The mining industry is at a pivotal point for the global economy and the world's future. Driven by the growing demand for critical minerals for the energy transition, the quest to generate more sustainable practices and technological advances. Mining is radically transforming into more than just an economic driver, but rather a major factor in shaping people's everyday future. In this article we seek to explore the key trends, challenges and opportunities already in the spotlight that will shape mining in 2025.

Key Trends in Global Mining by 2025

1. Adoption of new technologies: The adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics is optimizing mining processes, increasing productivity and reducing risks. In recent years, from autonomous trucks to real-time monitoring systems, digitalization has become the backbone of modern mining.
2. Traceability of Mining Operations and Products: The demand for critical minerals and the need to guarantee transparency are driving the adoption of traceability systems that provide reliable information on the different processes associated with the commercialization of these minerals. Technologies such as traceability collect information from production, logistics, commercialization and marketing, ensuring information from origin to destination, preventing losses and generating data at all times.
3. Sustainability and Circular Economy: Mining is adopting more sustainable practices to minimize its environmental and social impact. Efficient water management, renewable energy and the circular economy are key priorities in the industry. This has been escalating into a real commitment by mining companies, which have begun to measure their emissions to become more efficient, based on the reduction of their carbon footprint.
4. New Exploration Frontiers: The search for new deposits, especially for critical minerals for the energy transition, is driving exploration in more challenging environments, such as deep water and remote areas. In this regard, strong exploration investments have been announced for 2025 to meet future demand.

Traceability in the Mining Supply Chain

A recent UN report established the need for traceability of critical minerals as a key element in preparing for global growth in demand. According to the report, the aim is to create a framework for global traceability, transparency and accountability along the entire minerals value chain, from mining to recycling. This implies that by the year 2025 we will see a strong need to implement traceable and secure systems throughout the mining production and value chain. By tracing minerals from their origin to the final product, companies can:

• Improve reputation: By implementing full traceability of the production and marketing chain, a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices can be demonstrated.
• Comply with regulations: Mining companies that have complete and centralized information on their operations are able to adapt more quickly to increasingly demanding international regulations.
• Increased transparency: By obtaining traceable information, it is possible to offer products with a transparent and responsible supply chain.
• Reduce risks: A mining product traced from the source, avoids the purchase of illegal minerals or in conflict zones that may infringe on human and/or labor rights.

Mining in 2025 will be a more sustainable, technological and transparent sector. Digitalization, sustainability, exploration of new frontiers and traceability will be the fundamental pillars of this transformation. Adapting to these changes is essential to take better advantage of the wave of energy transition.

At Antara we provide traceability solutions for mining 4.0. Contact us here and learn how we can prepare your operation for the future of the industry.