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AI, wearables and automation reshape mine-safety programs
Mining Review Africa
Mining companies are expanding the use of artificial intelligence, connected sensors, wearable devices and automation to identify hazards earlier and reduce worker exposure. The technologies are moving safety programs toward real-time monitoring and predictive intervention.

$500 million federal grant redirected to Ohio coal-fired blast furnace upgrade
gasworld
A U.S. steelmaker is redirecting $500 million in federal funding originally intended for a hydrogen-ready transition toward upgrading an Ohio coal-fired blast furnace. The change represents a significant federal industrial-policy shift affecting steelmaking technology and coal demand.

TVA approval advances major Illinois coal-mining expansion
Sierra Club
The Tennessee Valley Authority has approved a transaction involving Illinois coal rights that could support decades of additional longwall mining. Environmental groups are challenging the decision, while the action signals continued institutional demand for regional coal supply.

American EcoFuels expands patent portfolio for coal-to-liquids technology
Yahoo Finance
American EcoFuels has begun a second phase of patent development covering gas-to-liquids and coal-to-liquids platforms. The company says the program could include hundreds of additional filings tied to conversion processes and related industrial applications.

U.S. carbon-capture developer raises another $18 million
Carbon Pulse
A U.S. carbon-capture company has secured an additional $18 million in Series A financing, bringing its total capital raised to approximately $50 million. The funding will support continued development and commercialization of its capture technology.

China reports sevenfold value increase from coal-to-liquids production
South China Morning Post
China’s largest coal-to-liquids operation is producing fuels, specialty lubricants and other higher-value products from coal. A new report says the conversion chain can increase the raw material’s economic value by approximately 700 percent.

New coal-mine openings fall to decade low while project pipeline remains large
oEnergetice
New coal-mine capacity entering operation has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, according to Global Energy Monitor data. A substantial pipeline remains under development, concentrated largely in China and India.

South Africa considers stronger penalties for mine-safety violations
East Coast Radio
South African lawmakers are considering amendments that would strengthen penalties for violations of mine-health and safety requirements. The proposal is intended to improve accountability and reinforce protections across the country’s mining sector.