Vale, BHP & Critical Minerals: Top Mining News This Week
4 August
AI has helped bring a 25% boost in productivity to Vale’s Model Plant in Itabira, Brazil, where iron ore is extracted and processed.
The site’s planned production is growing from 9 million tonnes in 2024 to 11.2 million in 2026.
More than 100 cameras have been installed and around 7,300 instruments are now fully automated at the facility
5 August
When BHP announced a multibillion-dollar investment to develop the Jansen potash mine, the first new greenfield potash operation in Canada since the 1960s, the stakes were understandably high.
Close to a mile underground, the mine demanded equipment that could withstand extreme loads, harsh conditions and rigorous safety standards.
Beyond reliability, however, the project also required a partner with the experience and capability to influence design decisions and deliver a fully integrated gearing solution for bucket elevators and conveyor systems.
6 August
Kobrea’s Western Malargüe Copper Projects in the Mendoza Province of Argentina will see further exploration after a strategic alliance with BHP.
BHP is the world’s largest mining company by market capitalisation and is committing a minimum of US$5m to exploration expenditures across a two-year project generation phase.
Kobrea holds a large land package with more than 12 porphyry copper and copper-gold projects on the Neogene Porphyry Belt.
7 August
To help increase critical mineral extraction and recycling, reducing reliance on global supply chains, the UK Government has opened applications for a £25m accelerator.
This funding is part of a wider £50m (US$33.6m) critical minerals programme that is set to support multiple projects.
The approved projects are expected to be delivered by March 2030, with each receiving between £150,000 to £3m.
8 August
Caterpillar posted its strongest single-day share price performance in 17 years on 4 August after its second quarter results exceeded analyst expectations across most metrics.
Its shares rose 12% and contributed to broader gains across the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
The company reported revenue of US$20.54bn for the quarter, representing a 24% increase year on year. Adjusted earnings reached US$8.17 per share against consensus estimates of US$6.20, while operating profit climbed to US$4.3bn.
Company portals
Executives
Joe Creed
Chief Executive Officer
