Global Lithium Resources (GL1) is targeting the Port of Esperance as an export outlet for spodumene concentrate from its Manna lithium project east of Kalgoorlie, signing an agreement to progress port access and logistics planning. The move focuses on securing ship-loading capacity and integrating road haulage from the mine to Esperance, rather than railing via existing iron ore corridors. For geotechnical and civil contractors, the strategy points to future demand for heavy-haul road upgrades, stockpile pads and bulk-handling infrastructure along the Kalgoorlie–Esperance corridor.

Schlam is expanding its east coast footprint with a new Hunter Valley facility in Muswellbrook to service New South Wales coal and hard rock operations using its Hercules mining truck bodies. The site is positioned close to major open-cut mines in the Upper Hunter, reducing downtime for tray relines, structural repairs and wear package upgrades that previously required longer hauls to Queensland or WA workshops. For mine operators, local capacity for large-format fabrication and refurbishment supports higher truck availability and more responsive lifecycle management of ultra-class haul fleets.

Henkel is targeting unplanned shutdowns on slurry and process pipelines with a Loctite composite “pipe bandage” system designed for rapid, in-situ repair of worn or leaking steel lines. The wrap combines epoxy-based fillers with fibre reinforcement to restore wall thickness and hoop strength without hot work, allowing operators to avoid cutting out sections or mobilising welding crews in confined or hazardous areas. For maintenance engineers, the approach offers a way to extend pipe life and manage localised corrosion or abrasion within existing pressure and safety envelopes.