The global mining sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by rising demand for critical minerals essential to the energy and digital transitions, alongside growing pressure from investors, consumers and civil society for more sustainable and equitable practices.
At the same time, new technologies are being rapidly integrated into large-scale mining operations. These shifts are reshaping labour markets, supply chains and relationships with host communities, with far-reaching social and economic implications.
This report analyses patterns of technology adoption and their impacts, drawing on case studies from six large-scale mining operations across Australia, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea and South Africa.