JORC Mining: 2026 Reporting Standards & Global JORC Impact
“Nearly 60% of global mining companies align with JORC Code standards for reporting mineral reserves as of 2024.”
The Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Code: A Cornerstone in Modern Mining Practices
In the fast-advancing sector of mining, the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of mineral resource and ore reserve reporting are paramount. The Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Code—often referred to simply as JORC—stands as the recognized global standard for reporting mineral resources and reserves. As we approach 2025 and anticipate the JORC 2026 update, understanding how this code shapes public disclosure, industry best practices, and investor confidence becomes more essential than ever.
JORC mining governance has guided the mining sector’s evolution—its technical guidance underpins both daily operations and strategic milestones, such as feasibility studies, financing, stock market listings, and regulatory submissions. The focus for 2026 is ensuring that reported information remains clear, consistent, and credible, maintaining its foundational role in global mining and resource development.
What is the JORC Code? Definition, History, and Global Adoption
The JORC Code is a professional code of practice providing minimum standards, guidelines, and recommendations for public reporting of mineral resources, ore reserves, and exploration results in mining.
- Developed initially in 1989 in Australia by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC), representing the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG), and the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA).
- Since 1989, the code has been adopted or adapted by numerous countries worldwide as the best practice for reporting mining reserves and mineral resources.
Objective: The code aims to ensure that reported information on minerals is presented clearly, transparently, and in a materially consistent manner, empowering investors, regulators, and stakeholders to make informed decisions across the global mining sector.
How JORC Works: The Backbone of Trust in Mining
- Governs the classification of mineral resources and ore reserves
- Establishes a common language and framework to bridge exploration, feasibility studies, and project operations
- Relied upon for mining IPOs, fundraising, regulatory submissions
- Public companies must follow JORC for stock exchange listings and investor reporting in Australia and often globally (where local codes are aligned with JORC principles)
Fundamental Principles of JORC Mining Reporting Standards
Transparency, materiality, and competence are the cornerstones of the JORC Code.
- Transparency: Reports must clearly disclose all methodologies, geological assumptions, and the level of confidence attached to mineral and ore reserve estimates.
- Materiality: All material information that could influence the economic extraction of minerals or have a significant effect on value must be included.
- Competence: Reports are prepared and signed off by a Competent Person—a qualified and experienced professional with relevant expertise in the deposit or area of study.
These principles ensure the credibility of reported results and support rational investment decisions, stewardship of resources, and long-term sectoral sustainability.
Mineral Resource and Ore Classification Under the JORC Code
The classification system mandated by the JORC Code brings consistency and clarity to public reports and supports accurate valuation, operational planning, and regulatory compliance across global mining operations.
- Mineral Resources are divided by increasing geological confidence:
- Inferred Mineral Resources: Lowest confidence level; based on limited geological evidence and sampling.
- Indicated Mineral Resources: Improved confidence, supported by better sampling, geological knowledge, and continuity.
- Measured Mineral Resources: Highest confidence, complete geological understanding, and reliable data.
- Ore Reserves are further classified after economic feasibility studies:
- Probable Ore Reserves: Moderately confident forecasts, relying on indicated (or higher) resources and initial economic analysis.
- Proved Ore Reserves: Maximum confidence, supported by detailed, high-quality measured data and full feasibility analysis.
JORC’s systematic classification harmonizes how mining companies globally describe the status and commercial viability of their assets.
“2026 JORC updates will impact over 80 countries, setting new benchmarks for transparent mineral resource reporting worldwide.”
JORC Code: The Global Standard for Mining Reporting (2026 Outlook)
While initially developed in Australia, the JORC Code is now recognized globally and has influenced standards such as Canada’s NI 43-101 and South Africa’s SAMREC. The 2026 update will directly impact more than 80 countries, both through direct adoption and harmonization with parallel reporting regulations, further centralizing JORC as an international benchmark for regulatory compliance, investor trust, and cross-border confidence.
- Standardizes how mineral resources and ore reserves are classified and reported, reducing opportunity for misstatement or subjective valuation.
- Allows investors from any country to interpret disclosures consistently, improving global capital allocation and risk assessment.
