Efficiency Now Top Driver for LATAM Mining Automation: NTT DATA
By Fernando Mares | Journalist & Industry Analyst -
Fri, 01/02/2026 - 09:09
Operational efficiency displaced cost reduction as the main incentive for Latin American miners when adopting automation solutions, according to a study by Japan-based NTT DATA and MIT Technology Review. In other news, the industrial demand for silver over the next five years is expected to be driven by the solar energy, automotive, and data center sectors, according to the Silver Institute’s data.
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Efficiency Drives Mining Automation Adoption in LATAM: NTT DATA
Operational efficiency has displaced cost reduction as the primary incentive for automation in Latin American mining, according to a study published by Japan-based IT company NTT DATA and MIT Technology Review in Spanish. However, the report warns that human and cultural barriers remain the main obstacles to the successful implementation of these initiatives in the region.
Goldgroup Acquires San Francisco Mine
Goldgroup Mining completed the acquisition of Molimentales del Noroeste, securing 100% ownership of the San Francisco Mine in Sonora. The company considers the acquisition as strategic, as it is close to its operating Cerro Prieto mine and its mineralization potential.
Tocvan Ventures Starts Trenching at Gran Pilar Pilot Mine
Tocvan Ventures commenced trenching and sampling operations for Pilot Mine feed at its Gran Pilar Project in Sonora. The company considers its technical features and its social licence poise it for growth in 2026.
The 2025 US National Security Strategy and Latin America’s Future
Adrián Juárez, CEO, CTA Consultoría y Tecnología Ambiental, notes that the 2025 US National Security Strategy redefines Latin America’s mineral resources as critical to countering Chinese influence under the "Donroe Doctrine." He argues this shift offers the region a unique leverage point to negotiate value-added investments and technology transfer, moving beyond simple raw material exports to become strategic partners in US industrial supply chains.
Metso Wins US$20.8 Million Order for La Caridad Mine
Finland-based Metso secured an order to deliver several Nordberg MP800 cone crushers to Grupo México, the country's largest copper producer. The equipment will be installed at the La Caridad copper mine concentrator plant in Nacozari, Sonora, with the primary objective of increasing the facility's processing capacity.
Global Gold Demand Hits Record Value in 3Q25
Total global gold demand, including Over-the-Counter (OTC) activity, increased by 3% year-over-year to reach 1,313t in 3Q25, the highest quarterly total on record for the data series reported by Goldhub. In value terms, demand rose 44% to a record US$146 billion. Year-to-date demand stands at 3,717t, a 1% increase compared to the previous year, with a total value of US$384 billion, up 41%.
Solar, EVs, Data Centers to Drive Silver Demand Through 2030
Global industrial demand for silver is projected to increase over the next five years, supported by the expansion of the solar energy, automotive, and data center sectors. According to a new report by Oxford Economics for the Silver Institute, these industries will drive consumption through 2030 as part of the energy transition and digital transformation.








