Mining industry news covering mineral extraction, mining companies, commodities, and global mining sector developments.
Supervisors at BHP Group's Escondida copper mine in Chile began a strike on Wednesday after contract negotiations failed. Nearly 95% of union members rejected BHP's latest offer, citing inadequate recognition. The walkout affects approximately 1,020 staff members and threatens supplies at the world's largest copper mine, which produced about 1.3 million tonnes of copper in 2025.
A proposed bauxite mine by Adani-linked Kalinga Alumina Ltd. in Odisha's Balda hills endangers the habitat of the rare Jeypore ground gecko, with only four sightings recorded there recently. The project faces opposition from Adivasi communities who claim ancestral rights and have protested against the government's refusal to recognize their forest rights.
Rio Tinto reported that elevated global fuel costs are shifting iron ore market advantages toward Australian miners by cutting marginal production from distant competitors. The company shipped 85.6 million tonnes in the quarter ending September 30 and generated US$2 billion by divesting non-core assets during the same period.
Binance will close its Bitcoin mining pool on November 10 after its network contribution fell 65% to less than 1%. Miners must migrate operations within four weeks, a move that may increase centralization among remaining major pools like Foundry USA and AntPool.
Rappler argues that the Philippine government's auction of the Semirara coal mine prioritizes revenue over technical competence, risking a national energy crisis. The commentary contends that regulatory negligence and lack of transparency threaten to impose catastrophic costs on consumers and displaced workers due to the mine's deteriorating engineering conditions.
Commentary analyzes Glencore's strategic expansion into Australia, noting the NSW government's approval of a coal mine extension. It suggests this move allows Glencore to compete directly with BHP and Rio Tinto, leveraging Australian resources despite broader industry shifts toward sustainability.
The Miners Association of Nigeria identified insecurity around mining corridors as a major obstacle to attracting investment in the country's solid minerals sector. At the 11th Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja, leaders called for resolving regulatory confusion between federal and state authorities to unlock economic potential.
Ghana's Gold Board argues that sustainable gold production must balance foreign exchange earnings with environmental protection. The Board contends that illegal mining degradation requires urgent restoration, citing reclamation efforts for 80 hectares this year and plans to restore an additional 150 hectares by 2027 across multiple forest reserves.
Larvotto Resources shipped its first 68-tonne batch of antimony concentrate from the Hillgrove mine in New South Wales to partner Wogen Resources. This mine-gate offtake initiates sales, allowing cash flow before final assay confirmation. The facility is projected to produce 4,900 tonnes annually, controlling approximately 7 percent of global supply.
BHP Group improved its wage offer as a union at Chile's Escondida copper mine entered final mediation to avert a strike. Near-record copper prices are driving labor tensions, with similar negotiations occurring at Antofagasta mines.