MinEner Editor 
Rio Tinto is doubling down on its lithium ambitions in Chile. Just days after announcing a joint venture with Codelco for the Maricunga Salar project, the Chilean National Mining Company Enami confirmed that Rio Tinto has been selected as the operating partner for its Salares Altoandinos lithium project. Located in the Atacama Region, this project
U.S. officials fear Chinese-made solar components may contain hidden kill switches, threatening national energy security and grid resilience.
The U.S. turns to AI-powered deep-sea mining to secure critical minerals and counter China’s dominance, raising hopes—and concerns—about marine ecosystems.
China has launched the world’s largest fleet of driverless electric mining trucks at the Yimin mine in Inner Mongolia, aiming to boost efficiency and safety while reducing carbon emissions.
Rio Tinto’s Rincón de Litio becomes Argentina’s first mining project approved under the RIGI incentives. Backed by a $2.7B investment, it will produce 60,000 tons of lithium annually in Salta.
Engie Chile’s $310M Libélula project will deliver 350 MW of clean energy using solar panels and lithium-ion batteries. It’s also Latin America’s first hybrid solar plant with low-carbon steel components.
China Minmetals has secured international approval to begin deep-sea mining trials in the Pacific Ocean, marking a strategic milestone in China’s pursuit of critical minerals beneath international waters.
A Chilean congressional committee has recommended annulling the Codelco–SQM lithium partnership, citing lack of transparency, disproportionate profit distribution, and fiscal risks that could cost the state over US$11 billion. The decision intensifies scrutiny of Chile’s flagship lithium policy.
BRICS nations commit to fair, inclusive energy transitions and launch a 2025–2030 roadmap at their 10th ministerial meeting in Brasília.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the global mining industry—from predictive maintenance and geological modeling to safer operations and greener practices. Here’s how AI is unlocking value at every stage of the mining lifecycle.