Covid-19 has left long-term impressions on the mining industry and companies are now faced with different challenges than they were over 18 months ago . Technology plays an important role in meeting current mining strategies as leaders set their sights on the reduction of costs , emissions and productivity .

Technology drives mining strategy implementation Automation and digital control are prominent in many business strategies . From all-electric solutions to haulage and other mining operations , to the implementation of digital applications to provide a predictive view of mining infrastructures . Leveraging digital tools , organisations are also tackling common concerns of carbon-emissions reduction , ESG compliance , and so on .

Innovating for a circular economy While waste reduction is a key area for improvement , encouraging circulareconomic innovation is crucial for optimising the use of mined resources . After all , there is a limited supply . Technology allows groups to minimise their waste , but further innovation — like turning raw materials into plant fertilisers — is required to prolong the lives of precious materials .

� RIO TINTO The leading mining corporation has invested US $ 35mn in Carbon Capture Inc . for a stake in its innovative Direct Air Capture ( DAC ) machines that absorb CO2 from the atmosphere .

� ALBEMARLE CORPORATION Its acquisition of a lithium processing plant , which has potential capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent and supports the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate and hydroxide .

� SOUTHERN COPPER Southern Copper ’ s US $ 1.4bn Tia Maria mining project received further development delays , deemed unfeasible by the Peruvian president Pedro Castillo .

� CHINA China struggles to manage its demand for electricity in line with the climate , with power shortages spreading to 20 provinces in the country .

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