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Iron Ore Mining News

42 articles about iron ore mining

Energy Department Backs Major Grid Expansion Across Eight States to Strengthen Reliability and Lower Electricity Costs

The U.S. Department of Energy announced significant federal backing for the Tennessee Valley Authority, committing $250 million towards 84 transmission and distribution projects across eight states. This initiative, part of the GRIP and SPARK programs, aims to add a combined 4,300 megawatts of grid capacity, bolster reliability, and reduce electricity costs for 2.58 million families and businesses. The projects are poised to enhance the nation's energy infrastructure, create 800 jobs, and provide critical stability for energy-intensive industries such as mining.

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Energy Secretary Secures Mid-Atlantic Grid Ahead of Anticipated Stressed System Conditions

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright issued an emergency order on October 12, 2026, directing PJM Interconnection to stabilize the mid-Atlantic electrical grid, mitigating blackout risks ahead of a critical period. The order, effective October 13-16, 2026, authorizes PJM to dispatch specified generating units and deploy backup resources in response to elevated demand, extensive planned generator outages during autumn maintenance, and numerous transmission outages. This intervention aims to secure reliable power for millions of Americans and highlights the ongoing challenges of grid resilience amidst evolving energy policies, a concern with direct implications for the energy-intensive mining sector.

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Codelco partially halts El Teniente mine after landslide

Codelco, the state-owned copper giant, has partially suspended operations at its historic El Teniente mine in Chile following a tragic landslide on October 12, 2026, which claimed the lives of two contractor employees from Aura Ingeniería. The incident, attributed to heavy rainfall, occurred in the mine’s south pit sector, prompting a multi-agency investigation and renewed focus on geotechnical stability and safety protocols in challenging operating environments. This event also follows a recent suspension of development at El Teniente's Andes Norte project due to seismic risk concerns, highlighting the complex geological challenges inherent to one of the world's largest underground copper mines.

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Iron ore bucks Hormuz disruption as supply disputes shift to China

The global iron ore market, while experiencing regional disruptions due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, is demonstrating resilience, largely unaffected in its major supply routes. Concurrently, China's evolving procurement strategy is fundamentally reshaping its long-standing commercial relationships with major Australian iron ore suppliers, signalling a significant shift in global commodity trade dynamics and necessitating strategic adjustments across the industry.

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Energy Department Supports FERC’s Call for PJM to Protect Ratepayers and Build More Reliable Power

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced its strong support for new guidance from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) aimed at PJM Interconnection LLC, which would mandate large new electricity users pay for the generation and infrastructure required to serve their demand. This move, consistent with President Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge and following a January 2026 call to action, seeks to lower electricity costs for existing customers across the PJM region by preventing them from subsidizing new, energy-intensive loads. For the mining industry, this signifies a critical shift in energy cost allocation, potentially impacting the financial viability and strategic planning of new, large-scale projects within the mid-Atlantic states served by PJM.

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EC names 46 projects to strengthen critical raw material supply

The European Commission has selected 46 strategic projects across 16 Member States, a crucial move to enhance the European Union's critical raw material supply chain. These initiatives, spanning extraction, processing, and recycling, directly support the ambitious targets set by the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) for 2030, aiming to reduce external dependencies for vital materials such as lithium, rare earth elements, and cobalt. This development underscores the EU's commitment to securing resources essential for its battery, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors, signaling significant opportunities for mining investors and operators within the bloc.

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Pushing crushing capabilities: how digitalisation is improving comminution

Digitalization is fundamentally transforming comminution circuits within the mining industry, offering unprecedented visibility and control over crushing and grinding operations. A feature published by Eve Thomas in Mining Technology on October 9, 2026, underscores the critical role of technology integration, highlighting advancements in ore sensing, Advanced Process Control (APC), and integrated cloud technologies as key drivers for efficiency and sustainability in mineral processing. This article for USA Mining News delves into these innovations, exploring their technical applications, industry implications, and the strategic imperative for miners to effectively integrate these digital solutions.

