>A recent report by Systemiq and ERM, titled "Future Prospects," developed in partnership with the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, highlights the unavoidable reality that global mining output for critical minerals will need to significantly increase by 2050 across all modeled scenarios. Released on October 15, 2026, the study underscores that despite advancements in material efficiency and recycling, the demand for primary mined materials like copper and lithium will surge, placing immense pressure on environmental resources and necessitating strategic shifts in industry practices and governance to mitigate adverse impacts.</p> <p>

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Tali Resources plans 9,000m drill programme at Don Juan prospect

Tali Resources is set to commence an extensive 9,000-meter aircore drilling program in central Australia, targeting critical mineral potential within the 45-kilometer Don Juan-Alakol alkaline ultramafic intrusive system and the Central Australian Suture. The initiative, scheduled to begin in October, aims to evaluate a total of twelve high-priority geophysical and geological anomalies, with a significant focus on carbonatite-associated mineralization, particularly rare earth elements, niobium, and phosphorus, which are vital for modern technology and green energy transitions.

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SSR Mining to acquire Roxmore Resources in $464m all-cash deal

<p></p> <p>SSR Mining has announced its intent to acquire Roxmore Resources in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $464 million, securing control of the significant Converse gold project in Nevada. This strategic acquisition, positioned near SSR Mining’s existing Marigold operation on the prolific Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend, is projected to substantially boost the company's long-term gold production in the U.S. and leverage existing infrastructure for future development.</p> <p>

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Aurania concludes drilling at Thormódsdalur gold-silver site

Aurania Resources has concluded its 2026 drilling campaign at the Thormódsdalur epithermal gold-silver project in Iceland, completing eight diamond drill-holes totaling 780.70m. This campaign significantly improved core recovery to near 100% compared to previous efforts, crucial for accurate resource definition. The program, a joint venture with St-Georges Eco-Mining and its subsidiary Iceland Resources, focused on twinning historic drill sites and revealed strong geological indicators of a robust epithermal system, with assay results anticipated in November 2026.

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Energy Secretary Secures Mid-Atlantic Grid Ahead of Anticipated Stressed System Conditions

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued an emergency order on October 12, 2026, directing PJM Interconnection to stabilize the mid-Atlantic electrical grid, mitigating blackout risks ahead of a critical period. The order, effective October 13-16, 2026, authorizes PJM to dispatch specified generating units and deploy backup resources in response to elevated demand, extensive planned generator outages during autumn maintenance, and numerous transmission outages. This intervention aims to secure reliable power for millions of Americans and highlights the ongoing challenges of grid resilience amidst evolving energy policies, a concern with direct implications for the energy-intensive mining sector.

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Europe’s tungsten revival faces a race against China

Europe is witnessing a significant resurgence in its domestic tungsten mining sector, driven by global supply chain disruptions and China's strategic export controls. New and revitalized projects, such as Austria's Mittersill mine, are advancing to secure a vital industrial metal crucial for numerous high-tech applications. This concerted effort underscores Europe's push for supply chain resilience and independence in the face of increasing geopolitical and economic pressures, setting the stage for a critical race against dominant Chinese supply.

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The race for AI is becoming a race for critical minerals

The escalating global pursuit of Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominance has ignited a critical new front: the intense competition for essential raw materials, particularly rare earth elements and specialized processing capacity. Ryan Cunningham, CEO of American Mineral Resources, highlights this shift, emphasizing that robust AI infrastructure hinges on secure access to these minerals, making supply chain diversification and international collaborations paramount to reduce reliance on single-source suppliers like China. This evolving landscape presents significant strategic and operational implications for the mining sector worldwide.

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Codelco partially halts El Teniente mine after landslide

Codelco, the state-owned copper giant, has partially suspended operations at its historic El Teniente mine in Chile following a tragic landslide on October 12, 2026, which claimed the lives of two contractor employees from Aura Ingeniería. The incident, attributed to heavy rainfall, occurred in the mine’s south pit sector, prompting a multi-agency investigation and renewed focus on geotechnical stability and safety protocols in challenging operating environments. This event also follows a recent suspension of development at El Teniente's Andes Norte project due to seismic risk concerns, highlighting the complex geological challenges inherent to one of the world's largest underground copper mines.

