Editor's letter

This edition centres on one of mining's most closely watched commodities: lithium. After a decade of rapid growth, the sector finds itself at a crucial moment. Prices remain under pressure, financing has become more selective and developers face growing scrutiny over project economics, processing capability and long-term competitiveness. 

Against that backdrop, our cover story examines whether the UK can build a viable domestic lithium industry, from Cornwall's hard-rock deposits to emerging projects in County Durham. We also explore how direct lithium extraction technologies are opening new sources of supply from oilfield brines. 

Decarbonisation forms a second theme. We examine the growing role of solar power in mining and speak with ABB about the all-electric mine. 

Our Australia supplement explores Queensland's metallurgical coal sector following Anglo American's exit, the push to expand uranium mining in New South Wales and how ore-sorting technology is reshaping lithium production in Western Australia.

Alejandro Gonzalez, editor