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Hertha Metals begins construction on US iron plant

Hertha Metals has commenced construction on its Hertha Chalyx plant in Conroe, Texas, marking a significant step towards re-establishing domestic high-purity iron production for the critical US rare earth magnet manufacturing sector. This facility, projected to produce 10,000 tonnes per annum of magnet-grade and steel-grade high-purity iron by early 2028, aims to mitigate a pronounced reliance on foreign supply, primarily from China, for essential industrial and defense applications. The project leverages Hertha’s innovative single-step iron production process, which promises lower costs and reduced emissions, utilizing domestically sourced iron ore and natural gas.

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New technologies target energy use in Australian ore processing

The Australian mining industry is actively pursuing advanced technologies to significantly reduce its energy and water consumption during ore processing. Innovations such as alternative crushing methods, coarse-particle flotation, and various dry separation techniques are at the forefront of this transformation. These efforts aim to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate environmental impact, and secure the long-term sustainability of mining operations amidst increasing resource scarcity and regulatory pressures.

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Energy Department Announces $4.2 Billion Investment to Boost Nuclear Power and Help Lower Energy Costs in Pennsylvania and Ohio

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a significant conditional loan commitment of up to $4.2 billion to Vistra for nuclear uprates and modernization across its facilities in Pennsylvania and Ohio. This investment, aimed at bolstering grid reliability, lowering energy costs, and meeting rising demand within the 13-state PJM Interconnection region, will preserve nearly 4 gigawatts of baseload power and add 433 megawatts of new nuclear capacity, supporting thousands of jobs and extending reactor lifespans for two decades. The move underscores a national strategy to reinvigorate American nuclear leadership and carries substantial implications for the mining sector, particularly for uranium demand and the supply chains of critical minerals.

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Belmont launches gravity survey at Crackingstone uranium site

Belmont Resources has initiated a high-resolution ground gravity survey at its wholly owned Crackingstone Uranium Project near Uranium City, Saskatchewan, Canada. This intensive survey, involving 2,500 stations spaced 50 meters apart, aims to detect subsurface density variations indicative of potential uranium mineralization. The collected data will be integrated with multiple existing geological and geophysical datasets to refine and prioritize drill targets for a planned 2,000-meter diamond drilling campaign, signaling a significant advancement in the project's exploration lifecycle.

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Energy Department Announces Alaska Railbelt Transmission Project to Receive Defense Production Act Funding, Securing Alaska Military Installations and Local Communities

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on October 5, 2026, its intent to deploy Defense Production Act (DPA) funding for the Alaska Energy Authority’s Beluga-Healy Transmission Project, a critical $418 million infrastructure initiative. This project, which will construct 223 miles of new high-voltage transmission line, aims to establish a second essential power connection between Southcentral and Interior Alaska, significantly bolstering grid reliability, reducing electricity costs, and supporting national defense assets, alongside vital mining and resource development activities across the state.

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Protecting mining’s hydraulic backbone to keep operations moving

Hydraulic cylinders are the indispensable backbone of virtually all mining machinery, driving operations both underground and on the surface. A recent industry focus, highlighted around October 6, 2026, underscores the critical importance of protecting these vital components from environmental contamination to prevent costly unplanned downtime, production disruptions, and potential safety risks. Implementing innovative protection solutions is key to extending equipment lifespan, maintaining performance, and bolstering overall operational efficiency in the challenging mining environment.

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Epiroc secures order from Sibanye-Stillwater for South African mine

Epiroc has secured a significant order from Sibanye-Stillwater to supply advanced underground mining equipment for the Siphumelele platinum shaft in Rustenburg, South Africa. This strategic investment, featuring low-profile loaders and versatile utility vehicles, is a cornerstone of Sibanye-Stillwater's initiative to mechanise operations, aiming to enhance safety, boost productivity, and extend the mine's operational lifespan. The agreement underscores a critical industry trend towards modernised mining techniques in challenging narrow-vein environments, reflecting a commitment to sustainable resource extraction and operational efficiency.

