The Pacific island of Bougainville has rejected a partnership with Chinese miner CMOC to reopen the Panguna gold-copper mine, instead opting to deal with Indian company Lloyds Metals & Energy, reported Reuters. Panguna, formerly operated by Rio Tinto, was once a major export earner for Papua New Guinea but closed in 1989 due to civil war. According to the news…
Read More
Canadian miner Eldorado Gold confirmed on February 2 that it has reached an agreement to acquire Foran Mining, in a deal that the two said will create strong copper growth in the near-term as well as significant cash flow generation, long‑life assets, and a diversified portfolio.
Read MoreThe U.S. National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is helping to create the Critical Minerals Leadership Academy (CMLA) with the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, with the latter serving as host to the event. Full story.
Read More
Silver producer Hecla Mining has agreed to sell its subsidiary, Hecla Quebec, to Orezone Gold for up to $593 million in total consideration. Through the transaction, Orezone will acquire the operating Casa Berardi gold mine and a portfolio of exploration properties in Quebec. Full story.
Read More
ABB has launched its Automation Extended initiative, an automation ecosystem to help mines modernize without disruption and adopt new technologies at their own pace. The modern, open and modular automation ecosystem enables advanced analytics, AI and IoT integration, the company said, that allows changes without operational risk, and it builds on ABB’s long-standing leadership with the world’s largest DCS installed…
Read More
Global miner BHP has selected the 2026 class for its Xplor program, picking 10 global early-stage exploration and technology companies for its cohort – its largest group ever – for the program’s fourth year. The group combines junior exploration companies, geoscience organisations, and technology teams that collectively span the discovery system. According to BHP, there is a more connected approach…
Read More
Nearly 200 workers in West Virginia have been issued a layoff notice as Alliance Resource Partners confirmed late last week that its Mettiki Mountain View operation in Tucker County will close its doors. Full story.
Read More
Australian miner Native Mineral Resources has confirmed a winning start to 2026 with a record gold pour at its Blackjack gold complex in northern Queensland, Australia. NMR said its smelt produced six gold doré bars totalling 1,474.9 ounces on 28 January. It is now counting down to its next gold pour by mid-February. “A 1,475 oz doré pour to start…
Read MoreThe independently held Global Tailings Management Institute (GTMI) has, for the first time since its establishment, appointed a chief executive officer and has also created a technical committee as it advances its mission to improving the safety of mine tailings facilities worldwide. Engineering and sustainability leader Ed Toms, a 40-year leadership veteran, will spearhead the GTMI’s five-year strategy to scale…
Read More
Sandvik has received an order for underground equipment from global mining contractor The Redpath Group for deployment at Evolution Mining’s Cowal gold operations in New South Wales, Australia. The order, valued at around SEK 420 million (US$47.6 million), was booked in the fourth quarter of 2025. It consists of underground trucks, loaders and drill rigs. Deliveries are expected to begin…
Read More