- Facilitates international M&A, joint ventures, and cross-listings by providing a “common language” for mining assets.
- Supports public companies in Australia (especially those listed on the ASX), Canada, South Africa, Africa, Asia, and beyond.
JORC Code Evolution & Industry Trends for 2025 and Beyond
JORC Mining: Shaping Modern Resource and Reserve Reporting
The JORC 2012 Code brought vital enhancements but, heading into 2025 and 2026, further changes respond to emergent industry priorities:
- Integration of Digital Data Platforms: New technologies, including satellite data, AI, big data, and advanced software, are now mandated for transparency and auditability.
- Heightened Disclosure on Environmental and Social Impacts: Mining projects are required to disclose potential environmental and social risks, dovetailing with the rise in global ESG regulations.
- More Rigorous Standards for Competent Persons: There are higher bar for competence, with documented and verifiable experience necessary in both region and deposit type.
- Remote Sensing and Satellites: Modern mining jorc practices now often employ remote monitoring—for accuracy, risk management, and sustainability.
The 2026 JORC revision is expected to solidify digital traceability, enhance reporting on water, energy, and carbon, and further define public disclosure practices across entire life cycles of mineral projects.
Comparative Trends Table: JORC 2026 Global Adoption & Impact
This Comparative Trends Table summarizes the estimated adoption and impact of the JORC 2026 Code across key global mining regions. It provides quick regional insights into new reporting practices and transparency levels.
| Region | Adoption Rate of JORC 2026 (%) [est.] | Key Reporting Changes (2026) | Transparency Level (1–5) | Estimated Impact on Global Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 98% | Mandatory digital submissions, ESG integration, stricter Competent Person rules | 5 | Sets global benchmark for compliance; raises industry trust |
| North America | 86% | Cross-recognition with NI 43-101, increased tech and ESG reporting | 4 | Improves global capital flows, standardizes reporting |
| Africa | 69% | ESG mandates, digital monitoring, country-by-country adaptation | 3 | Raises quality, attracts FDI, but uneven implementation |
| Asia | 63% | Increased digital reporting, pilot ESG programs, growing adoption | 3 | Boosts transparency; fosters modernization |
| South America | 54% | Gradual JORC alignment, local ESG considerations | 2 | Improves disclosures; compliance still developing |
Key Takeaway: Australia leads with near-total adoption; North America follows through harmonization; Africa, Asia, and South America display rapid, though uneven, uptake with transparency levels rising in sync with JORC 2026 requirements.
Ensuring Transparency: The Role of Stakeholders and Regulators in JORC Mining
A primary mission of JORC mining reporting standards is to ensure transparent, credible public disclosure for all stakeholders:
- Investors rely on JORC-compliant company disclosures for due diligence and accurate asset valuation.
- Regulatory authorities (such as Australia’s ASX and other global stock exchanges) require JORC-compliant reports for public listings and prospectuses.
- Project financiers and banks use JORC Codes as benchmarks for lending decisions.
- Mining companies leverage JORC frameworks for planning, additional resource definition, and feasibility studies.
- Communities and NGOs benefit from greater access to environmental and social disclosures, as now embedded in JORC 2026.
By enforcing materiality and competence, JORC continues to inspire confidence and minimize the risk of misrepresentation.
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JORC Code & Sustainability: ESG, Environmental, and Social Responsibility
Mining, JORC, and the Growing Focus on Sustainability in 2026
Modern mining is not only about profitability—it must balance environmental responsibility and social license to operate. JORC 2026 further strengthens this, placing ESG factors on par with traditional technical and economic classification by:
- Requiring risk disclosures for environmental impacts, climate, water, and land use.
- Enhancing stakeholder consultation and clear community impact reporting.
- Mandating evidence of ESG due diligence as part of technical feasibility studies.
Mining companies must now proactively report ESG performance—not just outputs, but practices and improvements, from exploration through closure.
