The January/February issue of Global Mining Review is now available, offering a comprehensive look at the latest trends, technologies, and challenges shaping the mining sector. This edition features a special annual report from Deloitte, which outlines 10 key trends to watch in 2026, providing a forward-looking perspective on the industry’s trajectory.
Ian Sanders, Global Mining & Metals Sector Leader at Deloitte Global, presents the 10 trends that could drive lasting value in the mining industry. These trends encompass collaboration between mining companies, governments, technology firms, and communities. Sanders emphasizes the need for collective action to address the evolving landscape of mining and metals. “By working together, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders involved,” Sanders notes.
The cover story, brought to you by Austin Powder, delves into the critical role of blasting in mining operations. Ricardo Medina Garcia, Sales and Technical Services Representative for Austin Powder Mexico, outlines how the company’s new solution is enhancing safety and efficiency in underground blasting. “Our innovative approach centralizes safety and precision, rendering the blasting process more effective and secure,” Garcia explains.
Digitalisation continues to be a cornerstone of the mining industry’s transformation. Elinor Price, ABB Process Industries – Industrial Digital Solutions, USA, explores how digital solutions are paving the way for a greener future in mining. “Digital tools are not just about efficiency; they are about creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mining sector,” Price states.
Water management remains a pressing challenge for mining operations. David Oliphant, VP Business Development – Heavy Industry for Veolia’s water technologies in North America, reveals how mobile treatment systems are revolutionizing water management in mining. “These flexible solutions are changing the game, allowing mining operations to adapt to varying water quality and quantity demands,” Oliphant says.
The issue also features insights from leading mining technology providers such as ANDRITZ, Metso, Orica Digital Solutions, Dyno Nobel, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Regal Rexnord. Vishal Wadhvani and Ben Zhou from ANDRITZ Dedert discuss the evolution of spray dryers in lithium-ion battery mineral production, highlighting recent innovations that push the boundaries of current technology. “Our research and development efforts have redefined what is possible in this field,” Wadhvani and Zhou remark.
Audrey Walters from Metso takes readers inside the Metso Test Centre in Pennsylvania and other global locations, showcasing a holistic approach to flowsheet development. “Our test centres are at the forefront of innovation, helping mining companies optimize their processes and improve overall efficiency,” Walters notes.
Alfred Tsang from Orica Digital Solutions details how digital tools can help mining companies overcome blasting challenges and optimize resource extraction. “Embracing digital tools is not just about keeping up with the times; it’s about staying ahead of the curve,” Tsang emphasizes.
Dr. David S Jensen from Dyno Nobel highlights the pivotal role of blasting in mining operations and how it can be optimized for improved energy efficiency and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance. “Blasting is the first crusher in the mining process, and optimizing it can have a significant impact on the entire operation,” Jensen states.
Matthew Suntup from Advanced Navigation, UK, examines how a hybrid approach to navigation systems is shifting the paradigm in underground mining. “By fusing inertial navigation with laser-based velocity, we are creating more accurate and reliable navigation solutions for underground operations,” Suntup explains.
Ville Lindh from Valmet, Finland, highlights the crucial role of slurry valves and pumps in combatting the challenges posed by tailings handling. “Reliable flow control is essential for keeping tailings operations running smoothly and efficiently,” Lindh notes.
Luke Joyce from Thermo Fisher Scientific, Australia, reviews how real-time elemental analysis can transform mineral recovery, making mining smarter, safer, and more sustainable. “Real-time analysis provides valuable data that can drive better decision-making and improve overall mining operations,” Joyce says.
Javier Castaneda and Brianne Valdes from Deswik, North America, evaluate the latest developments in strategic mine planning and offer a comparison between new tools and traditional pit optimisation methods. “These advancements are reshaping the way mining companies approach strategic planning, leading to more efficient and effective operations,” Castaneda and Valdes remark.
Michael Ronsman from Regal Rexnord lays out strategies for optimising conveyance systems in mining, emphasizing the importance of selecting durable components and maintaining them properly. “Optimising conveyance systems is crucial for addressing environmental challenges and ensuring the longevity of mining operations,” Ronsman states.
Bob Nelson, a Conveyor Belt Specialist, proposes that a simple re-tuning of purchasing policy can make conveyor belt production more sustainable and cost-efficient. “By making smarter purchasing decisions,