Global Scans · Mining · Weekly Summary

• [New] The mining industry in 2026 is poised for significant disruption through technological advancements, innovative methodologies, and a strong focus on sustainability. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• [New] The global Underground Mining Automation Market size is likely to be valued at US$ 1.5 billion in 2026 and is expected to reach US$ 3.0 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2033. Persistence Market Research
• [New] While the resources sector is broadly flat, there will be targeted growth in mining for metals and minerals critical for the energy transition, such as copper, lithium and rare earths, where annual spending will rise 1.4 times to US$ 128 billion in 2050. PwC
• [New] Rio Tinto's Mine of the Future programme - the most advanced large-scale mining automation deployment in the world - required a decade of investment in unified data infrastructure before its autonomous haulage and drilling systems could be scaled reliably across its Pilbara iron ore operations. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• [New] Deep-level gold and platinum group metal (PGM) mining in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Australia represents a high-value opportunity vertical for underground automation. Persistence Market Research
• [New] With space-based mining projected to reach a market size of $1.9 billion by 2026, as reported by Research and Markets, the horizon for mineral exploration is expanding beyond Earth. BUSINESS 2.0 NEWS
• [New] Projected Expansion and Size of the Asteroid Mining Market by 2030 The asteroid mining sector is set for rapid growth, expected to reach a market size of $5.42 billion by 2030. openpr
• [New] Cleaner launch technologies, rigorous debris mitigation, and binding environmental standards for off world mining will decide if space resources truly help relieve pressure on Earth's ecosystems or simply export extractive habits into the sky. ECOticias.com
• [New] Around 700 near Earth objects could each contain materials worth over 100 trillion dollars, and about 122 are considered technically and economically suitable for early mining. ECOticias.com
• [New] There is expectation that both countries will sign an agreement to cooperate on deep-sea mining for rare earths, especially off Japan's Minami-Torishima island. Hudson Institute
• [New] 2026 will decide who governs deep-sea mining moving forward. / USA Global Mining Review
• [New] Nevada's mining-friendly environment, with access to roads, power, and skilled labour, reduces development risk. Carbon Credits
• [New] Half of mining companies plan to invest in predictive maintenance in the next two years, with cloud-based monitoring, digital twins, and machine learning already common in maintenance functions. Octave
• [New] Deep-sea mining could help the U.S. and its allies reduce dependence on China, which produces 90% of the world's rare earths. Politico
• [New] MMG's $700 million expansion investment demonstrates Chinese confidence in Botswana's mining jurisdiction stability and long-term resource potential. Discovery Alert
• [New] The U.S. is hellbent on building mining stations on the moon before China does because of another kind of dust, moondust, replete with helium-3, touted to be the fuel for an emerging technology that will provide clean, abundant energy. International Action Center - Founded in 1992 by Ramsey
• [New] Hydrogen fuel cell powertrains are in advanced pilot stages at multiple large mining operations, with commercial availability expected by 2027-2028. DirtMatch
• [New] Australian mining giant Fortescue, led by billionaire Andrew Forrest, has signed agreements with Pecem potentially worth USD 18 billion, with final investment decisions by 2026 and production targeted by end-2027. The Rio Times
• [New] Australian mining giant Fortescue has accelerated its timeline for deploying a 1.8 GW renewable energy portfolio, paired with 4-5GWh of batteries, which it now expects to begin commercial operation by 2028. PV Tech
• [New] China is still elevating blockchain as a strategic infrastructure technology even while maintaining a ban on crypto trading and mining, and Sweden is warning that digital finance dependency can create systemic cyber risk. News, Events, Advertising Options
• [New] The growth of the mining industry is expected to be the primary avenue through which AI will contribute to bolstering growth in Argentina in the next few years, especially in response to the increasing demand for copper and critical metals such as lithium. economic-research.bnpparibas.com

Last updated: 01 May 2026