Global Scans · Mining · Weekly Summary

• [New] Under optimistic conditions, 3-5 commercial deep-sea mining operations could achieve production by 2029, generating combined annual output of 50,000-75,000 tonnes of nickel equivalent. Discovery Alert
• [New] By securing access to critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, and investing in domestic mining, processing, and manufacturing, the U.S. can reduce its dependence on geopolitically sensitive regions and insulate itself from export restrictions or supply disruptions. J.P. MORGAN
• [New] By 2026, smart mining is projected to boost mineral extraction efficiency by over 20% using advanced AI systems. Farmonaut
• [New] The political compromise now ensures that no licenses for deep-sea mining will be issued during the current legislative term, which ends in 2029. The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News |
• [New] Global ESS mining investments are projected to rise by 18% annually, reaching $12.5 billion by 2026. Farmonaut
• [New] Urban mining potential from end-of-life batteries could provide 20-30% of lithium supply by 2040, reducing primary extraction requirements while creating domestic secondary supply sources independent of international trade. Discovery Alert
• [New] In Australia, mining companies are prioritising operational resilience, particularly around water-related risks, illustrating how risk assessment informs adaptation strategies. IIGCC
• [New] As demand for green energy and advanced electronics surges, the use of synthetic diamonds in mining, defence, and high-tech industries will expand substantially through 2025 and 2026. Farmonaut
• [New] Even substantial progress in mining and separation does not eliminate strategic vulnerability if magnet-grade materials and finished magnets must still be sourced from China. Brookings
• [New] US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has specifically highlighted the need for a federally convened, privately funded cooperative that will lead US efforts to rebuild rare-earth mineral mining and refining capacities. RSIS_NTU
• [New] In the longer term, new vanadium mining projects outside China, particularly in Canada and Australia, could help to increase supply and ease price pressures. Green Building Africa
• [New] The DFS will evaluate a solution mining operation with a base production scenario of 800,000 Tonnes Per Year as well as significantly larger production rates of Muriate of Potash. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Over the next decade, AI is expected to drive the transition toward increasingly autonomous mining operations. Global Mining Market
• [New] USCM is focused on mining projects that will further secure the U.S. supply of critical metals, which are essential to fueling the new age economy. Junior Mining Network
• [New] The north of Huelva province is expected to launch a large mining complex extracting zinc, lead, and copper, which could bring in another 450 million euros. RUSSPAIN.COM
• [New] The 2026 mission is set to test the technologies that could make off-world mining a practical reality, creating a blueprint for the first interplanetary supply chain. BusinessCraft Nordic
• [New] An optimistic scenario envisions mining exports reaching $10+ billion by 2030, driven by continued commodity price strength and successful expansion of existing operations. Discovery Alert
• [New] By 2026, over 1,200 autonomous mining trucks are projected to operate globally, optimizing haulage in major mines. Farmonaut
• [New] By 2026, autonomous mining trucks are expected to reduce mining-related greenhouse gas emissions by 20-25% in leading operations. Farmonaut

Last updated: 30 January 2026