Mining

Emily Loosli, Wingtra, Switzerland, evaluates the use of drones in the mining industry and considers if mining companies are losing out by not using them.

As ore grades decline, global demand for critical minerals rises, and ESG expectations intensify, mining economics are being reshaped. TOMRA Mining’s sensor-based sorting technologies are redefining how minerals are recovered, transforming once-discarded material into a valuable resource, extending mine life, and strengthening supply security for the energy transition.

Jonathan Ford, Director of National Geoscience at the British Geological Survey (BGS), and Karen Hanghøj, BGS Executive Director and member of the Organising Committee of the World Mining Congress (WMC) 2026, discuss the importance of geological data in unlocking the geological potential of the South American region as a key source of critical minerals for the global energy transition and international supply security.

Weir has completed the acquisition of Fast2 Mine Tecnologia e Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda ('Fast2Mine').

Rainbow Rare Earths has announced that it has updated the Phalaborwa MRE to include yttrium, one of the heavy rare earths that has been subject to Chinese export controls since April 2025.

Vedanta Resources Limited has announced the launch of CopperTech Metals Inc, a US-domiciled company with a mission to 'Power the Copper Century' and to bolster America's copper security needs while capitalising on surging copper demand driven by artificial intelligence, data centre expansion, grid modernisation, defence technologies and industrial onshoring requirements.

Dominik Birgelen, CEO of oneclick AG Group, considers the importance of prioritising cybersecurity in mining operations to ensure safety and productivity.

Epiroc, a leading productivity and sustainability partner for the mining and infrastructure industries, has partnered with Cal-Nevada Precision Blasting in the US for surface drilling equipment and aftermarket support.

Dr. Caroline Woywadt, Gebr. Pfeiffer, Germany, weighs up some of the challenges facing the comminution sector and spotlights vertical roller mill technology as a possible solution.

Komatsu is strengthening its commitment to Canadian customers with a major investment to double the size of its parts distribution footprint and transform its Edmonton, Alberta, parts depot into a full-service distribution centre.

Thomas Eder, Head of Wireless Technologies at Nokia, discusses the benefits of incorporating drones in mining operations.

General Kinematics, a vibratory equipment manufacturer and system integrator based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, has announced its acquisition of Llambec Technology, a South African-based manufacturer and distributor of vibratory equipment.

Mika Kinnunen and Samu Kukkonen, Normet, Finland, consider how the mining industry has become a pioneer of technological advancement during its journey towards electrification.

ICMM has published its Tailings Progress Report which sets out the progress ICMM members have made in implementing the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).

Mines pose extreme connectivity challenges. Jaakko Kuukka, Country Manager Nordics, Boldyn Networks, explains that dedicated 4G and 5G private networks are essential to meet those rising demands and power the industry’s future.