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.

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.

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.