Four mining sector trends to watch in 2025

Four key trends that shaped the mining sector in 2024 – digital acceleration, the energy transition, a focus on responsible business and the growing involvement of government in the market – are expected to continue into 2025.

“These trends are cross-industry trends, but they are particularly relevant to the mining and metal sector,” Rebecca Campbell, partner at White & Case London tells Mining Technology.

And while all four trends are expected to continue next year, the biggest focus for the mining and metals industry will be on digitalisation.

Digital acceleration: trend to continue for mining in 2025

There is a significant push in mining to adopt digital technologies to improve efficiency in exploration and operations. This trend is expected to carry on into 2025.

“Newer technologies, particularly AI, are going to be the source of the next productivity step change in the sector,” says Campbell.

However, embracing this digital revolution is not simple for an industry as traditional as mining and challenges remain in adoption and regulation.

According to a survey conducted by GlobalData, Mining Technology’s parent company, earlier this year 81% of employees at major mines globally think that AI will noticeably impact their mine operations within the next decade. In addition, almost half anticipate an impact in the next one to five years.

However, AI’s lack of proven effectiveness remains the “primary obstacle” to investment in the mining sector.

Campbell says there are three main pillars needed for a “digital acceleration” in mining. First comes a mindset shift, followed by active integration of digital technologies, supported by more creative partnerships and collaborations.

The mining industry “needs to move away from its traditional, old-fashioned mindset” and be more open to adopting new technologies and digital solutions, Campbell says. However, there has already been a “shift”, particularly over the last couple of years, she reflects.

Strategic partnerships between the tech sector and mining companies will also be key to driving technological innovation in 2025 and beyond, according to Nick Crawford, Associate, Global M&A and Corporate at White & Case London.

Examples of such partnerships include the AI collaboration between Microsoft and BHP at the Escondida copper mine in Chile and the August 2023 deal between US Steel and Google Cloud to deploy MineMind, a generative AI-powered application at the largest iron ore mine in North America.

Energy transition in mining

The second trend that will continue in the mining sector in 2025 is the focus on energy transition.

The mining industry plays a key role in the energy transition, with its need to produce critical raw materials that are essential for renewables and batteries. This, according to Campbell, has helped improve the attractiveness of the mining and metals sector. In turn, it is helping to support a “generational shift” in the industry, which has been facing workforce and skills challenges.

The mining industry, which accounts for around 7% of emissions globally, is also working towards transitioning to net zero, although with varying timelines. Most companies aim to achieve the milestone by 2050, but others have faster-approaching targets.

Although Campbell says that the discussions at COP29 in Baku in November didn’t significantly shift the climate agenda, she points out “some amazing steps being taken in China to reduce the carbon intensity of certain supply chains in the mining and metal sector”.

However, while major mining companies increasingly see meeting emissions reduction targets as a key part of their mandate, more action is needed in the form of firmer government policy, regulation and incentives, says White & Case.

Trump’s return to the White House will also play a role in the pace of the energy transition, but it is still very much “wait and see”, according to Campbell.

Responsible business is smart business

Beyond the energy transition, there is a broader trend towards more responsible mining practices that will continue into 2025. Miners are focusing on minimising environmental impact and ensuring local communities benefit from mining activities.

Responsible mining was a key theme at the Resourcing Tomorrow conference in London, UK. Speaking at the event, Ross Beaty, chairman of Equinox Gold, highlighted carbon neutrality, natural capital, improved safety, and renewable energy, as key ESG focus areas.

“You look after your employees, communities and environment. If you do all of that, you have a good business and reputation, and you can prosper,” Beaty said.   

Mark Bristow, CEO of Barrick Gold, the world’s second-largest gold producer, also emphasised in his keynote address that “mining done responsibly is critical to building a better future for all”.

Growing government and Middle Eastern involvement in mining

In 2025, we can expect a trend towards an increased role for governments in mining and metals. This builds on the strategic joint ventures formed between private players and governments over the past few years.

“I think there are going to be more examples of those strategic partnerships in the market,” says Crawford – including those between “non-traditional” participants in the mining and metals sector.

“Governments can probably play a large role in helping facilitate those partnerships, whether it is through unlocking access to data, supporting the initiatives or through other means,” he adds.

Campbell also expects greater participation from Middle Eastern players in metals and mining, notably “sovereign wealth-backed forays” into the sector.

She points to Saudi Arabia’s objective to foster exploration in the kingdom as well as to build up mineral supply chains and processing hubs.

Campbell adds: “That’s being mirrored to varying degrees in other parts of the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] and so I would say, watch that space.

“There are debates about whether we might see a pullback in the amount of available capital from certain sovereign wealth funds in the GCC. But even if there is some pullback, I still see this as a very important and growing trend for the sector.”