The mining industry enters 2026 facing an ever-familiar array of paradoxes. Indeed, the demand for the materials that underpin the energy transition, digitalisation, and infrastructure growth has never been clearer, yet the path to delivering them has rarely been more complex.
It has been said that we are entering a new era of geopolitics, especially in the domain of metals and minerals.1 Truly, while resource nationalism might not be new, we are now seeing it motivate the implementation of policies on a new scale and with greater intent by the major global powers that be. Flicking back only a few years to Samuel Logan (Southern Pulse) and Amelia Haines (BMI, a Fitch Solutions Company)’s articles in Global Mining Review, we can see that the resource nationalism has deep roots in the South American mining industry – with critical implications for the immediate region and beyond.2,3 However, tensions over resources between the US and China, for example, have been a whole new ball game.
What does this mean for us? Well, turning to page 5 in this issue will at least clarify some points for our industry colleagues located in the US. Don’t miss Melissa Russell (CEO & Executive Director at the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, & Exploration)’s Guest Comment, in which she breaks down some of the myths surrounding critical mineral and rare earth element extraction in the US, and why the US must mine its own future.
Looking beyond domestic mining, US President Donald Trump continues to leave his mark on the global stage with his ‘quest for mineral dominance’ – begun in the early days of his latest term in office. As previously discussed in my January/February 2025 Editor’s Comment, Greenland remains the issue of the day, and it seems that only time will tell if the matter will ever be settled. Perhaps we will know more by the January/February 2027 issue of Global Mining Review? What is certain is that the coming weeks and months will be pivotal. The outcomes of events currently in motion will set a precedent; new rules of engagement over rights to metals and minerals will be defined one way or another, for better or worse.
Moreover, in 2026 industry leaders will have not only have an eye on what’s happening above ground, but below water as policymakers continue to debate the merits of deep-sea mining. Still in its infancy, testing continues and permits sought to explore, evaluate, and exploit the untapped resources found in the polymetallic nodules of our ocean floors. This is an issue that should by no means fly under the radar – or should I say sonar – as we head deeper into the new year.
From tightening capital discipline and rising operational costs, to intensifying scrutiny around ESG performance and supply-chain security, miners are no doubt being asked to do more than ever – faster, cleaner, and with greater accountability – while navigating an increasingly turbulent geopolitical landscape. However, I’ve no doubt our industry’s innovative and resilient global community will once again rise to face all challenges.
There is a lot to be excited about for the mining industry in 2026, and the Global Mining Review team and I look forward to providing you with all the latest developments and insights.
Enjoy this first issue of the year, and visit us at our booths at MINEXCHANGE (2139) and CONEXPO-CON/AGG (WL13010) to learn more.
References
- Wood Mackenzie, ‘Geopolitics and capital discipline to define metals & mining industry in 2026’, Global Mining Review (20 January 2026)
- Logan, S., ‘The State Of Lithium In South America’, Global Mining Review (June 2023), pp. 8–11
- Haines, A., ‘The Future Of Mining In The Americas’, Global Mining Review (September 2024), pp. 18–22
