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AI is reshaping mining operations by enabling real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance, crucial for meeting rising demands for critical minerals like lithium and copper. Technologies such as sensor-laden quadruped robots patrol crusher corridors, identifying potential issues through vibration and temperature monitoring, while remote metallurgists optimise mill performance from afar. The integration of AI not only enhances operational efficiency but also shifts workforce roles towards higher-skill oversight, with predictive models reducing unplanned downtime and improving safety by minimising human exposure to hazardous environments.

US biomining startup Endolith has secured $13.5 million in seed funding to advance its AI-guided microbial extraction technology for copper and other critical minerals. Led by Squadra Ventures, the funding aims to support pilot-engineering and process validation of Endolith's environmentally friendly approach, which targets low-grade and complex ores. This investment highlights the growing interest in biomining as a strategic component of national security infrastructure, amid geopolitical supply chain disruptions and rising demand from the clean energy sector.

Illegal mining activities have reportedly occurred at East Africa Metals' Mato Bula and Da Tambuk sites in Ethiopia's Tigray region, driven by a more than 50% rise in gold prices this year. Despite the company's claims of non-operational status, former soldiers and Chinese miners allegedly extracted gold from early 2024 to mid-2025, backed by undisclosed investors. The region's interim president has deployed a task force to halt mining, but enforcement is threatened by escalating conflict, raising concerns of a Sudan-style resource conflict with minimal local benefits.

The Xinka Indigenous group has again rejected the restart of Pan American Silver's Escobal mine in Guatemala, citing risks to water, culture, and territory. A petition with over 6,000 signatures was delivered to Pan American Silver, urging respect for the Xinka's decision against the mine's reopening. The Escobal mine, which holds 24.7 million tonnes of proven and probable reserves at 334 grams silver per tonne, remains closed since 2017, with ongoing consultations under Guatemala's Ministry of Energy and Mines and ILO Convention 169.

Gold prices fell over 3% on Friday, reaching as low as $4,034.54 per ounce, amid a market sell-off triggered by hawkish comments from US Federal Reserve officials that reduced the likelihood of a December rate cut. Gold futures experienced a sharper decline, with three-month contracts dropping 3.7% to $4,039.40 an ounce. The probability of a 25 basis-point rate cut next month decreased to 53%, down from 64% earlier in the week, as indicated by CME Group’s FedWatch tool.

Canada has announced the inclusion of several mining projects in its Major Projects Office to expedite development, including Northcliff Resources' C$579 million Sisson tungsten-molybdenum project in New Brunswick and Canada Nickel's C$3.5 billion Crawford nickel project in Ontario. The Crawford project, with the world's second-largest nickel reserves, aims to produce 3.5 billion lb. of nickel over 41 years. Nouveau Monde's Matawinie mine in Quebec is set to produce 103,000 tonnes of graphite annually, supported by C$50 million in federal and provincial funding.

Americas Gold and Silver is acquiring Crescent Silver's historic mine in Idaho for $65 million, aiming to enhance its Silver Valley operations. The Crescent mine, located 9 miles from the Galena complex, produced over 25 million oz. of silver at an average grade of 891 grams per tonne between 1917 and 1981. With the potential to add 1.4 to 1.6 million oz. of silver annually, the acquisition leverages existing milling capacity at Galena and Coeur mills, promising increased production and cash flow by mid-2026.

Consumer protection minister Kate Dearden has dismissed calls for a compulsory builders' licensing scheme in the UK, citing concerns over increased consumer costs and a lack of evidence that such schemes reduce poor-quality work. The debate, initiated by Conservative MP Mark Garnier, highlighted support from 77% of SME builders and 78% of consumers for licensing, referencing successful models in the US, Australia, and New Zealand. Liberal Democrat MPs Tom Gordon and Ben Maguire argued for improving existing systems like TrustMark and enhancing accessible redress mechanisms to address rogue builders effectively.

A UK trial led by the Materials Processing Institute has demonstrated the feasibility of using recycled concrete fines (RCF) to replace approximately 20% of clinker in CEM II cement, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Conducted at Holcim UK’s Whetstone plant, the trial is part of the UKRI's 'Decarbonising Concrete' programme and involves key industry players like Mott MacDonald and Aston University. RCF, traditionally a waste product, is now poised to become a sustainable alternative, pending further testing and integration into British Standards BS 8500 by 2027.

Chinese manufacturer Sany has delivered its first 80-tonne SY750H excavator to the UK, purchased by Heritage Quarry Group. This machine, equipped with a 4.2 cubic metre bulk bucket, offers a maximum bucket breakout force of 410kN, a reach of 12.10 metres, and a dig depth of 7.5 metres. Heritage Quarry Group, already operating 40-tonne and 50-tonne Sany models, cites exceptional performance and reliability as key reasons for expanding their fleet with this heavy-duty excavator.

The Gold Coast Light Rail project in Queensland has reached a significant milestone with the first tram successfully navigating the new tracks on the northern section of its third stage. This trial run prepares for controlled night-time testing set to begin at the end of the month. The project aims to enhance public transport connectivity in the region, with the new section designed to accommodate increased passenger capacity and improve transit efficiency.