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NSW approves HVO coal mine continuation with conditions

<p><br /> New South Wales' Independent Planning Commission has approved the continuation of Hunter Valley Operations' (HVO) North and South open-cut coal mines, extending their operational lives to 2045 and 2042, respectively. The approval is contingent upon strict conditions aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, including requirements for Scope 3 management, renewable energy integration, and limiting exports to countries with Paris Agreement-consistent reduction policies. This decision, following extensive public consultation and regulatory review, highlights the complex balance between economic benefits and environmental stewardship in Australia's vital mining sector.</p> <p>

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Bell Bay Aluminium to continue operations until 2031

Rio Tinto's Bell Bay Aluminium smelter in northern Tasmania has secured its operational future until at least December 31, 2031, through a landmark agreement with the Australian and Tasmanian governments. This extension, supported by ongoing energy provision from Hydro Tasmania and additional government assistance, aims to bolster the smelter's competitiveness and preserve 550 direct jobs. The agreement arrives as Rio Tinto navigates complex environmental and social challenges, highlighted by a significant legal claim against its QIT Madagascar Minerals operation.

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ACDC Metals gains BLM permits for Mount Jackson drill campaign

ACDC Metals has secured vital environmental permitting approval from the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for its Mount Jackson gold-silver project in Nevada, paving the way for a maiden drilling campaign and a geophysical survey. This significant milestone, announced on October 1, 2026, allows the company to proceed with a 12 line-kilometre controlled source audio magnetotellurics (CSAMT) survey in October 2026 and up to 2,500 meters of reverse circulation (RC) drilling targeting the Pegasus and 3 Shaft zones in Q4 2026. The project, located in the geologically rich Walker Lane mineral belt, aims to build upon historical mineralization results and validate the understanding of the precious metals system.

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Riversgold submits mine plan for Kalgoorlie gold project in Australia

Riversgold Limited has submitted its Mine Development and Closure Proposal (MDCP) for the Northern Zone open pit at its Kalgoorlie gold project in Western Australia, marking a significant step towards commencing mining operations. This crucial regulatory submission, prepared in collaboration with MEGA Resources and Resources WA, outlines the project's operational and environmental plans, following the grant of its 21-year mining lease and the resolution of haul road access objections. The project's development funding is fully underwritten by MEGA Resources through a 50/50 cooperation agreement, extended to September 2027, significantly de-risking the venture for Riversgold.

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Yancoal closes $1.85bn deal for 80% stake in Kestrel Coal Mine

Yancoal Australia has finalized a significant $1.85 billion acquisition for an 80% interest in Queensland’s Kestrel Coal Mine, a premier metallurgical coal asset. This strategic move, which could see the total transaction value rise to $2.4 billion, bolsters Yancoal's presence in the Bowen Basin, diversifies its product mix with premium coking coal, and is expected to increase its pro forma metallurgical coal production share to 22%. The long-life Kestrel mine, with substantial reserves, is poised to enhance Yancoal's shareholder value and reinforce its standing as a leading Australian coal producer.

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Hertha Metals raises $133m to build iron plant in US

Hertha Metals has secured $133.65 million in Series A funding, including a substantial $65 million equity investment from the US Government, to construct a pioneering high-purity iron plant in the United States. This facility, named Hertha Chalyx, will utilize the company's innovative Flex-HERS process to produce 10,000 tonnes of magnet-grade and steel-grade iron annually, critically addressing the nation's reliance on imported materials for rare-earth magnets essential to defense and technology sectors. The project aims to establish a robust domestic supply chain, promising reduced production costs and significantly lower emissions compared to traditional blast furnace methods.

