Skillings Mining Review July 2020: July 2020 highlighted both resilience and strain across the global mining industry as markets began showing signs of recovery, while Covid-19 continued to reshape operations. In the Americas, Brazil’s Vale secured a preliminary license to expand its Serra Leste iron ore mine, reflecting confidence in long-term demand. Commodity prices supported this optimism, with gold and iron ore both rising strongly alongside copper, as global economic recovery appeared faster than expected. Yet, miners themselves struggled with workforce and financial pressures, showing that rising prices did not automatically translate to stability.
In the U.S., northeastern Minnesota iron ore plants were among the beneficiaries of Minnesota Power’s refund, while U.S. Steel locked in a long-term supply deal with Algoma Steel. Still, structural headwinds persisted: Trump’s pro-coal campaign clashed with an industry slump, and idled operations forced local Range businesses to search for ways to “stay afloat.” On the innovation front, Australia and partners moved to test biomass as a replacement for coal in smelting, while AusIMM and Cahoot launched a Mining 4.0 Academy to upskill the sector.
The equipment sector advanced rapidly with digital and automation solutions. Metso launched a free 3D online plant configurator, SANY introduced larger excavator models, and Axora created a smart mining resource center to aid pandemic recovery. Cutting-edge developments included autonomous robotic refueling systems, 5G-enabled mining safety solutions, and Tesla’s deployment of heavy machinery at its Berlin Gigafactory site.
Globally, policy shifts and safety concerns dominated headlines. In Europe, Poland accelerated its coal phase-out, while Greens sought parliamentary approval for broader bans. India’s Coal India moved to outsource underground mining, while in South Africa, Sibanye-Stillwater pledged worker-first priorities during the pandemic. In Australia, AngloAmerican faced scrutiny over safety lapses at Grosvenor, while OZ Minerals secured copper export pathways through Whyalla Port. Meanwhile, Inmarsat introduced tailings dam monitoring solutions, and an international study confirmed mines as hotspots for Covid-19 transmission—a sobering reminder of the pandemic’s risks.
The statistics of the month underscored the stakes. May 2020 crude steel production remained subdued, while the Worldsteel Short Range Outlook (June 2020) provided cautious optimism, forecasting gradual recovery through 2021 as supply and demand imbalances stabilized.
The July 2020 edition captures mining at a pivotal juncture: navigating pandemic-driven challenges, accelerating digital innovation, and facing policy shifts that will define the industry’s long-term sustainability.