The Victorian Government has unveiled final designs for the Newport level crossing removal project, which will eliminate two level crossings. The project includes new rail bridges designed to accommodate both passenger and freight trains over Maddox Road, enhancing transport efficiency. Additionally, a new pedestrian and cycling bridge at Champion Road will improve connectivity and safety for non-motorised users.

Glencore has signed a life-of-mine offtake agreement with Chilean Cobalt for all cobalt and copper from the La Cobaltera and El Cofre projects in northern Chile. The partnership will see intermediate products processed at US Strategic Metals' facility in Missouri, aiming to produce 3,000–5,000 tonnes of cobalt annually, addressing the US's current import levels of 8,000–10,000 tonnes. This deal comes amid a cobalt export ban from the Democratic Republic of Congo and China's dominance in processing, potentially shifting the market towards a deficit.

Bell Equipment is advancing safety and productivity in the construction industry with its Fleetm@tic telematics system integrated into articulated dump trucks and motor graders. This agnostic platform enhances control technology and supports autonomy, allowing for seamless operation across different equipment types. By focusing on these innovations, Bell Equipment aims to optimise fleet management and operational efficiency, addressing the industry's demand for smarter and safer construction solutions.

Ascend Elements has secured a multi-year offtake agreement with Trafigura for 15,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate, to be delivered from 2027 to 2031. This partnership leverages Ascend's hydro-to-cathode technology to produce low-carbon lithium carbonate from recycled lithium-ion batteries, while Trafigura provides global marketing and logistics. The deal aims to enhance the supply chain for battery materials in North America and Europe, supporting OEMs in meeting circularity and compliance goals, and reducing carbon, cost, and geopolitical risks.

Maritime Resources has poured its first gold at the Hammerdown project in Newfoundland, marking the mine's first production since 2004. The gold was processed from stockpiled material at the Pine Cove mill, which was recently brought back into operation after two years of care and maintenance. Hammerdown is expected to ramp up to full production early next year, with an annual output of 50,000 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost of $912 per ounce, supported by proven and probable reserves of 1.9 million tonnes grading 4.46 grams gold per tonne.

The Wye River Bridge along the Great Ocean Road has been replaced, marking the completion of a $14.86 million project. Jointly funded by the Federal Government's $4.05 million contribution and the Victorian Government's $10.81 million, the new structure enhances connectivity between Lorne and Apollo Bay. This infrastructure upgrade is part of the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, aiming to improve road safety and reliability in the region.

Nominations are open for the Queensland Government’s School Transport Infrastructure Program, targeting road safety upgrades and enhanced active transport links around schools. Eligible projects include new or improved drop-off and parking facilities, upgraded bus set-down and pick-up zones, and enhanced bikeways. Schools have until next week to apply, aiming to improve safety and accessibility for students across Queensland.

VEGA's advanced limestone and cement management technologies offer non-contact, maintenance-free level monitoring, crucial for infrastructure projects involving materials like crushed limestone and cement. These systems enhance efficiency from quarrying to stockpiling by ensuring consistent material levels without the need for frequent maintenance. By providing reliable monitoring solutions, VEGA supports the seamless execution of road and infrastructure projects, addressing the challenges of material management in construction.

Simex is set to release the ART 1000 Gen II, an advanced attachment designed for zero waste asphalt repair, enhancing sustainable road maintenance. This second-generation technology enables in-situ regeneration, allowing for efficient, multi-tasking operations without the need for additional machinery. The ART 1000 Gen II is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and environmental impact of road repair projects, offering a streamlined solution for infrastructure professionals focused on sustainability.

The Monopoly Construction Edition – Deluxe Global Edition, the first trilingual construction-themed board game, features cards and spaces in English, French, and German, and introduces eight exclusive collectable tokens like the Liebherr LR 9800 mining excavator and Hexagon Leica Geosystems Total Station. Players can explore global construction landmarks such as the Grand Paris Express and HS2 while navigating industry-specific scenarios. Launched by The Construction Index, this edition aims to inspire interest in construction amidst a forecasted need for 216,800 additional skilled workers by 2025.

The New South Wales Planning System Reforms Bill 2025 has been approved by State Parliament, marking the most significant update to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in decades. This legislative overhaul aims to streamline processes for housing, jobs, infrastructure, and energy projects across the state. The reform is expected to enhance the efficiency of project approvals and align planning with contemporary demands, potentially accelerating development timelines and improving regulatory clarity for engineers and developers.

Final designs for the Boronia Station precinct have been unveiled, featuring a station forecourt canopy inspired by Dandenong Ranges flora and an expanded concourse to enhance connectivity across the rail line. The project includes a new landscaped plaza between the station and Dorset Road, aimed at improving pedestrian access and community space. Early works are set to commence in the coming weeks, marking a significant step in the precinct's redevelopment.

JCB's Fastrac 6300 has been awarded the 'Sustainable Tractor of the Year' at Agritechnica, the world's largest agricultural machinery show. This high-power tractor is recognised for its industry-leading features and performance, combining advanced technology with sustainable practices. The award highlights JCB's commitment to innovation in agricultural machinery, as the Fastrac 6300 sets a new standard in balancing power and environmental responsibility.