Global Scans · Mining · Weekly Summary

• [New] Mining will remain Mongolia's core growth engine in 2026. East Asia Forum
• [New] Mongolia's economy is projected to grow by 5.6% in 2026, supported by mining strength and supply-driven momentum, even as inflation remains elevated and fiscal pressures mount. East Asia Forum
• [New] The Democratic Republic of Congo's position as the dominant cobalt producer creates systemic vulnerabilities for electric vehicle manufacturers, while state-owned mining enterprises increasingly leverage regulatory authority to influence foreign investment flows. Discovery Alert
• [New] Several significant investment projects will be highlighted, including desalination for mining expansion programs in Chile, the Northern Chile Water Supply Corridor integrating multi-user desalination pipelines, and Peru's Coastal Desalination PPPs for Lima, Ilo, and southern industrial clusters. MEXC
• [New] Human-technology collaboration models will define successful mining operations in the coming decade. Discovery Alert
• [New] Rare earth elements represent the benchmark case for critical mineral supply chain vulnerability, with Chinese dominance spanning mining, processing, and manufacturing applications. Discovery Alert
• [New] Mining operations have focused on a three-year accelerated stripping program to unlock higher grade ore starting in 2027. GlobeNewswire
• [New] SpaceX will need to make mining and factories on the moon in order to increase space based AI satellites from 100-1000 Gigawatts per year to 10 to 1000 terawatts per year. NextBigFuture.com
• [New] Chile and Peru are experiencing a more contained slowdown than initially anticipated, supported by resilient mining investment and sustained demand for strategic commodities such as lithium and copper. Mapfre
• [New] The deposit, which is one of the world's largest reserves of rock lithium, remains unexploited and is one of the major mining projects that the US and DRC have designated as important under the framework of the Washington Accords and the US-backed Lobito corridor initiative. Critical Threats
• [New] By proactively addressing the challenges of leakage, ecological risk, and integration with renewables and hydrogen, stakeholders across agriculture, energy, mining, and construction will maximize both the economic benefits and environmental safeguards offered by natural gas in the mid-2020s. Farmonaut
• [New] Mining and infrastructure lead projected oil demand growth through 2026. Farmonaut
• [New] Platinum's remarkable price trajectory has created unprecedented opportunities for mining companies, with spot prices reaching historic peaks above $2,900 per ounce during early 2026. Discovery Alert
• [New] With the United States home to a substantial share of global Bitcoin mining activity, disruptions to grid reliability or power availability can quickly influence network performance and security metrics. news.cryptos.com
• [New] Artists all over the world are celebrating the entry into force of the Global Ocean Treaty, also marking the beginning of a crucial four-year countdown to protect 30% of the world's ocean by 2030 and stop deep sea mining before it begins. Greenpeace International
• [New] Water could be used to make fuel on-site, thus expanding further mining and general space exploration without relying on resources from Earth. Discover Magazine
• [New] Synthetic LNG could reduce mining sector greenhouse emissions by up to 30% by 2026, enhancing sustainability. Farmonaut
• [New] Botswana moves to broaden its mining base beyond diamonds, boosting exploration for critical minerals as global diamond demand softens and lab-grown alternatives gain traction, pushing diversification and investment opportunities. Diamond World
• [New] Opportunities may emerge in the mining sector, specifically companies like Freeport-McMoRan or MP Materials Corp., as the race to secure Greenland's mineral deposits intensifies through diplomatic or corporate means. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Key Insight: While electrification and renewable energy integration are progressing, the scale and remoteness of global mining operations means crude oil products will remain fundamental through at least 2026 - especially in mobile equipment and off-grid environments. Farmonaut
• [New] Asteroid mining is catching the attention of the Space Force due to its potential for resource acquisition and technological development. KeepTrack
• [New] Over 45% of new mining investments in 2026 will include satellite-based exploration analytics, reducing both petroleum use and environmental footprint. Farmonaut
• [New] Private equity investments in mining are projected to target $80 billion in critical minerals by 2026. Farmonaut

Last updated: 27 February 2026