In this issue

Welcome to the latest issue of MINE.

This month, we consider two reforms which could have significant impacts for the global mining industry. In the US, a 150-year-old mining law in the Western states, that has allowed miners to operate largely tax-free for generations, could be reformed, which could generate just as much revenue for local states as opposition from those states’ miners. And on a global scale, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative aims to tackle the threat of anonymous ownership of mining assets and commodities, and bring a level of accountability to an industry that has historically struggled with its reputation.

Elsewhere, we consider some of the cutting-edge technologies delivering efficient operations, and bringing new security challenges, to the mining sector. From the promise of Percepto’s autonomous drones, to the vulnerabilities highlighted in the Weir cyberattack, technological innovation, like many aspects of the mining industry, has been shown to bring just as many opportunities as challenges for the sector.

We also look at some of the latest data to see how miners are taking advantage of shifting demand for metals and minerals, as the world’s industries look to new commodities to power their latest projects. And we consider the impacts of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation in North America, a case study which demonstrates how mining can bring environmental damage and impede local autonomy, harm that can rarely be worth the financial pay-out.

All of this, plus our usual range of latest news, data analysis and market updates.

JP Casey, editor