EACON Mining Technology has validated an autonomous haulage capability at Zijinshan copper-gold mine that keeps trucks running driverless through extended tunnel sections where GNSS/RTK positioning and network connectivity drop out. The system uses on-board perception and localisation to operate without full dependence on conventional high-definition maps, targeting long underground or covered haul segments rather than short blind spots. For mine planners and automation teams, this points to AHS designs that can tolerate sustained signal loss in complex pit–portal–tunnel layouts.

Sandvik will supply a 27-unit underground fleet to Orken LLP, the iron ore division of Qarmet JSC, to mechanise development at the Atasu operation in the Western Karazhal mine, Kazakhstan. The package includes 13 Toro TH430 trucks and five Toro LH410 loaders, shifting the mine from manual development headings to fully mechanised haulage and loading. The move signals higher development advance rates and more consistent ground support installation, with implications for ventilation design, traffic management and maintenance planning in existing drifts.

Northern Star Resources has rejected a confidential all‑scrip takeover proposal from Gold Fields that valued the ASX‑listed gold producer at about $38 billion and sought 100 per cent of its fully paid ordinary shares. The board said the offer failed to reflect the “fundamental value” of its asset base, including its 50 per cent interest in the KCGM Super Pit in Kalgoorlie and other tier‑one Australian operations. The move signals continued confidence in Northern Star’s standalone growth pipeline and may delay further consolidation in the WA gold sector.