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Energy Department Authorizes Strategic Petroleum Reserve Exchange to Address Supply Disruptions Due to Hurricane

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has authorized an emergency exchange of up to 4 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to mitigate supply disruptions caused by inclement weather in the Gulf of America. This proactive measure, involving ExxonMobil and BP America, aims to stabilize refinery operations and fuel supplies, with participating companies committed to returning additional premium barrels to the SPR in 2027, ensuring no cost to taxpayers and strengthening national energy security. This move underscores the critical role of strategic reserves in maintaining stable energy markets, which is vital for the operational stability and cost predictability required by the heavy fuel-dependent mining industry.

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Traxys and Abenójar sign El Moto tungsten offtake deal

Traxys Europe and Abenójar Tungsten S.A. have formalized an exclusive, long-term offtake agreement for tungsten concentrate from Spain's El Moto project. This significant deal, announced on October 8, 2026, secures a vital supply of critical raw materials for global industries for at least ten years post-production commencement, directly addressing increasing concerns over global tungsten supply chain resilience, particularly given China's dominant market share and intensifying export controls. The El Moto project, designated as "strategic" under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act, is set to begin production in Q1 2029, with a forecast of over 4,000 tonnes per annum of contained tungsten trioxide.

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Iron ore bucks Hormuz disruption as supply disputes shift to China

The global iron ore market, while experiencing regional disruptions due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, is demonstrating resilience, largely unaffected in its major supply routes. Concurrently, China's evolving procurement strategy is fundamentally reshaping its long-standing commercial relationships with major Australian iron ore suppliers, signalling a significant shift in global commodity trade dynamics and necessitating strategic adjustments across the industry.

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Energy Department Supports FERC’s Call for PJM to Protect Ratepayers and Build More Reliable Power

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced its strong support for new guidance from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) aimed at PJM Interconnection LLC, which would mandate large new electricity users pay for the generation and infrastructure required to serve their demand. This move, consistent with President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge and following a January 2026 call to action, seeks to lower electricity costs for existing customers across the PJM region by preventing them from subsidizing new, energy-intensive loads. For the mining industry, this signifies a critical shift in energy cost allocation, potentially impacting the financial viability and strategic planning of new, large-scale projects within the mid-Atlantic states served by PJM.

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Guanajuato Silver completes tunnel linking San Ignacio and Bolanitos mines

Guanajuato Silver has announced the completion of a 267-meter underground production ramp linking its San Ignacio mine with the Bolanitos mining complex in central Mexico. This strategic tunnel, finished ahead of schedule in September 2026, is poised to significantly enhance operational efficiencies by improving haulage, cutting costs, and boosting ventilation between the two key silver-gold assets. The project also led to the discovery of new mineralized structures, prompting an immediate drilling program to assess further resource potential within the integrated operations.

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EC names 46 projects to strengthen critical raw material supply

The European Commission has selected 46 strategic projects across 16 Member States, a crucial move to enhance the European Union's critical raw material supply chain. These initiatives, spanning extraction, processing, and recycling, directly support the ambitious targets set by the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) for 2030, aiming to reduce external dependencies for vital materials such as lithium, rare earth elements, and cobalt. This development underscores the EU's commitment to securing resources essential for its battery, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors, signaling significant opportunities for mining investors and operators within the bloc.

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Pushing crushing capabilities: how digitalisation is improving comminution

Digitalization is fundamentally transforming comminution circuits within the mining industry, offering unprecedented visibility and control over crushing and grinding operations. A feature published by Eve Thomas in Mining Technology on October 9, 2026, underscores the critical role of technology integration, highlighting advancements in ore sensing, Advanced Process Control (APC), and integrated cloud technologies as key drivers for efficiency and sustainability in mineral processing. This article for USA Mining News delves into these innovations, exploring their technical applications, industry implications, and the strategic imperative for miners to effectively integrate these digital solutions.

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U.S. Department of Energy Awards $96 Million to 67 Early Career Scientists

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on October 8, 2026, the allocation of $96 million through its 2026 Early Career Research Program to 67 early career scientists. This significant investment targets critical fields such as Super Intelligence, fusion energy, and quantum science, aiming to solidify America's scientific and technological leadership. While not directly focused on extraction, these foundational technologies hold profound implications for the efficiency, sustainability, and resource demands of the global mining industry.

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CleanTech Lithium signs agreements for Antofalla properties in Argentina

CleanTech Lithium has strategically expanded its footprint in Argentina's prolific Salar de Antofalla, securing option agreements for the Genoveva and Sal de Litio 1 properties in Catamarca Province. This move, adjacent to an Albemarle exploration project, reinforces the company's district-scale ambitions and positions it for future resource growth, with a drill program and maiden resource estimate planned for 2027. The acquisition underscores Argentina's growing importance in the global lithium supply chain amidst robust demand from electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.

