Summary
The global mining sector is undergoing pivotal structural shifts. Glencore is exploring an exit from its DRC copper-cobalt operation amid political and pricing pressures. BHP is preparing a leadership transition as part of its strategic evolution. Meanwhile, copper demand continues to rise sharply due to AI infrastructure, defense buildup, and grid expansion. Public resistance in Ecuador has halted key mining activity, highlighting growing environmental tensions. These developments underscore the interconnected pressures reshaping global mining, resource security, and ESG alignment.
Key Points
Glencore in Talks to Exit Kamoto (DRC)
Glencore is considering the sale of its 75% stake in Kamoto Copper Company. Buyers may include Rio Tinto or Orion Resource Partners. The move reflects a strategic shift away from high-risk cobalt assets.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/glencore-talks-sell-stake-kamoto-copper-co-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-09-19/BHP Prepares Executive Transition Amid Strategic Shifts
BHP is planning a CEO change as it aligns with evolving ESG demands and global resource policy. New leadership is expected to refocus the company’s strategic objectives.
https://www.ft.com/content/7b797da7-6deb-49b2-8c4c-c4608a200499“World Is Crazy for Copper” — Global Demand Rising
Copper demand is accelerating due to AI data centers, defense contracts, and electric grid expansion. Vedanta’s chair emphasized the growing strategic relevance of copper.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/world-is-crazy-for-copper-anil-agarwal-flags-soaring-demand-cites-ai-and-defence-needs/articleshow/123967236.cmsLoma Larga Mine Halted by Protests (Ecuador)
Tens of thousands protested Dundee’s gold-copper project in Azuay province. Water source concerns and local opposition have frozen the project despite prior approvals.
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/tens-thousands-protest-dundees-ecuador-mine-project-near-key-water-reserve-2025-09-16/
Why It Matters
DRC Exit May Reshape Cobalt Supply
Glencore’s withdrawal could shift cobalt access and pricing across the entire battery metals landscape.Leadership Change Signals Strategic Repositioning
BHP’s transition reflects institutional pressure to rebalance profit, policy, and ESG performance in major portfolios.Copper’s Central Role in Strategic Infrastructure
AI, defense, and energy transitions are all copper-intensive. Supply will define the success of industrial policy and national resilience.Social Risk Now a Central Variable in Project Viability
Ecuador’s protests illustrate how local resistance can override environmental approvals and halt critical resource projects.
Watchlist Companies & Entities
Glencore plc
Global diversified miner evaluating exit from Kamoto Copper Company in the DRC.
https://www.glencore.com
BHP Group
Global mining major preparing executive transition aligned with ESG and portfolio strategy.
https://www.bhp.com
Vedanta Ltd.
India-based multinational focused on copper expansion and downstream energy-critical metals.
https://www.vedantalimited.com
Dundee Precious Metals (DPM)
Operator of the Loma Larga project in Ecuador, now paused due to local opposition.
https://www.dundeeprecious.com
Critical Minerals Spotlight
Copper – Essential for AI hardware, data centers, defense applications, and electrical infrastructure.
Cobalt – Still a key input for EV batteries and grid-scale storage, despite pricing volatility and geopolitical risk.
Action Points
Monitor Glencore’s sale terms for Kamoto and implications for DRC-based cobalt extraction.
Track BHP’s incoming executive direction for signals on energy transition metals.
Model copper demand curves under aggressive grid and AI scenarios.
Evaluate social license risk in Latin America and its impact on mining timelines.
This briefing is for informational purposes only and is not legal, investment, or policy advice. Information is believed accurate at time of publication. Sources are publicly available.