The Mining Wrap

This week’s Mining Wrap covers five mining technology startups selected by Rio Tinto and Founders Factory, new underground equipment and safety systems, Vedanta’s R10-billion Gamsberg expansion and African Critical Elements’ acquisition of Lepidico Canada. Ghana’s mining contractor reforms and the first Congolese copper shipment into the US Project Vault stockpile also feature.

Mining Development and Operations

Rio Tinto and Founders Factory Select Five Mining Technology Startups

Rio Tinto and Founders Factory have selected five startups for their Mining Tech Accelerator: Cascade Geomatics, Fieldstone, Determinant Materials, blueprint powered by Imvelo and NanduX. Their technologies cover geohazard monitoring, metal measurement, critical-metal refining, mine-planning decisions and copper exploration.

The programme now includes 29 ventures, with two-thirds having trialled technology, entered trials or secured contracts with Rio Tinto.

Vedanta Opens R10bn Gamsberg Expansion in South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa opened Vedanta Zinc International’s Gamsberg Phase II concentrator plant in the Northern Cape on 16 October. The R10-billion expansion doubles annual ore-processing capacity from four million to eight million tonnes, with zinc-in-concentrate capacity expected to reach 500,000 tonnes a year.

Vedanta is also pursuing a zinc smelter in the Northern Cape to process concentrate locally. The proposed facility depends on commercially viable electricity and supporting infrastructure.

African Critical Elements Acquires Lepidico Canada

African Critical Elements (ACE) completed its acquisition of Lepidico Canada on 22 October, securing full equity in the company and its secured debts. The transaction includes an 80% interest in Namibia’s Karibib lithium, rubidium and caesium project, with Huni-Urib retaining 20%.

Karibib completed a definitive feasibility study in 2020 but has not entered production. ACE plans to update the development work and seek funding for a possible restart.

Gabon’s Bélinga Iron Ore Project Remains in Development

Gabon’s Bélinga iron ore project remains in development three years after its mining permit was approved. The proposed project includes a mine, railway, export port and hydroelectric infrastructure.

Further studies, approvals and investment decisions are still needed before the project can progress to production.

Mining Policy and Digital Systems

Ghana Moves to Standardise Pay for Mining Contractors

Ghana has directed its Minerals Commission to standardise salaries and employment conditions as the government pushes for more mining operations to transition from multinational owners to local contractors by December. Affected operators include Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti, Zijin and Ghana Manganese Company.

The regulator must submit implementation proposals and develop a contractor classification system by 30 November. The government has also warned against bid-rigging, unfair labour practices and the use of local contractors to bypass local-content rules.

DRC Detains Around 300 Chinese Nationals in Illegal Mining Crackdown

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo detained approximately 300 Chinese nationals during a crackdown on alleged illegal copper mining in and around Kolwezi, a major copper and cobalt centre. The operation targeted suspected mining on concessions belonging to other companies.

Some detainees were reportedly released, but the full status of the cases remained unclear.

Heavy Mobile Equipment and Mining Technology

Booyco Electronics Launches Underground Missing Person Locator

South African company Booyco Electronics has introduced its Missing Person Locator (MPL), designed to help mines identify workers’ last known locations during underground emergencies. Radio-frequency transceivers in miners’ cap lamps communicate with fixed anchors throughout underground workings.

The system records location data and supports two-way communication with surface control rooms. It can operate alongside existing proximity detection equipment or as a standalone system.

Caterpillar Prepares 22-Tonne Diesel-Electric Underground Loader

Caterpillar is preparing to introduce the R3200 underground load-haul-dump loader, a 22-tonne-class machine with a diesel-electric drivetrain. The company reports a 19% payload increase over the R2900 XE, alongside claimed gains of 28% in tonnes moved per hour and 8% in tonnes per litre of fuel.

The loader is also expected to support remote, semi-autonomous and autonomous operation through Cat MineStar Command for Underground.

Epiroc Updates Scooptram ST10 P Underground Loader

Epiroc has updated its 10-tonne Scooptram ST10 P underground loader with a redesigned machine, improved serviceability and a Stage V engine option. The updated model also meets new CE standards.

The changes target maintenance access and equipment performance for underground loading operations.

Volvo Group Establishes Dedicated Mining Business

Volvo Group plans to launch Volvo Mining within Volvo Construction Equipment on 1 January 2027. The business will bring together mining equipment, trucks and autonomous solutions, initially serving customers and contractors in Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Volvo plans to expand the business into additional markets after its initial launch.

ELB Equipment Demonstrates LiuGong Electric Wheel Loaders

ELB Equipment demonstrated LiuGong electric wheel loaders at its Middelburg branch, attracting more than 300 fleet owners and industry representatives. Attendees compared the electric machines with diesel-powered equivalents.

Electric loaders can reduce tailpipe emissions and operating noise, while removing some engine-related maintenance requirements.

BME Advances Electronic Blasting Technology With VIPERTRON

BME, part of Omnia Holdings, has developed VIPERTRON, an electronic initiation system intended to improve blast timing, precision and reliability at mines and quarries still using conventional non-electric systems.

The company has also developed a portable training unit for underground charging equipment, allowing operators to practise emergency shutdowns and equipment faults. VIPERTRON was announced in September, so this is a technology update rather than a new launch this week.

ESG and Sustainability

Gamsberg Expansion Supports Local Mineral Processing

Vedanta’s Gamsberg Phase II concentrator doubles the mine’s annual ore-processing capacity to eight million tonnes. The company’s proposed zinc smelter would take local beneficiation further by converting concentrate into refined metal.

The smelter remains a future development and depends on reliable, competitively priced electricity and supporting infrastructure.

Strategic Deals and Capital Deployment

Congolese Copper Enters US Project Vault Stockpile

A joint venture between the DRC’s state-owned Gécamines and commodities trader Mercuria has delivered an initial 12,000 tonnes of Congolese copper into the US Project Vault strategic stockpile.

The shipment is the first under a commitment to supply at least 100,000 tonnes of copper to the US during 2026. Project Vault aims to build reserves of critical minerals for industrial users.

Marula Advances Acquisition of Nine Tanzanian Exploration Licences

Marula Mining has completed due diligence on nine prospecting licences held by Pangani Minerals in Tanzania, advancing its proposed acquisition of a 95% economic interest in the portfolio. The licences cover approximately 170 square kilometres next to the Kinusi Copper Mine.

The proposed transaction includes geological and technical data associated with the licences. Marula is negotiating definitive agreements, but the acquisition has not been completed.