Global Scans · Mining · Weekly Summary

• [New] Mining asteroids could provide essential resources and reduce dependency on Earth leading to sustainable space colonization. Scholarly Commons
• [New] The recent rally to record highs for silver could significantly boost the revenues of primary silver miners like Pan American Silver Corp. or Hecla Mining Company, especially if they hedged their production effectively or can quickly bring new, high-grade ore bodies into production. Guymon Daily Herald (guymondailyherald.com)
• [New] Annual investment in AI for mining has grown from under $200 million to $900 million projected for 2025, while median deal sizes have surged 191% to $8.7 million. Mind the Bridge
• [New] EIA expects US electricity demand to grow by 2.3% in 2025 and 2.5% in 2026, led by growth in the West South Central region as electricity demand from data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities increases in that region - particularly in Texas. Hydrocarbon Engineering
• [New] A rare Earth element from South China might just be the key to revolutionizing rare earth element extraction - by using plants instead of harsh mining chemicals. Indian Defence Review
• [New] In the coming years, we could see a shift from destructive mining practices to more sustainable, plant-based alternatives. Indian Defence Review
• [New] Copper demand for EVs is projected to rise by 30% by 2025, driving sustainable mining innovations at Polymet Mine. Farmonaut
• [New] The electricity demand of AI data centers could rival, or even surpass, that of Bitcoin mining by the end of 2025. illuminem
• [New] If successful, asteroid mining could redefine how resources are sourced, reducing pressure on Earth's environment while enabling a sustainable presence in space. Interesting Engineering
• [New] The creation of the Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund and First and Last Mile Fund directly addresses industry needs to de-risk large mining projects and improve infrastructure connectivity, key priorities for Ontario's northern and Ring of Fire regions. OCC
• [New] In 2026 - and looking ahead - the lithium mining business, along with gold and diamond mining businesses, will define the pace of South America's contribution to the global drive for sustainable energy, green technological advancement, and operational resilience. Farmonaut
• [New] As 2026 unfolds, the Essakane Mine in Burkina Faso remains a critical driver of economic growth, infrastructure development, and sustainable progress, both nationally and in the broader West African mining context. Farmonaut
• [New] As digital assets become a new reality in the global finance in 2025, one of the most symbolic elements is Gate Mining, who will be using advanced cloud technology as well as clean energy options to establish a more efficient, accessible, and sustainable mining future. TechBullion
• [New] 2026 and beyond will witness evolving regulatory environments aimed at ensuring the balance between economic opportunity and environmental stewardship across ocean jasper mining and ocean lithium mining projects. Farmonaut
• [New] The massive surge in AI energy consumption is creating unprecedented opportunities across uranium mining, renewable energy infrastructure, and battery storage systems, with projections showing AI could consume electricity equivalent to 100 million homes by 2035. Discovery Alert
• By 2025 and into 2026 and beyond, we are witnessing a technological shift, as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and NPR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) become vital to how lithium is discovered, analyzed, extracted, and utilized in mining, agriculture, and throughout mineral supply chains. Farmonaut
• Pegmatite mining is projected to supply over 60% of the world's lithium needs by 2026, fueling battery innovation. Farmonaut
• By 2025, over 60% of rare earth mining companies will implement AI-driven sustainability practices for efficient extraction. Farmonaut
• By 2026, advancements in underwater mining technology will allow the harvest of marine minerals at unprecedented scales - but not without considerable impact on delicate marine ecosystems. Farmonaut
• Opal mining innovations in 2026 are set to reduce water usage by up to 35% through advanced recycling technologies. Farmonaut

Last updated: 21 November 2025