News of mining

Cheap electricity a boon for bitcoin mining in cash-strapped Venezuela

01-09-2021 12:55 In crisis-stricken Venezuela, crypto mining presents an economic opportunity for a lucky few, made possible by one of the world's lowest electricity prices.

Illegal mining on Brazil indigenous land up 500% in a decade

30-08-2021 21:53 Illegal mining expanded by nearly 500% on protected indigenous reservations in Brazil in a decade, and by more than 300% on protected park lands, according to a new study.

Crypto mining booms on cheap, subsidised energy in Argentina

31-05-2021 10:41 Bitcoin miners are capitalising on the inefficiencies of the country’s interventionist economy to reap outsize returns, fuelled by memories of currency busts and powered by government-subsidised electricity.

Billionaire miner ready to bet on Argentina as Chile risk grows

19-05-2021 14:12 In a sign of South America’s shifting political winds, a billionaire mining clan is holding off on new investments in Chile because of country risk while looking to move forward with a huge spend in Argentina.

China's appetite for copper provides Chile with opportunity

26-02-2021 13:08 With the price of copper reaching a 10-year high thanks in no small part to China's insatiable appetite, Chile faces a "unique" opportunity, according to experts.

Argentina eyes lithium expansion, but hurdles may dampen ambitions

12-12-2020 08:48 Government sees lithium mining as a significant source of revenue in coming years, with officials hoping to boost production from 40,000 to more than 230,000 tons a year by 2022. Experts, however, warn that challenges lie ahead.

by Fermin Koop

Coronavirus halts lithium expansion in Argentina and Chile

23-05-2020 10:10 Projects under development halted and significant investments cancelled, as impact of Covid-19 pandemic begins to hit home.

by Fermin Koop

Argentina eager to boost lithium production, says official

24-01-2020 13:41 The government is determined to boost lithium and copper production, says mining secretary in Washington

Tensions rise in Mendoza as protesters reject modifications to mining law

23-12-2019 16:49 Demonstrators take to streets after lawmakers in famed wine-producing province adjust legislation to smooth way for mining projects. Critics charge it will weaken water protections.

Meet the Zimbabweans who remove mines on the Malvinas

30-10-2019 07:00 Years after mines were planted on the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands, Zimbabwean experts are working to safely extract the explosives and keep the local population safe.