Sandfire MATSA has completed the first 100% surface-initiated underground blast at the Sotiel polymetallic mine in Calañas, Huelva, working with contractor Insersa and explosives specialist MAXAM. The blast was fully controlled from surface, removing personnel from the immediate firing area and validating remote initiation across the mine’s existing underground communications and blasting infrastructure. The move signals wider deployment potential for digitally controlled blasting sequences in complex Iberian Pyrite Belt orebodies where multiple headings and constrained access raise exposure risks.

Stantec has been appointed by Anglo American as an engineering and project delivery partner for feasibility study services on the Woodsmith polyhalite mine in North Yorkshire, focusing on hoisting systems, production shafts, bulk material handling, and underground infrastructure. The work will refine designs for deep shaft hoisting and high-capacity ore handling needed to move polyhalite from the underground workings to surface processing and export infrastructure. For geotechnical and mining engineers, the study phase will shape shaft lining, ground support, and underground logistics concepts ahead of any major restart in capital deployment.

Weir has secured a first-quarter 2026 contract to supply the primary crushing circuit for Brightstar Resources’ Laverton processing plant, part of the Goldfields gold project in Western Australia. The package includes Weir’s recently upgraded ENDURON ET series jaw crusher and ENDURON EC series cone crusher, covering both primary and secondary crushing duties. For plant designers and maintenance teams, the standardised OEM circuit simplifies integration with existing comminution flowsheets and future debottlenecking or throughput upgrades.