Global Scans · Mining · Weekly Summary

• [New] The Middle East and Africa are expected to witness gradual growth in the asteroid mining sector, with potential for partnerships and collaborations, especially in space exploration initiatives led by governments in the UAE and South Africa. ReAnIn
• [New] By 2026, global digital twin investments are projected to exceed $48 billion, with 70% of C-suite technology executives at large enterprises actively investing in mining technologies. Colleagues Matrixx
• [New] Argentina possesses one of the mining sector's greatest opportunities for the coming decades, supported by world-class resources, projected investments of US$ 15 billion, and a project pipeline capable of increasing annual LCE production from 115,000 to 407,000 tonnes by 2035. Panorama Minero
• [New] Lithium is entering a transformative phase that could reshape the profile of Argentina's mining exports over the next decade. Panorama Minero
• [New] The Latin America region is estimated to grow at a strong CAGR over the projected period, owing to the robust growth in the logistics sector, the agricultural sector, and the mining sector, leading to greater investments in automation. Precedence Research
• [New] As demand for critical minerals continues to grow, driven by the global energy transition and the expansion of digital infrastructure, the pressure on mining companies to produce more efficiently and responsibly will only intensify. MiningIR
• [New] Argentina's mining exports are forecast to surge by 49% in 2026, reaching approximately $9 billion, according to Roberto Cacciola, president of the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies. Discovery Alert
• [New] By 2075, TAP converges for all locations and is dominated by copper smelting, mine blasting, and platinum mining. Nature
• [New] India's Ministry of Mines predicts a 12% annual increase in mining output over the next five years. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Electric equipment could cut mining emissions by 30% by 2030. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Over 60% of mining companies are using digital tools to boost productivity and reduce risks. Market Data Forecast
• [New] The threat of disruptions to the strategic minerals supply chain will stay elevated, as breaking Beijing's hold on critical minerals, most notably rare earths, remains a long-term challenge, given Mainland China's dominance in both mining and processing fields. Fitch Solutions
• [New] We expect mineral and metal production growth in most markets in the Asia-Pacific region to continue, although the lower price outlook for some major commodities, including iron ore, will weigh on mining value growth in 2026. Fitch Solutions
• [New] S3E could become a viable alternative to evaporation ponds and hard rock mining, which currently dominate global lithium production despite their environmental drawbacks. ScienceDaily
• [New] For mining companies operating outside China's orbit, specifically Australian, Canadian, African, and Latin American producers, the emerging Western supply architecture creates a set of conditional opportunities. Discovery Alert
• Australia's already leading the charge on autonomous mining equipment, and 2026 will be the year we truly cement that position. Colleagues Matrixx
• Gold production in the second half of 2026 is anticipated to be higher than the first half, benefitting from higher mining rates as well as increased waste stripping completed in Q2 2026. Investing News Network (INN)
• Ghana's move to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining through a centralised gold buying and processing model could improve traceability, reduce illicit trading and strengthen responsible production practices. Yahoo! Finance
• If managed effectively, the changing face of mining in the DRC could become one of Africa's most important economic transformation stories of the next decade. Responsible Asset Owners Global Symposium
• Growing water scarcity could hamper the expansion of lithium mining in the U.S., deepening its reliance on foreign imports over the coming decades, a new study finds. Live Science
• Fastest Growing Segment: Drilling & Mining Equipment is the fastest-growing product category between 2026 and 2033, fueled by IEA forecasts of doubling critical-mineral demand and ultra-class capex by BHP and Rio Tinto. Persistence Market Research

Last updated: 31 July 2026