Gold Fields has significantly increased its investment in the Windfall gold project in Quebec, revising capital expenditure to C$1.7-C$1.9 billion from an initial C$790 million. The project is expected to produce an average of 306,000 ounces of gold annually, with an impressive Internal Rate of Return of 34% and All-in Sustaining Cost of $758 per ounce. Construction is set to begin in Q2 2025, with first production anticipated by late 2026, while a crucial impact-benefit agreement with local First Nations remains pending.

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.