Mining
Kiruna municipality meets state on land for city relocation
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One and a half months after LKAB's announcement of demolishing a third of Kiruna and relocating 6,000 residents, the municipality held its first meeting with the State Public Property Agency to secure land. Meanwhile, construction of a new hospital is severely delayed, with demands for emergency surgery and maternity services. Local leaders stress the urgency of the process.
South African human rights defenders report rising attacks
Activists from mining-affected communities in South Africa shared harrowing tales of intimidation and violence at the Human Rights Defenders People’s Hearing in Johannesburg. Civil society groups are urging Parliament to enact a law protecting those defending justice and the environment. The event highlighted ongoing threats amid opposition to coal and titanium mining projects.
Petro orders purchase of SAE gold companies to capitalize on prices
President Gustavo Petro ordered the Ministry of Mines and Energy to buy all gold mining companies owned by the Sociedad de Activos Especiales (SAE) to capitalize on high metal prices. He also instructed direct purchases of gold in producing regions and the mass formalization of small miners to fight illegality. The move comes amid volatility in international gold prices.
SROL champions responsible mining at Nigerian Mining Week
SROL highlighted responsible mining practices and their community impacts during the Nigerian Mining Week. The event focused on sustainable approaches in the sector. Details emerged from coverage in ThisDayLive.
Mining exploration endangers Canada's Hudson Bay peatlands
The vast Hudson Bay peatlands in northern Canada, a critical carbon storehouse, face threats from mining activities in the Ring of Fire region. These ecosystems, vital for climate regulation, hold five times the carbon per acre as the Amazon rainforest. Conservationists and Indigenous groups warn that development could release stored carbon and disrupt biodiversity.
Guilds criticize declaration of 99 priority sites for conservation
Chile's Ministry of Environment aims to protect 99 priority sites covering nearly 4 million hectares to meet the goal of conserving 30% of the national territory. However, guilds such as Sonami, CPC, and SalmonChile have criticized the initiative, arguing it creates uncertainty for existing productive activities. Aarón Cavieres, director of the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Service, defends that it does not affect regularized projects.
Chinese firms invest $1.3 billion in Nigeria's lithium sector
Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced that Chinese companies have invested over $1.3 billion in the country's lithium processing sector since September 2023. He described this as a major milestone in Nigeria's economic diversification efforts. Alake made the disclosure at the 2025 China Mining Conference in Tianjin, China.
South African mining unions moderate wage demands amid gold price surge
South Africa's gold mining unions have revised their wage demands downward in negotiations with Sibanye-Stillwater, presenting surprisingly moderate proposals despite record-high gold prices. The unions declared a dispute on 9 October after talks deadlocked, but recent adjustments suggest a strike is unlikely. This reflects decades of wage improvements and reduced labor militancy in the sector.
Tesla Grants Reprieve to Syrah in Graphite Supply Deal
Australian mining company Syrah Resources has secured a temporary reprieve from Tesla in their graphite supply agreement, allowing the firm to avoid penalties amid production challenges. The adjustment comes as electric vehicle manufacturers grapple with supply chain disruptions in critical battery materials. This development highlights ongoing tensions in the global shift toward sustainable energy sources.