The Brief

“Additive manufacturing shows a lot of potential … through reduced or eliminated need for transport and storage of parts, and also shorter delivery times”

Ronne Hamerslag

Head of Supply Management, Boliden 

READ MORE

“As much as there is an increase in demand, there is also increase in demand for responsiblyproduced materials”

Michèle Brülhart

Executive Director, Copper Mark 

READ MORE

“The mining sector is hungry for solutions that improve safety, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and improve profitability”

Dr Andrew Job

CEO and Co-founder, Plotlogic 

READ MORE

Mining giant Rio Tinto joins Russia exodus

Background

Anglo-Australian mining group Rio Tinto has joined the lengthening list of major companies to pull out of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

What are the implications?

The group's decision to end commercial dealings leaves question marks over its Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project in Mongolia, where it buys Russian diesel, as well as its partnership with Rusal, the Russian aluminium group, in Australia, where the companies co-own the Queensland Alumina refinery.

In January, the Oyu Tolgoi Board approved the beginning of a near US$7bn-expansion of underground operations, unlocking the most valuable part of the mine, with sustainable underground production expected in the first half of 2023.

How else might minerals’ market be impacted?

Russia's abundant supplies of minerals such as nickel could have knock-on effects in other areas, including electric vehicles.

Rio Tinto is supporting the development of a battery ecosystem in Europe with an investment in Inobat Auto, a European-based battery technology and manufacturing company.

Rio Tinto isn’t the only company impacted, though: Canadian gold miner Kinross has announced a ‘transition plan’ to sell its Russian assets.

Why is Rio Tinto enhancing its ESG profile?

A damaging report found bullying, sexual harassment, racism and other forms of discrimination systemic across its worksites, with almost half of workers experiencing bullying.

The report, which outlines 26 detailed recommendations, will inform work being carried out to improve how the company prevents and responds to discrimination and unacceptable workplace behaviour. Rio Tinto said it will implement all recommendations.

Methane emissions from Kazakhstan mine ‘equal to 2.6m cars’

Methane emissions released by an open cast mine in Kazakhstan totalled 54,000 kg/hr in the first two months of this year, according to satellite observations by GHGSat, an environmental monitoring company.

READ MORE

Polymetal considers demerging Kazakhstan business

Polymetal is considering demerging its Kazakhstan business into a separate listed company, as its new board grapples with major economic challenges presented by Russian market volatility and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

READ MORE

Royal Mint plant to recover gold from electronic wastes

The Royal Mint has announced plans to build a plant in South Wales that will recover gold from UK electronic waste, using patented new chemistry created by Canadian-based Excir.

READ MORE  BOLIDEN A 74-tonne Scania electrified truck will be delivered to mining company Boliden this spring. The heavy transport electrified vehicle is a key element in the mining company's strategy to cut CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030.

 CENTAMIN Gold producer Centamin recorded a pre-tax profit of US$154mn last year. CEO Martin Horgan said it safely delivered annual production and cost guidance, making "excellent progress" on key capital projects..

 ALROSA Alrosa stepped down from the Responsible Jewellery Council board after being placed on the US sanctions list but remains committed to the RJC’s “highest standards of responsible business practices and sustainability pledges”.

 GLOBAL METHANE

EMISSIONS

Global methane emissions from the extraction of coal could rise by 21.6% if all new mining projects now under development go into operation, according to a Global Energy Monitor report.