Editor's letter

Uranium exploration and mine development expenditure continues to increase, according to the latest version of the ‘Red Book’, published in April. However, with the world’s largest supplier, Kazakhstan, sending much of its uranium to China, we ask whether the West is equipped to fuel a potential nuclear resurgence.

We also look at Kazakhstan’s efforts to encourage investment into mining and the role of international partnerships in promoting sector growth.

Plus, we speak to the project manager at Reko Diq in Pakistan about recent milestones and the next steps for the Tier 1 copper-gold mine.

In commodities, GlobalData assesses recent nickel market volatility and its implications for the global energy transition.

Finally, we explore if miners can swap out diesel-consuming equipment for battery-powered alternatives, with insights from a Pakistan-based miner on the technical and economic considerations of adopting electric trucks.

Caroline Peachey, editor