Mining industry news covering mineral extraction, mining companies, commodities, and global mining sector developments.
The Wall Street Journal reviews an NPR Frontline documentary examining the persistence of black lung disease among coal miners despite industry decline. The commentary highlights reporter Howard Berkes' investigation into progressive massive fibrosis cases in Virginia, questioning why advanced stages of the disease continue to increase even as mining jobs diminish.
This piece describes the dramatic weather conditions surrounding Fortescue's Eliwana mine in the Pilbara region. It highlights the contrast between the harsh landscape and the mining operations, framing the site as an epicenter of industrial activity amidst natural fury.
Sibanye-Stillwater reduced its annual US platinum group metals production forecast by up to 15% and raised cost guidance following a five-week strike at its Montana mines. The disruption impacts the only domestic sources of primary PGMs, critical for defense and automotive sectors.
The article highlights Chalice Mining's significant gold and copper discovery at the Kestrel prospect in Australia's Northern Territory. It details how the company overcame heritage clearance delays to conduct initial drilling, revealing broad zones of mineralisation that open a new exploration frontier in a mature mining district.
Axis International submitted its legal memorial in an ICSID arbitration case against Guinea, claiming over USD 28 billion in damages for the unlawful expropriation of its bauxite mine. The filing coincides with reports that Guinea failed to pay a mandatory advance fee to the World Bank tribunal.
Fluor received full notice to proceed for expanding Sierra Gorda's grinding line in Chile, boosting ore processing capacity to 165,000 tonnes daily. Construction begins in 2027, with contract value recognized in Fluor's Q3 2026 results.
Mining Minister Hassan Joho confirmed a technical committee is reviewing five proposals for the Mrima Hill rare earths project, with a decision expected in two to three weeks. Local residents oppose the plan due to fears for their farms and sacred sites, while the government seeks to boost the mining sector's economic contribution.
Ivanhoe Mines has outlined copper production guidance of 300,000–350,000 tonnes for 2027 as its Kamoa-Kakula operation pivots to open pits. Founder Robert Martin Friedland framed the third quarter of 2026 as a turning point for the company's turnaround vision.
DR Congo has ordered an investigation into suspected illegal mining following the seizure of thousands of tons of copper and cobalt. Authorities confiscated over 500 trucks and machinery in the southeast, marking a potential shift toward tougher enforcement against illicit operators despite ongoing tensions between investor rights and community protection.
The commentary argues that the mining sector's focus should shift from demand to supply constraints, particularly regarding copper. It suggests that while electrification and AI drive unprecedented demand, production lags due to approval difficulties, citing Generation Mining’s Ontario project as an example of the challenges in expanding supply to meet future needs.