Editorial comment
For many, spring brings the promise of brighter days and new beginnings. For the mining industry, however, this spring has brought with it an uncharacteristic sense of unrest.
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The world has recently been rocked by the implementation of new tariffs by President Donald Trump’s administration. The effects of these have reached beyond US markets, with many countries preparing for unprecedented turbulence as Trump attempts to bolster domestic production.
China, the world’s largest extractor of domestic materials,1 has been met with a 145% tariff on all goods imported to the US, while the tariff on lithium batteries specifically increased from 7.5% to 25%.2 Additionally, January 2026 will see a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports. These changes will inevitably disrupt essential mineral and metals supplies, raising costs and necessitating alternative sources. The volatility that the tariffs will instigate within the mining industry cannot be understated, and many companies are rethinking financing and project plans.
As part of its response to the new tariffs, China has placed export restrictions on rare earth elements, likely increasing US domestic production of rare earths long-term, but causing serious concern for key US industries (e.g. defence) in the present. Meanwhile, analysts have observed that Trump’s actions are decreasing the likelihood of a US mining boom in the near future3 – something that seemed very possible in the months leading up to his term – as the stock market experiences freefall and metal prices follow suit.
And it is not just China that is rethinking its relationship with the US. Just as spring encourages new growth in nature, so Trump is hopeful that Greenland will contribute to the blossoming of the US. The world’s largest island is home to a wealth of mining potential, including rare earth minerals that would benefit Trump’s agenda. However, despite pressure from the US government, Greenland has rejected any notion of joining the US, with the former prime minister insisting Greenland is not for sale.4
With the possibility of all this change, the mining industry feels as if it is in a state of limbo, holding its breath for the time being, waiting to see what the largest trade countries will do next.
But there is still life within the industry; despite all the uncertainty, the hopefulness that epitomises this time of year is not lost. Besides Trump, also springing into action are the innovators – those driving the mining industry towards safety and sustainability.
We are seeing an upward trajectory in environmental awareness, with many companies focussing on decarbonisation. In this issue of Global Mining Review, Cummins navigates the challenges and opportunities of emissions reduction in mining (p. 40), exploring how EU Stage V emission standards are in full effect, with hopes to significantly reduce NOx and PM emissions. Meanwhile, Eclipse Mining Technologies (p. 23), Orica Digital Solutions (p. 14), and Mine Vision Systems (p. 19) evaluate how new technologies and improved data management are increasing efficiency and optimising energy consumption within mining projects, as automation and AI enhance processes.
The future of the mining industry, and indeed that of industry in general, may have been thrown into uncertainty, but as the world keeps spinning, so must business… Technological innovations, environmental focalisation, and effective communication will help steady the mining industry as it navigates these new waters.
