Gold prices edged lower on Monday, with spot gold at approximately $4,069 an ounce, down 0.3%, as expectations for a US interest rate cut in December diminished. US gold futures mirrored this trend, trading near $4,071 an ounce for a 0.5% loss, influenced by a stronger US dollar making bullion more expensive for non-dollar holders. The probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut has fallen to 45% from over 60% last week, as the Federal Reserve maintains a hawkish stance following the end of the US government's longest shutdown.

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.