This Week's Top Five Stories in Mining
Rio Tinto & CATL: The Future of Electric Mining
The global mining sector is experiencing its most substantial operational transformation since the advent of the internal combustion engine.
According to Deloitte's industry outlook, the shift from diesel to electric power extends beyond carbon footprint reduction; it represents a complete reimagining of mine site operations.
Through the adoption of battery-electric fleets in place of traditional haulage systems, mining companies could address the from 20% to 25% of total site emissions that are typically produced by diesel combustion.
Global mining company Rio Tinto and battery technology manufacturer CATL have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a partnership. The collaboration will concentrate on electrification strategy development and innovation, supply chains and the circular economy, and business and cooperation mechanisms.
Unpacking the ICMM Energy Transition Minerals Report
As mining moves to focus on the green energy transition, concerns about project sustainability have been loud.
Producing these clean-energy materials is an intensive process, resulting in contributions to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
However, a newly published study by ICMM, in collaboration with Wood Mackenzie, reports that the contribution to GHG emissions is not as high as previously believed.
ABB: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building an All-Electric Mine
In a word-association game, “mining” is likely to trigger “drilling”, “digging”, “coal” and “extraction”. Not “clean”, “green” or “sustainable”.
That is unless you play the game with executives from automation machinery manufacturer ABB, which is among the companies embedding electrification in the industry.
Its latest whitepaper, Building the All-Electric Mine, is a roadmap for mining companies and their suppliers to change the industry’s reputation and reality.
According to ABB, the past few years have demonstrated that electrification significantly reduces emissions while enhancing operational output. From haul trucks and loading equipment to conveyors, the industry can now electrify a wide range of essential machinery.
ABB highlights that every site can take steps towards an “all-electric mine”, where small, smart shifts deliver significant performance gains. This transition is becoming increasingly critical, not least because the mining industry currently accounts for up to 7% of all greenhouse gases globally.
What Fortescue's Acquisition Means for Copper Supply Chains
Mining companies around the world are making strategic decisions to strengthen their portfolios and gain competitive positions in the critical minerals race.
Sustainable mining-focused company Fortescue has completed the acquisition of Alta Copper in order to solidify its standing.
In doing this, Fortescue is preparing itself for responsible copper mining as the material becomes a key commodity.
Sandvik 2025 Report: Demonstrating Agility During Volatility
Global supply chains were operating in a constant state of shock throughout 2025, with organisations having to remain agile and predictive throughout.
The mining industry was no different, with an increased demand for critical minerals and calls for diversification due to trade wars.
Despite this, Sandvik reports of 2025 being a year of strong momentum and business resilience in its Annual Report.