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FLSmidth secures $54m order for copper mine project in Chile

FLSmidth has secured a substantial $54 million order for a major copper mine expansion in northern Chile, reinforcing its position as a leading supplier of high-capacity mining equipment. The contract, booked in the third quarter of 2026, includes the delivery of the world's largest gyratory crusher, multiple large-scale mills, and advanced comminution technologies, with installation and commissioning slated for late 2029 and early 2030. This strategic investment highlights the mining industry's commitment to enhancing productivity and energy efficiency to meet growing global demand for copper.

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New technologies target energy use in Australian ore processing

The Australian mining industry is actively pursuing advanced technologies to significantly reduce its energy and water consumption during ore processing. Innovations such as alternative crushing methods, coarse-particle flotation, and various dry separation techniques are at the forefront of this transformation. These efforts aim to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate environmental impact, and secure the long-term sustainability of mining operations amidst increasing resource scarcity and regulatory pressures.

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Elevra Lithium to supply spodumene to LG Energy Solution

Elevra Lithium has forged a binding agreement with LG Energy Solution to supply 240,000 dry metric tonnes of spodumene concentrate from its North American Lithium (NAL) facility in Québec, Canada, over a three-year period beginning in 2026. This strategic deal, which includes an optional additional 90,000 dmt, aims to diversify Elevra's sales portfolio and secure a significant portion of NAL's output, utilizing a market-linked pricing mechanism reflective of lithium content. The agreement underscores the increasing importance of robust, geographically diversified supply chains for critical battery materials, reinforcing North America's role in the global energy transition.

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Energy Department Announces $4.2 Billion Investment to Boost Nuclear Power and Help Lower Energy Costs in Pennsylvania and Ohio

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a significant conditional loan commitment of up to $4.2 billion to Vistra for nuclear uprates and modernization across its facilities in Pennsylvania and Ohio. This investment, aimed at bolstering grid reliability, lowering energy costs, and meeting rising demand within the 13-state PJM Interconnection region, will preserve nearly 4 gigawatts of baseload power and add 433 megawatts of new nuclear capacity, supporting thousands of jobs and extending reactor lifespans for two decades. The move underscores a national strategy to reinvigorate American nuclear leadership and carries substantial implications for the mining sector, particularly for uranium demand and the supply chains of critical minerals.

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District Metals begins diamond drilling at Sweden’s Viken Property

District Metals has initiated diamond drilling at its Viken Property in central Sweden, focusing on two largely untested target areas, A and B, which exhibit strong conductive anomalies identified by a 2025 MobileMT survey. This drilling campaign, part of the company's 2026 exploration program, aims to further define what is considered the world's largest undeveloped uranium resource, alongside significant quantities of critical base and energy metals. The effort underscores Sweden's growing role in securing vital raw materials for the global energy transition.

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Energy Department Announces Alaska Railbelt Transmission Project to Receive Defense Production Act Funding, Securing Alaska Military Installations and Local Communities

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on October 5, 2026, its intent to deploy Defense Production Act (DPA) funding for the Alaska Energy Authority’s Beluga-Healy Transmission Project, a critical $418 million infrastructure initiative. This project, which will construct 223 miles of new high-voltage transmission line, aims to establish a second essential power connection between Southcentral and Interior Alaska, significantly bolstering grid reliability, reducing electricity costs, and supporting national defense assets, alongside vital mining and resource development activities across the state.

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Protecting mining’s hydraulic backbone to keep operations moving

Hydraulic cylinders are the indispensable backbone of virtually all mining machinery, driving operations both underground and on the surface. A recent industry focus, highlighted around October 6, 2026, underscores the critical importance of protecting these vital components from environmental contamination to prevent costly unplanned downtime, production disruptions, and potential safety risks. Implementing innovative protection solutions is key to extending equipment lifespan, maintaining performance, and bolstering overall operational efficiency in the challenging mining environment.

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EBRD provides up to $62m for greener Bulgarian copper mining

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has committed up to $61.6 million (€55 million) in financing to Asarel Medet, a Bulgarian copper producer, to modernize and decarbonize its open-pit copper mine in Panagyurishte. This strategic investment, announced on October 6, 2026, aims to boost operational efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance corporate governance, aligning with Bulgaria's transition to a greener economy and Europe's critical raw material needs.

