Last Caterpillar R2900G loader off the production line has been delivered to a long‑running Queensland silver‑lead mine fitted with RCT – Powered by Epiroc’s AutoNav multi‑machine automation system. The mine, which has used RCT control and automation on its underground LHD fleet for nearly 30 years, now runs AutoNav across its production loaders and added four new units last year. Fitting AutoNav to the final R2900G signals continued investment in autonomous tramming and centralised control rather than immediate wholesale fleet replacement.

A South African platinum mine expansion at Impala Platinum required upgraded refrigeration and ventilation, with BBE Projects contracting IWC (NEXT Cooling) to deliver additional cooling capacity for deeper, hotter workings. The engineered system is designed for continuous duty in harsh underground conditions, with robust materials and corrosion-resistant components to handle high dust loading, variable water quality and frequent power disturbances. For mine planners and ventilation engineers, the project signals growing emphasis on integrated cooling–ventilation design to sustain higher production rates without breaching thermal comfort and occupational exposure limits.

Whitehaven Coal produced 10.7Mt of managed run-of-mine coal in the June quarter, with Queensland operations rebounding after earlier weather-related disruptions to hit the top end of its 2025–26 guidance for both ROM output and coal sales. The strong quarter follows heavy rainfall and flooding that constrained production in the first half of the financial year, particularly in open-cut pits and haulage circuits. Consistent delivery against guidance despite climate-driven volatility will keep geotechnical and mine planners focused on pit dewatering capacity, haul road drainage and wet-weather operating envelopes.