High‑tech mining has embraced automation, AI‑driven haulage and remote operation centres, yet firms struggle to recruit young engineers. Despite the sector’s digital transformation, a perception gap and limited exposure in STEM pipelines keep talent scarce. Universities lag in offering curricula that match the data‑intensive, robotics‑focused skill set mining now demands. Companies are responding with targeted branding, apprenticeship schemes and partnerships to reshape the industry’s image and fill critical roles.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced its first major partnership in over a decade, teaming up with a leading AI‑driven drug discovery firm to co‑develop next‑generation therapies. The deal includes a $500 million upfront payment and shared milestones tied to clinical milestones. Simultaneously, the...
Fleet Space Technologies supplied a satellite‑based IoT network to Lundin Gold’s Fruta del Norte mine in Ecuador, enabling the company to map previously undetectable, or “blind,” mineral systems. The real‑time data stream allowed more precise drilling, cutting exploration costs by...
Caterpillar announced a strategic investment in a Serbian lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) battery manufacturer, earmarking a multi‑million‑dollar stake to bolster its energy storage capabilities. The move secures a domestic source of LFP cells for Caterpillar’s heavy‑equipment line, reducing reliance on Chinese suppliers....
French mining group Imerys announced that its British Lithium (IBL) project will be placed into “care and maintenance,” effectively pausing development. The decision comes as the UK seeks to build a domestic battery supply chain, and the move signals a...
The mining sector is moving toward fully autonomous operations, with 5G networks emerging as the backbone for real‑time worker‑machine collaboration. Newmont’s Cadia mine has deployed teleremote dozers that are controlled over a private 5G slice, delivering sub‑10 ms latency. Early performance...

The Queensland government announced a $15 million investment in Austral Resources Australia to refurbish the Rocklands sulphide processing plant, targeting a restart of copper production by 2027. The funding will support the plant's refurbishment and the company's copper vision.
PAMA has become the first open‑pit coal mine in Indonesia’s Kalimantan region to deploy full‑scale automation, integrating autonomous haul trucks, drill rigs and a remote‑operations centre. The rollout targets the mine’s most challenging terrain, from water‑logged tailings to steep embankments,...
Australian mining equipment firm Wilxpro has acquired Northern Ireland‑based autonomous mining equipment manufacturer Tribe Tech, which entered administration in January. The deal values the acquisition at £160,000 plus the assumption of debt, marking Wilxpro's expansion into autonomous drilling technology.

Mining giant BHP announced a major silver streaming deal, selling a portion of its silver production to Wheaton for $4.3 billion. The transaction comes as copper becomes BHP's primary revenue driver, boosting its half‑year earnings. The deal is expected to strengthen...
Swedish mining equipment maker Sandvik announced the acquisition of South African simulator provider ThroughTec, expanding its training and simulation capabilities for mining operations. The deal, reported on Feb. 12, 2026, adds a provider that also offers training services to Sandvik's...