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Glencore secures approval for MARA project in Argentina

Glencore has secured a pivotal approval for its Minera Agua Rica – Alumbrera (MARA) project in Argentina under the nation's new Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI). This strategic development, announced on October 5, 2026, accelerates the timeline for first copper production from the Alumbrera mine restart to the second half of 2027, underpinning Argentina's ambition to become a leading global copper producer and signaling renewed confidence in its investment climate for major mining ventures. The MARA project is poised to deliver over 200,000 tonnes per annum of copper in concentrate for its initial decade of operation, leveraging existing infrastructure and fostering significant regional employment.

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PMET and Matagami sign LoI for spodumene rail trans-shipment

PMET Resources and the City of Matagami, Québec, have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on October 5, 2026, to establish a critical spodumene concentrate trans-shipment facility. This agreement is a pivotal step for PMET's wholly-owned Shaakichiuwaanaan Project, outlining a logistics plan that involves trucking concentrate to Matagami for onward rail transport to port, significantly advancing the project's infrastructure development and de-risking its path towards a final investment decision. The collaboration underscores Québec's growing importance in the North American critical minerals supply chain, particularly for electric vehicle battery components.

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Wildsky signs LoI for Zimbabwe’s NewRidge Gold Project

Canadian exploration firm Wildsky Resources has signed a binding Letter of Intent (LoI) to acquire a full interest in the NewRidge Gold Project in Zimbabwe's Manicaland Province, along with an option for three adjacent mining claims. This strategic move, announced on October 5, 2026, positions Wildsky within the geologically prospective Odzi-Mutare-Manica greenstone belt, enhancing its African mineral portfolio and signaling continued investment interest in Zimbabwe's gold sector. The transaction involves significant cash payments and share issuances to Golden Cube Mining, the current holder, contingent on due diligence and regulatory approvals.

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Epiroc secures order from Sibanye-Stillwater for South African mine

Epiroc has secured a significant order from Sibanye-Stillwater to supply advanced underground mining equipment for the Siphumelele platinum shaft in Rustenburg, South Africa. This strategic investment, featuring low-profile loaders and versatile utility vehicles, is a cornerstone of Sibanye-Stillwater's initiative to mechanise operations, aiming to enhance safety, boost productivity, and extend the mine's operational lifespan. The agreement underscores a critical industry trend towards modernised mining techniques in challenging narrow-vein environments, reflecting a commitment to sustainable resource extraction and operational efficiency.

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NSW approves HVO coal mine continuation with conditions

<p><br /> New South Wales' Independent Planning Commission has approved the continuation of Hunter Valley Operations' (HVO) North and South open-cut coal mines, extending their operational lives to 2045 and 2042, respectively. The approval is contingent upon strict conditions aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, including requirements for Scope 3 management, renewable energy integration, and limiting exports to countries with Paris Agreement-consistent reduction policies. This decision, following extensive public consultation and regulatory review, highlights the complex balance between economic benefits and environmental stewardship in Australia's vital mining sector.</p> <p>

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Energy Department Announces Up to $400 Million for Basic Research to Advance the Frontiers of Science

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on October 1, 2026, an annual funding opportunity of up to $400 million for basic scientific research, aligned with President Trump’s Executive Order “Restoring Gold Standard Science.” This significant investment, aimed at strengthening America’s scientific and technological leadership across multiple disciplines, holds profound, albeit often indirect, implications for the mining industry. By fostering breakthroughs in areas such as advanced computing, materials science, and isotope research, this funding is poised to drive future innovations that will enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and resource security within the global mining sector.

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Bell Bay Aluminium to continue operations until 2031

Rio Tinto's Bell Bay Aluminium smelter in northern Tasmania has secured its operational future until at least December 31, 2031, through a landmark agreement with the Australian and Tasmanian governments. This extension, supported by ongoing energy provision from Hydro Tasmania and additional government assistance, aims to bolster the smelter's competitiveness and preserve 550 direct jobs. The agreement arrives as Rio Tinto navigates complex environmental and social challenges, highlighted by a significant legal claim against its QIT Madagascar Minerals operation.

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ACDC Metals gains BLM permits for Mount Jackson drill campaign

ACDC Metals has secured vital environmental permitting approval from the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for its Mount Jackson gold-silver project in Nevada, paving the way for a maiden drilling campaign and a geophysical survey. This significant milestone, announced on October 1, 2026, allows the company to proceed with a 12 line-kilometre controlled source audio magnetotellurics (CSAMT) survey in October 2026 and up to 2,500 meters of reverse circulation (RC) drilling targeting the Pegasus and 3 Shaft zones in Q4 2026. The project, located in the geologically rich Walker Lane mineral belt, aims to build upon historical mineralization results and validate the understanding of the precious metals system.

