Global Scans · Mining · Weekly Summary

• [New] Scientists from Duke University have developed a model that can predict the amount of mercury being released into a local ecosystem by deforestation and small-scale gold mining. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
• [New] Deep-sea mining regulatory frameworks under development by the International Seabed Authority could unlock polymetallic nodule deposits containing 21 billion tonnes of manganese, 5.7 billion tonnes of iron, and substantial quantities of nickel and cobalt. Discovery Alert
• [New] The US is investigating Bitmain Technologies, a Chinese manufacturer that dominates global Bitcoin mining hardware supply, over potential national security risks including espionage or sabotage threats from its specialized mining equipment. Crypto Briefing
• [New] Sanctions or restrictions on foreign-made mining equipment could have significant economic implications for US-based miners, who currently depend on Chinese hardware. OKX
• [New] Transitioning away from lithium-based batteries, which have long been associated with fire hazards and increased mining demands, costs billions of dollars and requires a large-scale overhaul of global production systems. Forbes
• [New] Long-term supply agreements negotiated during the current price environment will influence production capacity planning decisions at mining operations throughout Southeast Asia and Oceania. Discovery Alert
• [New] Infrastructure upgrades would help meet the expanding needs of northern communities and mining firms as well as the threat of foreign actors amid rising global tensions. BNN Bloomberg
• [New] Mining companies' spending on AI will grow from $2.7 billion in 2024 to $13.1 billion by 2029. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Electricity demand: EIA expects U.S. electricity demand to grow by 2.4% in 2025 and 2.6% in 2026, led by growth in the West South Central region as electricity demand from data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities increases in that region - particularly in Texas. EIA - Energy Information Administration
• [New] With international cooperation under NASA's Artemis program, the Moon's south pole is emerging as a potential site for mining rare elements like helium-3 - a fuel source that could redefine both the energy sector and interplanetary commerce. / Japan TrendVeritas
• [New] Australia's pricing dominance is now under threat from a massive new mine in Guinea, West Africa, often referred to in mining circles as the Pilbara Killer which will begin shipments within days. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] In 2026, the mining sector in South America remains a critical force within the international supply chain, particularly regarding lithium, gold, and diamonds. Farmonaut
• Mining asteroids could provide essential resources and reduce dependency on Earth leading to sustainable space colonization. Scholarly Commons
• The recent rally to record highs for silver could significantly boost the revenues of primary silver miners like Pan American Silver Corp. or Hecla Mining Company, especially if they hedged their production effectively or can quickly bring new, high-grade ore bodies into production. Guymon Daily Herald (guymondailyherald.com)
• Annual investment in AI for mining has grown from under $200 million to $900 million projected for 2025, while median deal sizes have surged 191% to $8.7 million. Mind the Bridge
• EIA expects US electricity demand to grow by 2.3% in 2025 and 2.5% in 2026, led by growth in the West South Central region as electricity demand from data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities increases in that region - particularly in Texas. Hydrocarbon Engineering
• A rare Earth element from South China might just be the key to revolutionizing rare earth element extraction - by using plants instead of harsh mining chemicals. Indian Defence Review
• In the coming years, we could see a shift from destructive mining practices to more sustainable, plant-based alternatives. Indian Defence Review
• Copper demand for EVs is projected to rise by 30% by 2025, driving sustainable mining innovations at Polymet Mine. Farmonaut
• The electricity demand of AI data centers could rival, or even surpass, that of Bitcoin mining by the end of 2025. illuminem

Last updated: 28 November 2025