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Jaguar gains approval for La Rosada in Argentina

Jaguar Uranium has secured crucial environmental approval for exploration activities at its La Rosada prospect in Argentina’s Chubut Province, a significant step forward for its flagship Laguna Salada uranium and vanadium project. This permit authorizes work across 59,895.3 hectares, representing the largest single exploration area approved within the 230,000-hectare project to date. The approval positions Jaguar to commence fieldwork following the winter season, applying systematic geochemical sampling, geological mapping, and advanced geophysical surveys to identify potential deep fluvial paleochannels.

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Mesabi plans $18bn investment to combine iron ore mine and steel complex

Mesabi Metallics, backed by Essar Group, has announced an ambitious $18 billion investment to establish a fully integrated iron ore mine and steel complex spanning Minnesota and Iowa. This landmark project, unveiled at the White House, aims to create over 8,000 jobs and forge a robust, domestic steel supply chain using advanced, lower-emission production technologies. It represents a significant commitment to bolstering American manufacturing and resource independence.

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Troilus secures $850m credit-approved debt commitments

Troilus Mining has secured an $850 million (C$1.21 billion) credit-approved debt commitment from KfW IPEX-Bank and Société Générale, a critical step towards fully funding its Troilus Gold-Copper Project in Québec, Canada. This commitment forms the core of a planned $1.1 billion total debt package, which includes a proposed $250 million from Export Development Canada, subject to final internal approvals. The financing features a three-year repayment grace period during construction and a ten-year, cash flow-aligned amortization, signaling a significant de-risking for the project and a milestone for the company.

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Fortescue produces first hot metal at Christmas Creek project

<p></p> <p>Fortescue Metals has achieved a significant milestone by producing its first hot metal at the Christmas Creek Green Metal Project in Western Australia, marking a crucial step towards low-emission iron production. Utilizing an electric direct reduced iron (DRI) smelting furnace supplied by Metso, the project aims to evaluate advanced technologies for processing local iron ore fines with significantly reduced carbon emissions. This development signals Australia's strategic pivot from being solely an iron ore exporter to a future producer of high-value, green metal, with substantial implications for the global steel industry's decarbonization efforts.</p> <p>

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Barrick signs new agreement with unions at Mali gold complex

Barrick Mining has successfully negotiated a collective bargaining agreement with unions at its pivotal Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex in western Mali, averting significant industrial action. This landmark agreement not only resolves demands from mine workers but also led to the withdrawal of separate strike notices from a Barrick contractor and Malian mining administration agencies, signaling a crucial step towards labor stability in a key African gold-producing nation. The resolution underscores Barrick's commitment to navigating complex operational environments and maintaining consistent production from one of its core assets.

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BHP suspends activities at Escondida mine after maintenance accident

BHP has announced the immediate suspension of all activities at its Escondida copper mine in northern Chile, the world's largest copper producer, following a fatal accident during maintenance work on September 24, 2026. The incident, which involved a front-end loader and resulted in the death of an employee, triggers mandatory regulatory pauses for safety inspections, casting uncertainty on the restart timeline for this critical global copper supply source. The suspension comes just months after the mine secured an environmental permit for a significant $14.7 billion expansion project.

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Bridge Green, Hartree sign eight-year lithium agreement

<p><strong></strong></p> <p>Bridge Green Upcycle and Hartree Partners have cemented an eight-year commercial agreement for the exclusive marketing of approximately 10,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate derived from recycled batteries. Valued between $500 million and $1 billion, this landmark deal, effective September 22, 2026, includes an equity investment by Hartree in Bridge Green, signaling a significant push towards bolstering domestic US critical mineral supply chains and advancing the circular economy within the mining sector.</p> <p><strong>

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Artemis Gold to acquire Vista Gold for $427m

Artemis Gold has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Vista Gold in an all-share transaction valued at approximately $427 million, granting Artemis ownership of the feasibility-stage Mt Todd gold project in Australia’s Northern Territory. This strategic acquisition, expected to close in January 2027, is poised to significantly bolster Artemis Gold’s resource pipeline, aligning with its ambitious goal of achieving one million ounces of gold production per year, complementing its ongoing Blackwater development in Canada.

