Global Scans · Mining · Weekly Summary

• [New] Global battery manufacturing capacity is projected to increase by 400% between 2025 and 2030, requiring substantial increases in nickel, cobalt, and copper availability that existing terrestrial mining operations cannot readily supply. Discovery Alert
• [New] Structural Supply Shortages and Global Demand Imbalances: Production outages, geopolitical supply disruptions, and chronic underinvestment in mining have constrained supply, while demand from electrification, renewable energy buildouts, and data center growth remain robust. Blakely Walters
• [New] Following approval in mid-2025, underground mining has commenced, with stope ore now feeding the mill and underground output expected to ramp up significantly in 2026. Global Flow Control
• [New] Global mining investment will be dominated by three main drivers in 2026: geopolitics, the energy transition, cautious capital investment. The Oregon Group - Investment Insights
• [New] By 2026, drone-based 3D mapping is projected to shorten survey times by up to 60% in mining projects. Farmonaut
• [New] Mining funds in 2026 are projected to increase global sustainable extraction investments by 18% compared to 2024 levels. Farmonaut
• [New] Autonomous mining equipment adoption reached 14% of new equipment purchases in 2024 and is projected to achieve 35-40% adoption by 2030. Discovery Alert
• [New] By 2026, IGR Gold's eco-friendly techniques are projected to reduce mining emissions by up to 40%. Farmonaut
• [New] The successful implementation of deep-sea mining operations could fundamentally restructure global critical mineral markets, shifting supply patterns and competitive dynamics across multiple industrial sectors. Discovery Alert
• [New] The expansion of mining operations, especially in sensitive regions like California's Salton Sea, carries significant environmental and social risks. Ainvest
• [New] Global demand is increasing, but supply is projected to remain constrained due to the ageing of current mining assets. investing.com
• [New] By 2030, embedded AI tools - from robots to autonomous mining equipment - are expected to become mainstream. FinExtra
• With mining M&A activity reaching $139 billion globally and 77% of recent deals focusing on gold and silver assets, staying ahead of major mineral discoveries could position you for the next wave of consolidation premiums. Discovery Alert
• Global mining companies pursue acquisition opportunities across diverse jurisdictions for large-scale, cost-effective operations. Discovery Alert
• In 2026, companies should assume the federal government will increasingly treat critical minerals not as a narrow mining topic, but as an integrated industrial system - mining, processing, refining, recycling, and downstream manufacturing. Mondaq
• The Trump administration has launched a US$12bn initiative to reshape critical mineral supply chains through deep-sea mining, a move that could fundamentally alter procurement strategies for manufacturers reliant on cobalt, nickel and rare earths. Bizclik Media Ltd
• Rare Earth Magnets: Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors will be established in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to promote mining and processing, which are vital for advanced defence electronics. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation
• Critical Minerals: Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors will be developed in coastal states like Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to secure the full value chain from mining to manufacturing. PMF IAS
• Future-Proofing Wyoming: By 2026, integration of advanced lithium mining, satellite analytics, and sustainable practices will position Wyoming as an enduring force in the global critical mineral economy. Farmonaut
• If the U.S. successfully secures a foothold in Greenland's rare earth sector, it could spark a multi-decade boom in Arctic infrastructure and mining technology. FinancialContent
• Sustainable mining practices are expected to influence over 60% of African gold sector investments by 2026, reshaping global supply chains. Farmonaut
• Investors are eyeing Rio Tinto, which maintains a strategic interest in diversified mining operations that could benefit from an eventual opening of Greenland's 1.5 million metric tons of untapped rare earth reserves. Valley City Times-Record

Last updated: 13 February 2026