Tesla CEO Elon Musk is reportedly considering venturing into the mining business to gain more control over his company's supply chain. With tech giants being hugely reliant on the steady supply of a wide range of materials, such a move seems to make sense. But will it improve or disrupt the mining sector? We explore the different angles of such a potential power shift.

We also investigate concerns over the sourcing of crystals, which have seen a surge in demand due to their popularity among consumers, and take a look at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's updated its framework for the production and distribution of cobalt and other commodities from 'high-risk' areas.

Also in this issue, we catch up with Codelco’s $5bn plan to establish underground operations at its Chuquicamata mine, speak to Conservation International about the impact of its partnership with BHP, and take a look at innovative clean power solutions for mines.

Plus, we find out how the EU-funded IMP@CT project is developing new technologies to make small-scale mining in Europe more viable, and speak to Thyssenkrupp about the journey of its materials handling system from Germany to an iron ore port in northern Canada.

Molly Lempriere, editor