#TheWeekThatWas: Innovation, optimisation & critical minerals in focus

This week, the mining sector showcased how innovation, energy security and critical minerals are shaping the industry’s future, with companies advancing new technologies, strengthening operations and progressing strategic projects across the globe.

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Operational performance remained a key theme, with Weba Chute Systems demonstrating how optimised transfer points can improve plant efficiency, reduce maintenance costs and minimise unplanned downtime.

Mintek also highlighted the role of research and development in unlocking greater value from platinum group metals through technologies that enhance mineral recovery and support more sustainable processing.

Also, critical minerals continued to dominate the news cycle. The Novo Cruzeiro rare earths project reinforced the growing importance of rare earth elements in enabling the global clean energy transition, while Arkle Resources reported uranium grades of up to 303 ppm from trenching and historic drillholes at its Erongo project in Namibia ahead of a planned drilling campaign.

Moreover, technology also took centre stage as Eurasian Resources Group and BAUER introduced the world’s first vertical bauxite mining technology, offering a new approach to extracting deeper ore bodies while reducing environmental disturbance.

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Energy security also made headlines as Glencore Merafe concluded its power agreement with Eskom, enabling the phased restart of ferrochrome smelting operations.

Meanwhile, Lotus Resources sought additional funding following a temporary production pause at the Kayelekera uranium mine, while industry experts examined how fair wages in civil engineering can improve productivity, workforce retention and project profitability.

Overall, this week’s developments highlight an industry investing in smarter mining methods, secure energy supply and the critical minerals needed to support the global energy transition.