Global Scans · Mining · Weekly Summary

• [New] Growing demand is anticipated to require US$5.4 t of investment in mining and metals by 2035, but exploration budgets fell to US$12.5 b in 2024, from US$12.9 b in 2023. MIT OpenCourseWare
• [New] Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese have inked a deal for critical mineral and energy dominance in a new partnership that will tip billions into mining projects in the US and Australia. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] As we advance into 2026, the cost of mining lithium can no longer be calculated in purely financial terms. Farmonaut
• [New] As environmental and financial scrutiny of lithium mining intensifies in 2026, satellite-driven monitoring is becoming a linchpin for compliance, resource optimization, and transparency. Farmonaut
• [New] Recovering lithium from used batteries (urban mining) is growing into a vital supply segment by 2026. Farmonaut
• [New] Carlin Gold Mine implemented seven technological innovations by 2026, making it a leader in sustainable gold mining globally. Farmonaut
• [New] Stronger Regulatory Expectations: The move toward net-zero mining and stricter U.S. and global standards in 2026 and beyond will push Carlin and the gold sector to innovate even further. Farmonaut
• [New] By 2025 and looking toward 2026 and beyond, the Carlin mine sets new industry standards in gold extraction, environmental stewardship, and digital transformation, underpinned by substantial investment in advanced mining technologies. Farmonaut
• [New] As of 2026, Chapada stands at the forefront - an industry benchmark for sustainable mining, environmental management, and community development. / Brazil Farmonaut
• [New] To meet the 2026 global demand as EV adoption soars, sustainable access to lithium is essential - and brine sources are cleaner, more scalable, and less disruptive to land compared to hard rock mining. Farmonaut
• [New] Advanced autonomous systems capable of complete mining cycles without human intervention are expected to achieve commercial viability within 5-7 years. Discovery Alert
• [New] The rare earth export controls could incentivize significant investment in mining and processing capabilities outside China, impacting companies like Lynas Rare Earths or MP Materials. FinancialContent
• [New] The unprecedented surge in Argentina's mining exports is creating significant opportunities for a range of public companies, while also presenting challenges for others. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Space mining itself is expected to grow by 20% by 2040. Policy Options
• [New] Gold royalty and streaming companies such as Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. and Franco-Nevada Corporation benefit, offering leveraged exposure to gold prices with potentially less operational risk than direct mining. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] In 2025, lithium demand is projected to grow by over 25%, fueled by battery advancements and sustainable mining practices. Farmonaut
• [New] Global copper demand is projected to reach 30 million metric tons by 2025, fueling lucrative mining investment opportunities. Farmonaut
• Companies involved in rare earth mining and processing outside of China, such as Lynas Rare Earths in Australia or MP Materials in the US, could see a surge in demand and prices for their products as global industries seek to reduce reliance on Chinese supply. FinancialContent
• Innovative lithium mining firms are projected to boost battery production efficiency by up to 40% in 2025. Farmonaut
• By 2025, over 70% of lithium mining companies will utilize advanced sustainable extraction technologies worldwide. Farmonaut

Last updated: 24 October 2025