How artificial intelligence is driving the world’s largest mining megamerger

The suggestion that a merger between Rio and Glencore could retain the latter’s coal reserves says a lot about how the coal reserves have been given a glossy effect, thanks in part to the support of Donald Trump.

At least the fossil-friendly US president has extended the expiry date by years. How many years can only be guessed at.

The elimination of subsidies for green technologies has contributed significantly to shifting the electrification timeline, as has the complexity and effort of making energy networks reliable and adaptable.

But the transition to cleaner energy and the push towards net zero will continue – albeit with less commercial urgency.

However, Rio, which has previously held takeover talks with Glencore, is now under the control of a new chief executive, Simon Trott, who is not allowing the grass to grow under his feet.