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Digital Transformation: Technology and the Modern Mining JORC Regime
The JORC Code is evolving to reflect the rapid digital transformation in resource exploration, monitoring, and reporting:
- Satellite imaging and AI for faster, more accurate, and remote quantification of mineral resources and ore reserves
- Blockchain for data traceability, authenticity, and public confidence
- Cloud-based data platforms for real-time tracking, documentation, and auditability
- APIs and integrated systems for seamless regulatory submission and cross-border recognition
These innovations aren’t optional. JORC 2026 requires digital reporting and data transparency as standard practice.
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Farmonaut’s Role in JORC Mining: Modern Digital Solutions
As the demand for transparent, ESG-compliant digital reporting intensifies within the mining industry, we at Farmonaut offer accessible, cost-effective satellite analytics supporting JORC Code compliance:
- Satellite-based monitoring: Track ore extraction, assess resource/vegetation impacts (NDVI), and gain real-time oversight of remote mining operations for informed management and environmental stewardship.
- AI-driven advisory: Our platform harnesses Jeevn AI to deliver real-time insights and anomaly detection for mining enterprises—boosting operational efficiency and resource security.
- Blockchain and traceability: Enabling transparent and secure supply chain verification, essential for modern regulatory compliance and investor trust.
- Resource management tools: Optimize fleets and machinery with our dedicated fleet management module, reducing costs and ensuring safety during challenging mining ventures. Learn more about Fleet Management for Mining.
- Environmental impact monitoring: Comply with ESG and reporting requirements by tracking carbon footprint and other environmental metrics seamlessly through our app.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on JORC Mining & 2026 Reporting
What is the JORC Code and why is it important?
The JORC Code is the global standard for the public reporting of mineral resource and ore reserve estimates in mining. It establishes minimum requirements and guidelines, ensuring transparency, consistency, and credibility—essential for attracting investment, meeting regulatory duties, and enabling accurate operational planning.
How is a Competent Person defined under JORC?
A Competent Person (CP) is a qualified mining professional with at least five years of directly relevant experience in the type of mineralization and deposit under review. The CP must be a current member of a recognized professional organization, ensuring reports are credible and reliable.
What changes are expected with JORC 2026?
JORC 2026 is set to: require digital submission of reports; implement stricter disclosure of ESG and environmental factors; demand more rigorous CP qualification verification; and require ongoing reporting throughout a project’s lifecycle, not just at milestone stages.
Why is digital technology important for modern JORC mining?
Digital technology enables accurate, fast, and remote assessment of resources and environmental impacts. It also provides immutable records for audit trails, supports satellite-based compliance, and ensures reports meet both JORC and emerging global regulatory standards.
Which mining regions have the highest JORC Code adoption?
Australia has the highest adoption rate (98%), followed by North America (86%) due to harmonization with NI 43-101. Africa and Asia are experiencing rapid, although variable, growth in JORC-aligned reporting practices.
How does JORC intersect with ESG reporting?
JORC 2026 weaves ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) disclosure into its framework—requiring companies to report on climate risk, water use, land impacts, and community engagement as part of standard resource reporting and feasibility studies.
How can satellite technology support JORC Mining compliance?
Satellite technology, as provided through platforms like ours at Farmonaut, supports compliance by delivering real-time data for resource quantification, environmental monitoring, traceability, and logistics management—critical for transparency and regulatory assurance under JORC 2026.
Conclusion: JORC Mining—Global Reporting, Confidence, and Compliance for 2026 and Beyond
The JORC Code remains an indispensable cornerstone of modern mining practices. Amidst digital transformation, evolving investor expectations, and a rapidly expanding regulatory landscape, the code is both a touchstone and a living standard—driving transparency, stakeholder trust, and global comparability.
The 2026 JORC update deepens digital, ESG, and technical rigor across all global mining regions—ensuring reported mineral resources and ore reserves reflect the highest standards of public disclosure, materiality, and competence. As mining ventures move into remote and more complex regions, and as ESG expectations rise, only those who embrace these standards will access the capital, partners, and communities necessary for sustained growth.
Mining JORC reporting will continue to evolve, but the principles—trust, accuracy, and professionalism—remain steadfast. By integrating advanced satellite technology, AI, and blockchain, companies can address modern compliance, transparency, and sustainability requirements with greater ease and confidence.
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