Mining
Kiruna municipality meets state on land for city relocation
Maria Karlsson Image generated by AI
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.
Chinese Firm Accused of Zambia Mining Spill Cover-Up
A Chinese mining company has been accused of concealing the full extent of a major toxic spill in Zambia during the week of September 1-5, 2025. The incident involved the release of harmful substances into local water sources, prompting environmental concerns. Investigations are ongoing to assess the damage and hold parties accountable.
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.
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.
Chinese Firm Accused in Zambia Spill Coverup
Reported by AI
A Chinese company was accused of covering up the extent of a major toxic mining spill in Zambia on September 5, 2025. The incident involves environmental damage from mining operations, as reported in environmental security updates.
Anglo American and Teck Announce Merger
Reported by AI
Anglo American and Teck Resources have agreed to a $50 billion merger in the copper sector. The deal aims to create a major player in global mining.
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.
Bitcoin rebounds above $123,000 as miners rally
Bitcoin climbed back above $123,000 on Wednesday after a sharp drop the previous day, with crypto miners leading gains amid AI optimism. Analysts suggest bitcoin could reach $644,000 if it captures part of gold's market amid the ongoing gold rally. Federal Reserve minutes indicated potential interest rate cuts later this year.
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.