Normet has opened a new Technology Center in Pirkkala, Finland, dedicated to research, development and testing of advanced underground mining technologies. The facility will act as a central hub for autonomy, robotics and mining-specific software development, supporting projects such as automated concrete spraying, mechanised scaling and digital fleet management. For mine operators and contractors, the centre signals faster deployment of field-tested solutions for harsh underground conditions, with a focus on improving safety-critical tasks and reducing manual exposure at the face.

Suppliers of haulage equipment, process control systems and specialist services are set to dominate the WA Mining Conference and Exhibition at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in October. Exhibitors will range from safety technology providers and conveyor specialists to drill and blast contractors, showcasing gear such as collision-avoidance systems, condition-monitoring sensors and high-capacity belt cleaners on the show floor. For site engineers and maintenance teams, the event offers direct access to OEMs and service firms critical to uptime, cost control and compliance on Western Australian operations.

The Mt Lyell copper–gold mine on Tasmania’s west coast has secured key approvals to restart after nearly 10 years in care and maintenance, with operator Sibanye-Stillwater planning to bring the historic underground operation back into production. The brownfields restart is expected to generate about 300 local jobs and re-establish Mt Lyell as a significant sulphide copper–gold producer in Australia. For geotechnical and mining teams, the approval signals renewed demand for underground rehabilitation, ground support upgrades and modernised tailings and water management on a legacy site.