In this special issue of MINE we take a look back at the biggest stories and industry trends that have dominated headlines over the past 12 months. We begin by exploring the potential of a rare earths partnership between the US and Australia, learn about the LME's acceptance of artisanal mining, explore the decline of Vale and rise of Rio Tinto as the world's top iron ore producer, and examine the destruction of Juukan Gorge.

Also in this issue, we find out how a new court ruling could put Canadian miners in the dock, delve into how gold miners have fared during Covid-19, question whether miners are falling short on SDG commitments, and lay out a timeline of the fall of Murray Energy.

Plus, we investigate copper's uncertain future, go inside the US and Canada's plan for a North American critical minerals supply chain, ask what India's plans to open up coal to commercial mining mean for the country, and hear about China's plans to use its rare earths supply as a geopolitical tool. 

And finally, we find out how resource taxation could be key to a recovery from Covid-19, speak to Energy Fuels about US rare earths, talk to Jetti Resources about unlocking low-grade copper, and discover what the new Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management mean for the industry.

Callum Tyndall, editor