The proposed US$260 billion merger between Glencore and Rio Tinto has collapsed after Glencore rejected the offer. The company said the proposal did not adequately value its business. The transaction would have combined two of the world’s largest diversified miners. Both companies have overlapping exposure to iron ore, copper, and other base metals. They also operate extensively across Africa. After Glencore’s decision, both companies confirmed that discussions had ended. No further talks are ongoing.
Barrick spins off North American gold assets
Barrick Gold announced on February 6, 2026, that it will spin off its North American gold assets into a separate company. The transaction will carve out operating mines and development assets in North America. These assets will form a standalone entity. It will have its own management team and balance sheet. Barrick will retain its remaining global operations. The company said the separation will give each business clearer operational focus.
Toronto-headquartered Barrick has also delayed closing financing for its Reko Diq copper-gold project. The project is located in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. Chief financial officer Graham Shuttleworth said the board is increasingly concerned about regional security. As a result, Barrick has started a formal review of the asset.
US-backed group moves into DRC copper cobalt assets
United States government-backed Orion Critical Minerals is acquiring a 40% stake in Glencore’s copper-cobalt operations. The assets are located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The transaction points to rising geopolitical involvement in critical mineral supply chains.
Consolidation and refining
Emerald Resources and LVC form pan-African platform
Emerald Resources and LVC Global Holdings have merged to form Emerald Global Resources. The new company spans mining and energy assets across Africa. The merger combines capital, operational expertise, and regional exposure. It also supports expansion across multiple jurisdictions.
Robex and Predictive Discovery consolidate West African gold
Robex Resources and Predictive Discovery have completed a merger in West Africa. The deal consolidates mid-tier gold assets. It increases operating scale and extends mine life. It also improves access to capital amid strong gold prices.
Rand Refinery partners on responsible sourcing
Rand Refinery has partnered with Ghana’s Gold Coast Refinery. The partnership focuses on responsible gold sourcing in West Africa. It also supports stronger traceability across industrial supply chains.
Policy, projects and regional developments
Côte d’Ivoire approves US$1.25bn gold projects
The government of Côte d’Ivoire approved mining permits on February 4, 2026. The approvals cover the Assafou and Doropo gold projects. They clear the way for construction. The projects support the country’s plan to reach 100 tonnes of annual gold output within a decade.
Ivanhoe Electric expands copper–nickel exploration
Ivanhoe Electric plans to continue copper and nickel exploration at Samapleu–Grata in 2026. Partner Sama Resources has cited district-scale potential. The programme confirms ongoing investor interest in electrification-linked metals.
Lobito Corridor nears operational readiness
The Lobito Corridor links the Central African Copperbelt to the Atlantic. It is expected to reach operational readiness in 2026. Once operational, the route should lower transport costs. It is also expected to improve export competitiveness for copper and cobalt producers in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
Technology, automation and AI
Mining Indaba 2026 focuses on precision and automation
Mining Indaba 2026 will take place from February 9–12. Discussions are centred on “progress through precision.” Topics include artificial intelligence-driven process control and sensor-based ore pre-concentration. Automation is also a key focus. These tools aim to reduce energy use and improve cost efficiency.
Komatsu and Applied Intuition advance autonomy
Komatsu has partnered with Applied Intuition. The collaboration enhances autonomous vehicle intelligence and also focuses on navigation, safety, and operational reliability in mining environments.
Autonomous inspection and ore sorting gain ground
The Lazaruss Scanner is being deployed at selected underground operations in South Africa. The system reduces worker exposure during hazardous inspections. At the same time, Ganzhou HPY Technology’s ore sorting systems are entering pilot deployments in Southern Africa. These systems improve grade control and processing efficiency.
Mining fleet renewal
Volkswagen has introduced the Amarok pickup to the Ghanaian mining sector, targeting fleet renewal for site access, supervision, and support logistics. The vehicles are being deployed as part of ongoing light commercial fleet replacement across West African mining operations.
Energy, water and sustainability
Exxaro concluded a R13 billion refinancing to expand its renewable energy arm, Cennergi. The transaction lifts net operating capacity to 317 megawatts. It also strengthens long-term energy cost management.
Finally, SMB-Winning is constructing a US$1.2 billion alumina refinery. The project adds domestic processing capacity to Guinea’s bauxite value chain.
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