Rio Tinto and Chalco have agreed to acquire a controlling stake in Brazilian aluminium mining and processing company Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA), thereby expanding their exposure to downstream Aluminium production in a key industrial market. In doing so, the transaction strengthens access to value-added processing capacity and, at the same time, points to ongoing consolidation as major producers seek greater control over supply chains linked to energy transition demand.
Copper Breaks Above US$14,000/t
Meanwhile, copper prices surged above US$14,000 a metric ton as investors increased exposure amid strong demand expectations and a weaker US dollar. As a result, the rally was mainly driven by copper’s strategic role in electrification, grid expansion, and battery supply chains, while also improving cash flow outlooks for producers and lifting valuations for development-stage projects.
Antofagasta and Glencore Diverge on Copper Output
Glencore recorded a strong rebound in copper output during the second half of 2025, supported by improved performance at key assets. By contrast, Antofagasta reported slightly lower copper production for the full year due to operational constraints across parts of its portfolio. Together, these outcomes underscore how differences in asset mix and execution continue to shape producer performance in a strong price environment.
Africa Regional Developments
Arkle Expands Namibia Footprint
In southern Africa, Arkle Resources completed the acquisition of an 85% interest in Namibia Uranium, expanding its exploration footprint in Namibia, one of the region’s most active jurisdictions for critical and energy-transition minerals. The transaction increases Arkle’s exposure to uranium and adds optionality to its southern African portfolio as exploration activity continues to intensify.
Imara Gold Secures Kenyan Financing
Similarly, Imara Gold secured loan funding in Kenya to advance its project pipeline. In practical terms, the financing supports near-term development activity and, more broadly, reflects continued lender appetite for African gold projects despite tighter global capital conditions.
Globe Metals Advances Malawi Project
At the same time, construction activity has commenced at Globe Metals’ project in Malawi, marking a clear transition from planning to execution. Consequently, progress at the site strengthens Malawi’s position within the regional critical minerals landscape and moves the project closer to production readiness.
Gécamines Targets US Copper Exports
Further north, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s state-owned miner Gécamines confirmed plans to export up to 100,000 tonnes of copper to the United States under its rights at the Tenke Fungurume operation. In turn, the move highlights growing geopolitical focus on securing diversified copper supply chains and reinforces the DRC’s strategic role in global metals markets.
Technology, Automation and Equipment
Huawei Deploys Pangu 5.5 for Intelligent Mining
Huawei’s Pangu 5.5 AI platform is being rolled out across Chinese state-owned coal and metals mines, supporting workflow optimisation, predictive analysis, and operational decision-making in complex production environments.
Anglo American and Rio Tinto Deploy Digital Twin Platforms
Anglo American and Rio Tinto are deploying digital twin platforms supplied by Hexagon, Dassault Systèmes, and Siemens to improve mine safety and operational performance. These systems are being used to model geotechnical risk, ventilation behaviour, and equipment interaction in complex underground and open-pit operations.
Bell Equipment Launches Interoperable Motor Grader Range
Bell Equipment has launched a new motor grader range featuring a unified digital architecture designed to improve interoperability across mixed equipment fleets. As a result, the approach supports more seamless data integration and reflects growing demand for digitally aligned earthmoving equipment.
RCT Secures Remote Shutdown Contracts
RCT secured a contract to install remote shutdown technology on loaders and graders at Glencore’s McArthur River Mine. In addition, further contracts for surface mining applications are focused on improving operator safety, reducing exposure to high-risk environments, and strengthening compliance outcomes.
OEMs, Services and Recognition
Multotec Named SACEEC Exporter of the Year
Against this backdrop, Multotec was named Exporter of the Year by the South African Capital Equipment Export Council. The recognition signals sustained international demand for South African-manufactured mineral processing equipment and, in turn, emphasises the country’s role in global mining supply chains.
General Kinematics Acquires Llambec Technology
Similarly, US-based General Kinematics acquired South African firm Llambec Technology to strengthen its local vibratory equipment capability. As a consequence, the acquisition expands regional manufacturing, service capacity, and after-sales support across southern Africa.
Critical Minerals, Exploration and Projects
Europa Metals Moves on Marula Africa Assets
Europa Metals signed a deal to acquire Marula Africa Mining Holdings, targeting near-term production assets across Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Africa. In effect, the transaction broadens Europa’s African exposure and accelerates its shift toward production-stage assets.
Kabanga Nickel Feasibility Confirmed
At the same time, Lifezone Metals confirmed the feasibility of the Kabanga Nickel project, reinforcing its status as a strategic battery minerals asset. Consequently, the update supports continued development planning, financing discussions, and engagement with downstream partners.
Haib Framed as Large-Scale Copper Opportunity
In Namibia, Koryx Copper described the Haib project as a potential large-scale development, highlighting its long-term copper production potential amid tightening global supply and rising demand linked to electrification.
C3 Metals Raises Capital for Copper-Gold Exploration
Meanwhile, C3 Metals increased its bought-deal private placement to more than US$24 million, securing additional funding to advance copper-gold exploration programmes and strengthen its balance sheet.
Uranium Activity Picks Up in Namibia
In parallel, Ferrodrill began its first uranium-focused drilling campaign at Noronex’s Etango North project in Namibia. Separately, Arkle Resources acquired an 85% interest in Namibia Uranium, further increasing its exposure to a sector attracting renewed interest amid shifting global energy policies.
Infrastructure, Energy and Sustainability
Simandou Advances as Strategic African Infrastructure
The Simandou iron ore project in Guinea continued to advance, reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s most significant mining-linked infrastructure developments. Over time, the project is expected to play a central role in regional logistics and long-term iron ore supply.
Exxaro Finalises Manganese Acquisition
Meanwhile, Exxaro Resources finalised its acquisition of manganese assets in South Africa’s Northern Cape, thereby strengthening its exposure to bulk commodities and minerals linked to steel and battery markets.
DRDGOLD Moves on Renewable Power Strategy
DRDGOLD initiated the sale of a solar stake as part of its strategy to secure long-term renewable energy supply. As a result, the move supports cost stability while reducing reliance on grid electricity.
Gold Fields Expands Water Stewardship Efforts
At the same time, Gold Fields continued to strengthen water stewardship initiatives across its African operations, underscoring an increased operational focus on water efficiency and long-term sustainability.
Rand Refinery Partners on ASM Gold Sourcing
Finally, Rand Refinery partnered with Ghana’s Gold Coast Refinery to support responsible and traceable artisanal and small-scale gold sourcing in West Africa. In turn, the partnership strengthens ethical supply chain standards and expands formal market access for ASM producers.
Politics, Sovereignty and Project Control
Bougainville Rejects Chinese Partner for Panguna Mine
Bougainville authorities rejected a proposed partnership with a Chinese company for the redevelopment of the Panguna copper mine. Given the mine’s expected role in funding Bougainville’s bid for independence from Papua New Guinea, the decision highlights how sovereignty, political alignment, and ownership control increasingly shape the future of large mineral projects.
Mali’s Kobada Gold Project Targets Higher Output
Meanwhile, Mali’s Kobada gold project is targeting higher output as it advances toward mine development. In preparation, project work is focused on improving production readiness and operational efficiency, positioning Kobada as part of Mali’s next phase of gold growth despite ongoing political and security challenges.
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