November 2025: A Summary of Key Developments in the Global Mining Industry
Critical Minerals, Geopolitics & Corporate Strategy
November was a month of significant geopolitical shifts and corporate maneuvering that will reshape the mining landscape for years to come. The dominant theme was the unexpected de-escalation of the critical minerals trade war between China and the West, alongside high-stakes M&A drama.
🌍 Geopolitics: A Strategic Pause in the Critical Minerals Trade War
After months of escalating tensions, China executed a major policy reversal, temporarily suspending its strict export controls on key critical minerals to the United States.
- China Suspends Export Ban: On November 9, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced a temporary suspension of its export ban on gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials to the U.S. This suspension, effective until November 2026, allows these materials to flow commercially to U.S. markets after nearly a year of restrictions. Analysts view this as a strategic recalibration in response to Western supply chain diversification efforts.
- UK’s New Strategy: The UK government launched a new Critical Minerals Strategy, backed by up to £50 million in funding. The ambitious goal is to produce 10% of the UK's mineral needs domestically and 20% through recycling by 2035, reducing overreliance on foreign imports.
💰 Corporate Strategy & Finance: M&A Drama and Strategic Pivots
The corporate sector saw intense activity, with a mega-merger hanging in the balance and major players adjusting their long-term strategies.
- BHP Walks Away ( Again): In a dramatic turn, BHP reportedly renewed its interest in acquiring Anglo American in late November, only to formally withdraw days later. This move clears a major obstacle for the proposed $60 billion "merger of equals" between Anglo American and Teck Resources, with shareholders set to vote on December 9.
- Mubadala & Trafigura Divestment: In a landmark $5 billion deal, Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Capital and Trafigura Group are finalizing the sale of their Brazilian iron ore assets, including a major port terminal and mining project. The move signals a strategic shift, with Mubadala planning to reallocate proceeds toward green energy initiatives.
- Vale's Strategic Update: Ahead of its annual investor day, Vale outlined its strategic plan, emphasizing responsible mine closure and long-term environmental sustainability, particularly for its operations in Indonesia.
Operational Performance, Technology & Safety
Beyond the boardroom, the industry continues to focus on operational improvements through digitalization, new technologies, and a renewed commitment to safety.
🚀 New Technology & Digitalization: AI Takes Center Stage
November saw a wave of partnerships aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into every aspect of the mining value chain, from geological surveys to financial asset management.
- AI-Powered Mine Planning: Mining software leader Datamine announced a strategic partnership with Aereo, an AI-drone platform. The collaboration will integrate high-fidelity aerial survey data directly into mine planning software, enabling real-time "plan-versus-actual" reconciliation to improve efficiency and safety.
- Digitizing Real-World Assets: In a pioneering move, Datavault AI signed a $7 million deal with Tanzania-based MTB Mining to digitize mineral reserves. The project aims to create verified digital assets for in-ground copper and gold reserves, potentially allowing them to be traded on a blockchain-based exchange before extraction.
👷 Safety: A Somber Month
Improving safety remains a critical challenge for the industry, a fact tragically underscored by multiple fatalities reported in November.
- US Fatalities: The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported three fatalities in November 2025:
- Nov 6: A powered haulage accident at an underground coal mine in West Virginia.
- Nov 8: An inundation incident at another underground coal mine in West Virginia, where a foreman was credited with saving his crew before perishing.
- Nov 22: A material handling accident at a surface salt plant in New Mexico.
- Source: Fatality Reports | Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) & MSHA releases preliminary report in death of coal miner - WV MetroNews
- Abandoned Mine Dangers: A tragic accident in Colorado, where a hiker fell to her death in an abandoned mine shaft, highlighted the ongoing public safety hazard posed by the estimated 500,000 abandoned mines across the U.S.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Information is based on publicly available sources as of late November/early December 2025.
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