Global Scans · Mining · Weekly Summary

• [New] 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
• [New] Pegmatite mining is projected to supply over 60% of the world's lithium needs by 2026, fueling battery innovation. Farmonaut
• [New] By 2025, over 60% of rare earth mining companies will implement AI-driven sustainability practices for efficient extraction. Farmonaut
• [New] 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
• [New] Opal mining innovations in 2026 are set to reduce water usage by up to 35% through advanced recycling technologies. Farmonaut
• [New] Water Conservation: Adopting advanced recycling and closed-loop management systems - particularly notable in opal mining innovations for 2026, which are set to reduce water usage by up to 35%. Farmonaut
• [New] 2025-2026 will see technology at the heart of Zambian copper mining operations. Farmonaut
• [New] Community & Social Inclusion: Equitable benefit sharing is pivotal; models pioneered by nfca africa mining plc may become widespread industry practice by 2026. Farmonaut
• [New] Africa's mining industry enters 2026 as a strategic engine of global economic growth. Farmonaut
• [New] While some critical mineral prices saw declines earlier in 2025, long-term demand is projected to rise significantly, with recycling also emerging as a crucial strategy to reduce reliance on new mining activities. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] With the exponential demand growth for batteries, EVs, renewable energy storage, and advanced electronics, the significance of pegmatite mining will only intensify after 2026. Farmonaut
• [New] The mining sector's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and transparent environmental stewardship will define its global success from 2025 through 2026 and beyond. Farmonaut
• [New] Automation could boost underground mining productivity by up to 30% compared to traditional methods by 2025. Farmonaut
• [New] Innovative mining in Africa could supply nearly 15% of global lithium demand by 2025, fueling renewable industries worldwide. Farmonaut
• [New] Expanding mining, refining, and recycling capacity within U.S. borders will be crucial for reducing supply chain risk, but permitting challenges and environmental reviews mean full self-sufficiency is unlikely in the near term. Highland Associates
• [New] The inaugural African Mining Week 2026 affirmed its position as the definitive platform to accelerate investment, technology adoption, and sustainable growth in Africa's mining sector. African Mining Week 2025
• [New] In August, DOE announced $1 billion of funding opportunities for projects to develop and scale up mining, processing and manufacturing technologies for critical minerals. / USA PRG
• [New] One study from Carnegie Mellon University estimates that data centers and cryptocurrency mining could lead to an 8% increase in the average U.S. electricity bill by 2030, potentially exceeding 25% in the highest-demand markets of central and northern Virginia. Educational Technology and Change Journal
• [New] The top 7 global mining innovations of 2026 are driving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, enhancing ethical traceability, and meeting social licensing requirements for generations to come. Farmonaut
• [New] By 2026, the Polymet Mining Tesla initiative will not only fuel the growth of green transportation but will also show how mining operations can be both sustainable and innovative, elevating industry standards for generations to come. Farmonaut
• [New] Over 70% of new Zambian copper mining operations in 2026 are expected to implement sustainable mining practices. Farmonaut

Last updated: 07 November 2025