Copper demand is projected to surge over coming decades as electrification, large-scale renewables, AI workloads and hyperscale data centres drive intensive use of copper-heavy power electronics and modern grid infrastructure. Adelaide’s Copper to the World conference and exhibition will focus on this demand profile, linking new transmission build-out, electric vehicle charging networks and high-capacity data centre cabling to long-term red metal consumption. For miners and project developers, the event signals sustained interest in copper supply pipelines, processing capacity and exploration portfolios.

Global Lithium Resources is acquiring IGO’s Nova nickel operation in Western Australia via its subsidiary GL1 HoldCo No 3 Pty Ltd to fast‑track development of the nearby Manna lithium project and cut upfront capital. The deal gives Global Lithium access to Nova’s existing underground mine, processing plant and site infrastructure, enabling potential shared power, camp, haulage and permitting synergies rather than building greenfield facilities at Manna. For engineers, the transaction signals a shift towards hub‑and‑spoke use of established base‑metal plants to de‑risk new lithium assets.

Core Lithium has begun mining at the Grants open pit within the Finniss Lithium Operation in the Northern Territory, with the pit expected to deliver about 784,000 tonnes of lithium ore. The company remains on schedule for its first shipment of newly produced SC5 spodumene concentrate in the second quarter of 2026, signalling a move from development into early production. For geotechnical and mine planners, the ramp-up at Grants sets the reference geometry, pit wall performance and ore scheduling parameters for subsequent Finniss pits.