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Solar, wind and tidal for renewable fuels: what the research says

As global industries intensify their decarbonization efforts, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors like heavy transport and industrial processes, research into low-carbon fuels derived from renewable energy sources is gaining critical momentum. This article explores cutting-edge innovations across solar, wind, and tidal energy, focusing on their potential to produce green hydrogen, ethanol, and synthetic fuels without relying on fossil fuels or traditional electrolyzers. We delve into the work of leading researchers and facilities, examining the technical advancements, economic implications, and strategic importance of these developments for the mining sector's sustainability journey.

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Lynas agrees to buy Meteoric Resources in $674m all-share deal

Lynas Rare Earths has agreed to acquire Meteoric Resources in an all-share deal valued at approximately $674 million, gaining access to the significant Caldeira ionic clay rare earth project in Brazil. This strategic acquisition is set to bolster Lynas's resource base, diversify its operations outside Australia, and strengthen its position in the global supply chain for critical rare earth elements, including neodymium-praseodymium and dysprosium-terbium oxides, vital for high-tech industries. The deal underscores the industry's drive to secure stable, non-Chinese sources of these essential materials.

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The United States Energy Department Continues Execution of Strategic Reserve Release Commitments

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on September 29, 2026, a Request for Proposal for an exchange of up to 40 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). This action is part of the ongoing U.S. commitment to stabilize global oil markets and contribute to the 400-million-barrel release coordinated by the International Energy Agency. The exchange mechanism, which requires participating companies to return more oil than they borrow, simultaneously bolsters immediate supply and strengthens the SPR's long-term inventory without taxpayer expense.

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Hertha Metals raises $133m to build iron plant in US

Hertha Metals has secured $133.65 million in Series A funding, including a substantial $65 million equity investment from the US Government, to construct a pioneering high-purity iron plant in the United States. This facility, named Hertha Chalyx, will utilize the company's innovative Flex-HERS process to produce 10,000 tonnes of magnet-grade and steel-grade iron annually, critically addressing the nation's reliance on imported materials for rare-earth magnets essential to defense and technology sectors. The project aims to establish a robust domestic supply chain, promising reduced production costs and significantly lower emissions compared to traditional blast furnace methods.

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Jaguar gains approval for La Rosada in Argentina

Jaguar Uranium has secured crucial environmental approval for exploration activities at its La Rosada prospect in Argentina’s Chubut Province, a significant step forward for its flagship Laguna Salada uranium and vanadium project. This permit authorizes work across 59,895.3 hectares, representing the largest single exploration area approved within the 230,000-hectare project to date. The approval positions Jaguar to commence fieldwork following the winter season, applying systematic geochemical sampling, geological mapping, and advanced geophysical surveys to identify potential deep fluvial paleochannels.

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CoTec, Copper Intelligence sign agreement for DRC tailings

<p></p> <p>CoTec and Copper Intelligence have formalized a definitive joint venture agreement, announced on September 30, 2026, aimed at processing historical copper tailings across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly within its renowned Central African Copperbelt. This strategic alliance seeks to unlock significant value from decades of accumulated mining waste, leveraging CoTec’s specialized technologies and rigorous due diligence processes to recover critical copper resources. The initiative aligns with a growing industry trend towards sustainable resource recovery and addresses the increasing global demand for copper, positioning the DRC as a key player in the circular economy for base metals.</p> <p>

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Troilus secures $850m credit-approved debt commitments

Troilus Mining has secured an $850 million (C$1.21 billion) credit-approved debt commitment from KfW IPEX-Bank and Société Générale, a critical step towards fully funding its Troilus Gold-Copper Project in Québec, Canada. This commitment forms the core of a planned $1.1 billion total debt package, which includes a proposed $250 million from Export Development Canada, subject to final internal approvals. The financing features a three-year repayment grace period during construction and a ten-year, cash flow-aligned amortization, signaling a significant de-risking for the project and a milestone for the company.

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Fortescue produces first hot metal at Christmas Creek project

<p></p> <p>Fortescue Metals has achieved a significant milestone by producing its first hot metal at the Christmas Creek Green Metal Project in Western Australia, marking a crucial step towards low-emission iron production. Utilizing an electric direct reduced iron (DRI) smelting furnace supplied by Metso, the project aims to evaluate advanced technologies for processing local iron ore fines with significantly reduced carbon emissions. This development signals Australia's strategic pivot from being solely an iron ore exporter to a future producer of high-value, green metal, with substantial implications for the global steel industry's decarbonization efforts.</p> <p>

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