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Sunshine Silver increases Idaho holdings by 14,100 acres

Sunshine Silver Mining & Refining has significantly expanded its land holdings in Idaho’s historic Silver Valley by 14,100 acres, bringing its total to approximately 38,000 acres. This 60% increase is coupled with the launch of a multi-year, district-scale exploration program, involving 45,000 meters of surface drilling, targeting high-potential areas identified through recent fieldwork. Concurrently, the company is advancing a 50,000-meter underground drilling program at its flagship Sunshine Mine, aiming to upgrade resources for a planned 2027 feasibility study, underscoring its strategic intent to unlock the full potential of this prolific US silver district.

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Trump Administration Moves to Keep Indiana Coal Plants Operating to Support Grid Reliability

<p></p> <p>The U.S. Department of Energy, under Secretary Chris Wright, issued emergency orders on September 19, 2026, compelling Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO), CenterPoint Energy, and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to keep two Indiana coal-fired power plants operational. The R.M. Schahfer and F.B. Culley generating stations, originally slated for retirement at the end of 2025, have been deemed critical for maintaining grid reliability and preventing blackouts in the Midwest through December 18, 2026, particularly during periods of high demand and low intermittent renewable generation.</p> <p>

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Beyond the purchase price – the true cost of mining engines

A recent analysis by Rolls Royce Mining, published on September 21, 2026, highlights that the initial purchase price of an engine represents only a fraction of its true cost over its operational lifespan within a mining haul truck fleet. The study emphasizes that factors such as fuel consumption, maintenance, overhaul intervals, and the critical impact of downtime significantly determine an engine's total cost of ownership, advocating for a holistic evaluation beyond upfront capital expenditure.

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Energy Secretary Secures Carolinas’ Grid Amidst Hot Weather Conditions

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued an emergency order on September 18, 2026, authorizing Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC to dispatch specified and backup generation resources to avert blackouts in North and South Carolina amid hot weather conditions. This directive, effective through September 21, 2026, underscores growing concerns about grid stability and the adequacy of baseload power as intermittent renewable sources expand, directly impacting energy-intensive industries like mining. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright highlighted the vulnerability of the grid to "energy subtraction policies" and emphasized the administration's commitment to utilizing all available tools to ensure reliable electricity access for American families and businesses.

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American Lithium starts operations at Falchani pilot plant in Peru

American Lithium Corp. has successfully initiated operations at its Falchani Lithium Project pilot plant in Lima, Peru, marking a significant step forward for the volcanic-hosted lithium deposit. The facility, which is currently processing mineralisation, has already demonstrated an impressive average lithium recovery rate of 88.7% in semi-continuous tests, exceeding the 80% target established in the company's February 2024 preliminary economic assessment. This development underscores the project's potential to become a key supplier of battery-grade lithium carbonate, leveraging a comparatively simple processing flowsheet due to the ore's low impurity profile.

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Energy Secretary Secures Mid-Atlantic Grid Due to Anticipated Stressed System Conditions

The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order on September 17, 2026, directing PJM Interconnection to stabilize the Mid-Atlantic power grid and prevent blackouts amidst forecasted hot weather and planned transmission outages. This temporary measure, in effect through September 18, 2026, highlights growing concerns over grid reliability, particularly the impact of intermittent renewable energy sources and the premature retirement of reliable power generation, posing significant operational and economic risks for power-intensive industries like mining.

