The Skillings Mining Review January 2021 issue of begins the year with a forward-looking cover story: How Robots Are Revolutionizing Mining. Automation and robotics are transforming every stage of mining operations—from drilling and blasting to haulage and plant optimization—delivering improved safety, efficiency, and cost savings. This feature examines the latest breakthroughs and how companies are adapting to a new age of mining technology.
In the Americas, Newmont successfully completes work at its Musselwhite gold mine despite the challenges of COVID-19, while Kerr Mines and Star Royalties strike a £13.6 million streaming deal. Nova gains rights to royalties linked to Antofagasta’s Twin Metals project, and analysts spotlight three stocks on the rise. Policy issues also dominate: Minnesota voters reaffirm the importance of protecting the Boundary Waters, DNR and Mesabi Metallics push for lease changes, and U.S. coking coal markets stabilize under the Biden administration.
The section also highlights shifts in corporate and regional dynamics: Caterpillar faces scrutiny, sand mines close after years of boom, and a new solar-to-battery storage system is planned in Grand Rapids. Nominations for the 2021 Peter Munk and Eira Thomas Awards remind us of the people driving the industry forward.
In Equipment, innovation takes center stage with the launch of an industry-first jumbo and bolter on a common platform, Rockwell Automation’s new distributed control system (DCS) for plant operations, and the pandemic’s toll on drilling contractors.
The Global section captures pressing developments: China launches coal safety checks, Perth strengthens its position as a mining finance hub, and South Africa weighs opportunities to rebuild its mining industry. Meanwhile, demand for iron ore fuels the reopening of mothballed Northern Territory mines in Australia, while rare earth researchers stress that environmentally safe mining is possible. The evaporation of coal finance amid net-zero pledges, combined with investor pressure on Adani’s Australian mine, underscores the shifting funding landscape.
Finally, our Statistics section provides key production data, with November 2020 crude steel output and the announcement of finalists for World Steel’s Steel Challenge-15.
Skillings Mining Review January 2021 sets the tone for the year ahead: a mining industry at the crossroads of technological disruption, environmental accountability, and renewed market momentum—with robotics leading the revolution.
