Global Scans · Mining · Weekly Summary

• [New] With mining M&A activity reaching $139 billion globally and 77% of recent deals focusing on gold and silver assets, staying ahead of major mineral discoveries could position you for the next wave of consolidation premiums. Discovery Alert
• [New] Global mining companies pursue acquisition opportunities across diverse jurisdictions for large-scale, cost-effective operations. Discovery Alert
• [New] In 2026, companies should assume the federal government will increasingly treat critical minerals not as a narrow mining topic, but as an integrated industrial system - mining, processing, refining, recycling, and downstream manufacturing. Mondaq
• [New] The Trump administration has launched a US$12bn initiative to reshape critical mineral supply chains through deep-sea mining, a move that could fundamentally alter procurement strategies for manufacturers reliant on cobalt, nickel and rare earths. Bizclik Media Ltd
• [New] Rare Earth Magnets: Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors will be established in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to promote mining and processing, which are vital for advanced defence electronics. INSIGHTS IAS - Simplifying UPSC IAS Exam Preparation
• [New] Critical Minerals: Dedicated Rare Earth Corridors will be developed in coastal states like Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to secure the full value chain from mining to manufacturing. PMF IAS
• [New] Future-Proofing Wyoming: By 2026, integration of advanced lithium mining, satellite analytics, and sustainable practices will position Wyoming as an enduring force in the global critical mineral economy. Farmonaut
• [New] If the U.S. successfully secures a foothold in Greenland's rare earth sector, it could spark a multi-decade boom in Arctic infrastructure and mining technology. FinancialContent
• [New] Sustainable mining practices are expected to influence over 60% of African gold sector investments by 2026, reshaping global supply chains. Farmonaut
• [New] Investors are eyeing Rio Tinto, which maintains a strategic interest in diversified mining operations that could benefit from an eventual opening of Greenland's 1.5 million metric tons of untapped rare earth reserves. Valley City Times-Record
• [New] 2026 will be a year of contract negotiations and renegotiations: mining licences, processing agreements, infrastructure-for-resources deals and strategic partnerships. ISS Africa
• [New] Large-scale mining deals are projected to rise by 45% through 2026 as major producers look for assets with established infrastructure. Cision PR Newswire
• [New] Global supply remains highly concentrated, with China controlling a significant share of mining, processing, and refining capacity, creating significant supply chain vulnerabilities for energy transition and national security agendas. PwC
• [New] As ISRU matures, it will transform space mining from raw material extraction into a fully integrated, self-sustaining space industrial ecosystem supporting long duration missions and permanent off Earth infrastructure. SkyQuest Technology Consulting
• [New] Labour disruptions in South African mining operations have historically caused significant supply interruptions. Discovery Alert
• [New] Whether optimizing ore extraction, reducing operational risks, or meeting rising global demand for critical minerals and gemstones, smart mining is the future-ready response to an era of rapid Industrialization and environmental constraints. Farmonaut
• [New] Under optimistic conditions, 3-5 commercial deep-sea mining operations could achieve production by 2029, generating combined annual output of 50,000-75,000 tonnes of nickel equivalent. Discovery Alert
• [New] By securing access to critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, and investing in domestic mining, processing, and manufacturing, the U.S. can reduce its dependence on geopolitically sensitive regions and insulate itself from export restrictions or supply disruptions. J.P. MORGAN
• [New] By 2026, smart mining is projected to boost mineral extraction efficiency by over 20% using advanced AI systems. Farmonaut
• [New] The political compromise now ensures that no licenses for deep-sea mining will be issued during the current legislative term, which ends in 2029. The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News |
• [New] Global ESS mining investments are projected to rise by 18% annually, reaching $12.5 billion by 2026. Farmonaut

Last updated: 06 February 2026