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Lahontan Gold signs agreement to acquire Emergent Metals

<p></p> <p>Lahontan Gold announced on September 17, 2026, its agreement to acquire Emergent Metals, a move poised to consolidate its ownership of the pivotal West Santa Fe project and significantly expand its land position within Nevada's highly prospective Walker Lane trend. This all-share transaction, valued at C$0.115 per Emergent share, will eliminate approximately C$2.39 million in future payments and a 1% net smelter return royalty, while adding the strategic New York Canyon project and other valuable assets to Lahontan's portfolio.</p> <p>

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Almonty and Sandvik’s WBH sign Spanish tungsten supply deal

Almonty Industries has secured a multi-year, take-or-pay offtake agreement with Sandvik Group subsidiary Wolfram Bergbau und Hütten (WBH) for tungsten concentrate from the reprocessing of tailings at its Los Santos Mine in western Spain. This strategic deal, involving a conditional $3 million payment from WBH, aims to restart operations at the mine, providing critical EU-origin tungsten feedstock ahead of new US defense procurement regulations taking effect in January 2027. The agreement highlights a growing industry focus on supply chain provenance and resource recovery through reprocessing.

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Coppercore signs lease for copper facility in Colombia

Coppercore has secured a ten-year lease, with an option to purchase, for a copper concentration facility in Colombia's Santa Marta industrial region. This strategic move, announced on September 18, 2026, positions the company for initial production of 1,000 tonnes of copper concentrate monthly, utilizing an innovative acid-free process for oxide ores. The facility is poised for significant phased expansion, targeting up to 300,000 tonnes of contained copper over the lease term at maximum scale, amidst a changing regulatory environment in Colombia that favors responsible mining and critical minerals development.

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Sudan mine collapse death toll hits 60 as rescue efforts continue

A tragic gold mine collapse in Sudan’s West Kordofan state has claimed the lives of at least 60 artisanal miners, with reports indicating more than 70 dead or missing. The incident at the al-Zara mine in the Fouja area highlights the severe safety deficiencies prevalent in Sudan's informal mining sector, where dangerous conditions and a lack of proper equipment continue to result in significant loss of life. Rescue efforts have been significantly hampered by unstable ground and the absence of specialized teams, drawing urgent attention to the systemic challenges facing one of Africa's leading gold-producing nations.

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Tungsten West to relaunch Hemerdon mine by early 2027

Tungsten West is set to relaunch its Hemerdon tungsten mine in Devon, England, targeting full-scale production by the first quarter of 2027. This restart, supported by a significant investment from the UK's National Wealth Fund, will leverage advanced TOMRA XRT ore sorting technology to optimize processing and reduce environmental impact. The project aims to provide a critical non-Chinese source of tungsten for European markets, addressing growing demand and strategic supply chain concerns.

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U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright Delivers U.S. National Statement at the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright recently delivered a pivotal address at the 70th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, outlining an ambitious "American nuclear renaissance." This initiative, spearheaded by President Trump, aims to add 300 gigawatts of new nuclear capacity by 2050 through streamlined regulations, advanced reactor deployment, and AI-driven innovation. The U.S. reaffirms its commitment to global nuclear safety, security, and nonproliferation, with significant implications for the international uranium mining and nuclear fuel cycle sectors.

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Ethiopia’s Oromo Liberation Army warns mining operators after Tulu Kapi incident

The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has issued a stern warning to mining companies operating in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, demanding direct local community involvement and stringent environmental standards following a fatal incident at KEFI Gold and Copper’s Tulu Kapi project on September 4, 2026. This development has led KEFI to suspend its gold project, prompting a re-evaluation of security and community engagement protocols across the extractive sector in a politically sensitive region. The OLA’s demands underscore the critical importance of social license to operate and robust community relations for any mining endeavor in Ethiopia.

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US explores access to Venezuela’s mineral sector

The United States is actively exploring avenues to significantly increase its access to Venezuela’s mineral sector, including substantial deposits of gold, iron ore, bauxite, and nickel. This strategic move, which builds upon recent engagement in Venezuela’s oil industry, aims to facilitate new US investment in critical minerals and counter growing Chinese influence in Latin America. However, the sector faces considerable challenges, including outdated geological data, widespread illegal mining, and historical investor uncertainty.

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