The global mining industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the adoption of autonomous operations and sophisticated digitalization. Central to this evolution is the deployment of private 5G networks, which are proving instrumental in enhancing safety, optimizing productivity, and enabling precise indoor positioning for both personnel and machinery. This article explores how these advanced technologies are future-proofing mining, with companies like Ericsson leading the charge in delivering crucial connectivity and positioning solutions.
A pioneering collaboration between Ericsson and mining equipment leader Epiroc is fundamentally transforming the global mining sector through the widespread deployment of private 4G/5G cellular networks. This strategic partnership, initiated in 2016, enables enhanced automation, real-time monitoring, and ultra-low latency control across mining operations, addressing critical industry demands for improved safety, productivity, cost efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. The integration of advanced connectivity with modern mining machinery is setting a new standard for the mine of the future, as exemplified by projects like the EU-funded NEXGENS initiative.
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<p>The Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum, held in Tokyo on March 14–15, 2026, convened twelve nations to forge a collective strategy for ensuring stable and secure energy supply in the region. Co-hosted by U.S. and Japanese energy leaders, the discussions emphasized robust supply chains, diversification of energy sources, and extensive investment, signaling profound implications for the global mining sector, particularly in critical minerals and uranium for nuclear energy development.</p>
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Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC) has dramatically strengthened its position as a leading domestic uranium producer with the official commencement of operations at its Burke Hollow project in Texas. This milestone marks the first new in-situ recovery (ISR) uranium operation in the United States in over a decade, establishing UEC as the sole U.S. company with two active ISR facilities and reinforcing the nation's push for a secure, domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. The project, tapping into a significant uranium resource in the Texas Uranium Belt, is set to bolster UEC's processing capabilities at its Hobson Central Processing Plant and signals a robust expansion strategy for the Vancouver-based miner.
Despite global geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-Iran war, the world's leading mining companies demonstrated remarkable resilience in the first quarter of 2026. The MINING.COM TOP 50 miners collectively reached a market capitalization of $2.41 trillion, adding $250 billion year-to-date, signaling a strong performance across most commodities and a significant expansion of the exclusive $100-billion club. However, this overall positive trend masked mixed fortunes for individual companies, with strategic shifts and operational challenges leading to notable underperformance for some key players.
Zacatecas Silver has commenced its 2026 diamond drilling program at the high-potential El Cristo Project within Mexico’s historic Zacatecas Mining District. The initial hole, completed by Major Drilling Mexico, successfully intersected a mineralized brecciated structure featuring visible sulfides such as galena and sphalerite, validating the company's targeting strategy. This early success signals promising potential for high-grade silver and base metal mineralization in a region renowned for its rich epithermal deposits.
News K2 Gold concludes 2026 drilling campaign at Nevada’s Si2 project The programme involved eight drill-holes covering a total of 3,871m across five AOI. Shree Mishra March 27, 2026 Share Copy Link Share on X Share on Linkedin Share on Facebook Drilling in 2026 targeted structural locations identified from a geological model using drilling data, geophysics and fluid studies. Credit: Parilaw/Shutterstock.com. K2 Gold has completed its 2026 reverse circulation (RC) drilling programme at the Si2 Gold Project in Esmeralda County, Nevada, US, situated within the Walker Lane Trend. The campaign involved eight drill-holes covering a total of 3,871m across five areas of interest (AOI) at Si2 Gold. Go deeper with GlobalData Reports Jackfish 2 Project Reports Soledad Mountain Project Go deeper with GlobalData The gold standard of business intelligence. Find out more Discover B2B Marketing That Performs Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms. Find out more This marks K2 Gold’s inaugural exploration at the AOI3, AOI4 and AOI5 target areas, extending exploration activities beyond the previously investigated southern targets. Each drilling operation encountered extensive low-sulphidation epithermal alteration, quartz veining and broad zones of adularia flooding, indicating a conducive environment for gold...
News Kenorland to acquire mineral claims in Canada The company will expand its Lang Lake Project by acquiring 10,200ha of claims and purchase 58,700ha to augment the Muskrat Dam Project. Shree Mishra March 27, 2026 Share Copy Link Share on X Share on Linkedin Share on Facebook The Lang Lake Project currently spans 84,000ha within the Birch-Uchi Subprovince. Credit: Parilaw/Shutterstock.com. Kenorland Minerals has signed purchase agreements to acquire full ownership of additional mineral claims in northern Ontario, Canada. The company will expand its Lang Lake Project by acquiring 10,200ha of claims from the McVicar Agreement Area in Ontario’s Birch-Uchi Subprovince. Go deeper with GlobalData Reports Fort Kent Project Reports Eleonore Mine Go deeper with GlobalData The gold standard of business intelligence. Find out more Discover B2B Marketing That Performs Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms. Find out more Additionally, Kenorland will augment its Muskrat Dam Project through the purchase of 58,700ha of claims from the Rottenfish Agreement Area within the Muskrat Dam greenstone belt. The Lang Lake Project currently spans 84,000ha within the Birch-Uchi Subprovince and includes significant geological features such as folded iron formations. It is situated along the same...
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), announced today, March 26, 2026, its plan to relocate its headquarters from the James V. Forrestal Building to the Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) building. This strategic move, which involves the U.S. Department of Education vacating the LBJ building, is projected to save taxpayers over $350 million in deferred maintenance and modernization costs, aligning with the Trump Administration's broader initiative to streamline federal real estate and promote governmental efficiency. This relocation is significant for the mining industry as an optimized DOE operation can lead to more effective energy policies, critical minerals strategy, and R&D funding, ultimately impacting resource markets and supply chain resilience.
News McLaren Minerals begins drilling work at titanium project The company is conducting a comprehensive and systematic drilling programme aimed at improving resource classification. Shree Mishra March 18, 2026 Share Copy Link Share on X Share on Linkedin Share on Facebook The campaign aims to upgrade resources from indicated to measured classification, employing a 150m × 150m grid drilling pattern. Credit: Maxim Maksimovich/Shutterstock.com. McLaren Minerals has announced the start of a 13,000m drilling campaign at the McLaren Titanium deposit in Western Australia. The company is conducting a comprehensive and systematic drilling programme aimed at improving resource classification, supplying data for future reserve evaluation and expanding the resource. Go deeper with GlobalData Reports Patrocinio Project Reports Meliadine Project Go deeper with GlobalData The gold standard of business intelligence. Find out more Discover B2B Marketing That Performs Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms. Find out more The campaign focuses on upgrading large sections of the resource from indicated to measured classification, with specific areas to be drilled in a 150m × 150m grid pattern to enhance classification confidence. Additionally, parts of the deposit currently classified as inferred resources are being targeted for potential...
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has initiated a controlled shutdown of three of its aluminium smelting lines – lines 1, 2, and 3 – effective March 16, 2026, impacting 19% of its annual production capacity. This strategic decision comes in direct response to persistent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have severely hindered the company's ability to receive crucial raw materials like alumina and transport finished metal to clients, leading to a declaration of force majeure and contributing to elevated aluminium prices on the London Metal Exchange. The move underscores significant supply chain vulnerabilities in the Middle Eastern aluminium sector amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
