Editor's letter

As miners look to access even deeper deposits and transition mines from surface to underground operations, new equipment, tools and training approaches will all be key. In this issue, we unearth the trends that are shaping the underground mining sector and look at how technology and training can help operators transition their workforce from open-pit to subsurface operations.   

In commodities our focus is on lithium. We look at France’s ambitious plans to charge ahead with domestic lithium mining and battery manufacturing, evaluating the scale of the challenge and opportunity. We also review recent developments in direct lithium extraction (DLE) as demonstration projects scale-up and attract investment. 

As Donald Trump’s victory in the US election raises questions about the future of clean energy in the US and globally, we explore what his second term could mean for critical minerals partnerships, mine permitting and US-China relations. We also look at Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans for mining and minerals, the array of AI solutions on offer to the mining sector, and reflect on the key developments of 2024.

Caroline Peachey, editor