Zimbabwe–China Dealmaking: VP Dr Constantino Chiwenga says Zimbabwe is ready to turn Chinese tech and investment into tangible projects, after tours of Beijing and Hebei science and smart-energy sites. Regional Mining Cooperation: Kazakhstan and Malawi discussed expanding trade and direct business links, with mining and agriculture flagged alongside digital public services and workforce training. Afghanistan Coal Output: Northern Afghanistan’s state Northern Coal Company reports coal extraction up 30% year-on-year to nearly 1,000 tons daily, with improved quality and more professionalized operations. Middle East Energy Risk: Trump blamed Iran for an attack that shut Saudi Arabia’s East–West oil pipeline, while Iraq says the strike was launched from its territory and dismissed a commander; the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb route risks keep rising. Critical Minerals Race: A push to build domestic mining and processing capacity for critical minerals faces a scale gap versus China, even as the U.S. backs new projects and testing grounds. EV Supply Chain: Wyloo reiterated Greater Sudbury as a key processing hub for nickel from its Ring of Fire Eagle’s Nest mine, aiming to support North America’s EV battery materials needs. Coal Sector Growth (India): SECL says it boosted coal output and dispatches sharply since 2014, with coal still central to India’s power generation. Illegal Mining Crackdown (Guyana): Guyana dismantled an illegal Potaro operation, detaining five non-nationals and seizing equipment including dredges, generators and metal detectors. Mining Tech & Green Transition (China): China’s 2026 mining conference showcased autonomous haulage and smart processing, including a Zimbabwe clean-energy-linked gold project. Sudbury Innovation Event: MICA Network will hold its Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator conference Oct. 27–29 at Cambrian College, focused on getting new mining tech adopted.