The Mining Wrap

This week’s Mining Wrap covers African mining startups, heavy equipment technology, exploration investment, new mineral-processing projects and geological mapping initiatives, alongside developments in responsible mineral sourcing and critical minerals policy.

UNDP’s timbuktoo MineTech Hub Applications Close Today

The United Nations Development Programme’s timbuktoo MineTech Hub is closing applications today, 16 October, for its pre-incubation programme supporting mining and mineral exploration innovators from Botswana, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The 10-week programme helps students, researchers, engineers and early-stage entrepreneurs validate their ideas, develop prototypes and access technical expertise. It targets technology solutions for mining and exploration, with participants also having the opportunity to compete for seed funding.

Mining Development And Operations

Steenkampskraal Launches First Phase of Monazite

Concentrate Plant

South Africa’s Steenkampskraal Monazite Mine launched Phase 1 of its commercial monazite concentrate plant on 14 October. The Industrial Development Corporation fully funded the project phase, advancing plans to process monazite, a mineral associated with rare earth elements.

The next milestones include commissioning, production capacity and plans for downstream processing as South Africa develops its rare earth mineral supply chain.

Ethiopia Opens $50 Million Gold Refinery to Boost Regional Processing

Ethiopia has launched a $50 million gold refinery majority-owned by state investment firm Ethiopian Investment Holdings. The facility will provide gold melting, testing, refining, casting and bar-minting services, with plans to process gold from Ethiopia and neighbouring countries. The project aims to expand domestic processing and position Ethiopia as a regional precious-metals hub, creating opportunities for refining technology, testing equipment and mineral traceability services.

Guinea Targets Five Alumina Refineries by 2030

Guinea has set a target of five alumina refineries operating by 2030, with three reportedly under construction. The plan supports efforts to process more of the country’s bauxite locally instead of exporting raw material.

The expansion could create demand for industrial equipment, process automation, power infrastructure and engineering services. Project ownership, investment values and commissioning schedules remain important details to establish.

Mining Policy And Exploration Investment

Africa Finance Corporation Plans Mineral Exploration

Investment Vehicle

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) announced plans to establish a dedicated exploration development investment company within the next 12 months. The proposed vehicle aims to address Africa’s exploration funding gap and support the identification and development of new mineral reserves.

Announced during African Mining Week in Cape Town on 14 October, the initiative could create opportunities for geological surveying, remote sensing, drilling services and exploration technology companies. The investment vehicle’s final structure and investment criteria have yet to be confirmed.

Mali Establishes Geology Research Agency to Expand Gold

Exploration

Mali has established a state-owned geology research and development agency to identify exploration targets, increase mineral reserves and support gold production. Mali Chamber of Mines president Fousseni Tougela announced the development during African Mining Week on 15 October.

The country also reported 21 exploration permits announced between August and September 2026. The new agency could expand demand for geological mapping, geophysical surveys and mineral-resource data services as Mali develops its exploration pipeline.

DRC Presents 64 Exploration Zones to Potential Investors

The Democratic Republic of Congo presented 64 exploration zones and a geological mapping initiative during a US–Africa roundtable at African Mining Week on 15 October.

The presentation placed geological information and potential mineral opportunities at the centre of discussions with US and regional financial institutions. The zones could attract exploration companies and technology providers, although their individual locations, mineral composition and subsequent investment or tender arrangements require further clarification.

Heavy Mobile Equipment And OEMs

Zoomlion Reports 57% Growth in Mining Machinery Revenue

Chinese equipment manufacturer Zoomlion reported a 57% year-on-year increase in mining machinery revenue for the first half of 2026.

Its portfolio includes the 400-tonne ZE4000G mining excavator and the ZTE520 hybrid electric-drive mining truck, which has a reported payload capacity of 300 tonnes. The company has also reported growth in international business, including Africa.

The results highlight competition among heavy equipment manufacturers developing large-scale, hybrid and electric-drive machinery. Specific African fleet orders or new distributor agreements were not established in the available reporting.

Epiroc Upgrades Scooptram ST10 P Underground Loader

The upgrade is relevant to underground gold, platinum and copper mines seeking to improve loading productivity and reduce workers’ exposure to hazardous operating conditions.

Zambia’s Chambishi Mine Advances Underground Excavation

with Tunnel-Boring Machine

China Railway Construction Heavy Industry and China Metallurgical Corporation 15 jointly developed the China Nonferrous Metals No. 2 tunnel-boring machine for NFCA’s Chambishi copper mine in Zambia.

During trial excavation between 26 August and 25 September, the machine advanced more than 422.4 metres in a month, reaching a reported maximum of 42.2 metres in a single day. The machine was adapted for hard-rock excavation, high underground temperatures and the mine’s operating conditions.

The deployment highlights the role of specialised mechanised excavation in improving development rates at underground copper mines.

PROK Opens Conveyor-Component Manufacturing Facility in

Gauteng

PROK South Africa has started operations at a new conveyor idler manufacturing facility in Roodepoort, Gauteng. The facility will manufacture steel, rubber-disc and composite conveyor rollers, along with related components and accessories.

The company expects the facility to employ 30–60 people once fully operational. Local production is intended to bring conveyor components closer to South African mining customers, reduce reliance on imports and improve access to maintenance supplies.

Strategic Deals And Investment

ESG And Responsible Mineral Sourcing

Rand Refinery Highlights African Gold Sourcing And

Traceability

South Africa’s Rand Refinery said it sources half of its gold from across Africa and is expanding its traceability efforts. The company discussed regional gold supply and mineral-origin verification during African Mining Week on 15 October.

Traceability systems and digital supply-chain records can help producers, refiners and traders verify mineral origins and assess responsible-sourcing risks. The announcement did not identify a new technology contract or specific traceability partnership.

African Mining Week Highlights Infrastructure Requirements for Mineral Processing

Mining and finance leaders at African Mining Week on 14 October identified reliable electricity, transport infrastructure and regional coordination as key requirements for expanding mineral processing.

The discussions focused on increasing local refining and downstream industrial activity instead of relying on raw-mineral exports. For mining operators, processing projects will depend on coordinated investment in power supply, transport networks and supporting infrastructure.