Editor's letter

In this issue, we examine how geopolitics and technological advancements are reshaping mineral supply chains and mining operations.

We explore how European tungsten projects are responding to export controls and seeking alternative sources of supply. We also examine the impact of Strait of Hormuz tensions on the iron ore market.

Professor Steve Schafrik considers the balance between machine consistency and human judgement in underground automation, while GlobalData analyses this year's disruption to coal markets and their 2027 outlook. TOMRA Mining’s Fernando Romero-Lage discusses sensor-based sorting and grinding efficiency, while Flottweg’s Steve Benyo explores pairing technologies with locations for effective mineral processing.

The MINE Australia supplement examines copper recovery from mining waste, technologies targeting lower energy and water consumption, and the forces reshaping Australia’s manganese sector.

Alejandro Gonzalez, Editor