Skillings Mining Review August 2020: The mining industry entered August 2020 under the shadow of a pandemic that reshaped global supply chains, commodity markets, and workplace safety. At the heart of this issue is our cover story: new research suggesting that mines have contributed to the spread of Covid-19. The implications are profound, raising questions of responsibility, regulation, and resilience in an industry already under intense scrutiny.
From the Democratic Republic of Congo to Minnesota, we track how operations are adapting — balancing the urgent need to maintain production with the equally urgent duty to protect workers and communities. Silver production was hit harder than gold as shutdowns rippled across global supply chains, while rising iron ore prices provided a rare fiscal lifeline for Western Australia. In the United States, coal’s decline continued to erode political and financial foundations, while Barrick secured new approvals in Tanzania, reflecting the push-pull of geopolitics and resource demand.
This month’s Skillings Mining Review also takes a closer look at sustainability in metals recovery, the vital role of seals in ore processing, and the union challenges brewing in Chile’s copper sector. On the equipment side, innovation remains relentless, with Mining 4.0 training programs, new spray systems, and port solutions that are redefining mining’s operational future.
The global industry stands at a crossroads — between crisis and opportunity, contraction and reinvention. Our mission is to ensure professionals, analysts, and stakeholders have the insights needed to navigate this uncertain landscape.
