Editor’s take: Disrupting the global energy market
Two key events have recently taken place that disrupt the global energy market – one, the UAE officially left OPEC and the broader OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1, 2026, and two, a Chinese team has pioneered a path to turn carbon dioxide into jet fuel—a breakthrough arriving at a particularly opportune moment as jet fuel prices continue to surge. The UAE ended nearly 60 years of membership to pursue independent production goals, as it seeks to maximise its oil production capacity (up from 3 million to 4.8 million barrels/day) without being constrained by OPEC+ production quotas. The UAE holds significant spare capacity, previously acting as a key swing producer in the Middle East. Based on projected production rates, the UAE's oil reserves are expected to last for over 100 years. However, despite having substantial reserves, the UAE is pursuing a strategy beyond oil.
Lithium – the rise of Zimbabwe
The long-standing dominance of Chile and Australia – as the collective source of global lithium supply, used mainly in rechargeable batteries, including those of electric vehicles (EVs) – is being challenged by Zimbabwe. In just five years, Zimbabwe has grown its domestic lithium production rate from zero to 240ktpa, now almost 20% of global lithium supply.
Key local lithium operations include 90ktpa Bikita (bought 2022, China-owned Sinomine); 50ktpa Arcadia (Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt); 25ktpa Sabi Star Mine (Chengxin Lithium); 10ktpa Zvishavane (Zheli Lithium).
Key projects include >30ktpa Sandawana (state-owned Kuvimba Mining House; possibly from 2027) and >12ktpa Zulu lithium-tantalum (Premier African Minerals).
Nedbank unpacks dynamics influencing the mining sector
2026 is being defined by intense geopolitical tensions, while the mining industry is simultaneously navigating a “polycrisis” of operational complexity and surging demand for critical minerals. To unpack these dynamics, Modern Mining spoke with Nivaash Singh, Head of Mining & Critical Minerals, in a Q&A exploring investment appetite, project bankability and how lenders are assessing South African mining risk.
Huawei invests heavily in smart micro grid solutions
In a bid to decarbonise operations and reduce high energy costs, the mining industry is rapidly turning to renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, with over 18 000 MW of renewable projects planned or implemented, notably in Africa. For insight into the benefits of adopting micro-grid solutions, Modern Mining spoke to Joseph Yao, Vice President of digital power Business Unit, and the MD of Mining Micro-Grid and Renewable Business at Huawei.
Metso Lokotrack LT400J – designed for improved productivity and ease of use
Tailored to deliver improved productivity, safety and fuel efficiency, the Metso Lokotrack LT400J, recently launched in South Africa, is a true large-scale mobile jaw crusher equipped with the latest technology features to ensure ease of use. Modern Mining caught up with Charl Marais, Sales Manager at Pilot Crushtec, and Wayne Warren, Africa Sales Manager at Pilot Crushtec to unpack some of the key features of the Lokotrack LT400J.