Tungsten’s recent price spike, driven partly by defence-sector demand, is sharply increasing input costs for tungsten carbide drill bits that control development and production metres in both surface and underground mines. Sandvik, a major supplier of cemented carbide tools and top hammer and down-the-hole drilling systems, is being leaned on by miners to secure stable carbide supply and manage volatility in raw tungsten feedstock. The situation is likely to influence bit selection, drilling economics, and mine planning where high penetration rates and bit life are critical.

Sweden’s Land and Environmental Court has granted LKAB an environmental permit for continued and expanded iron ore mining at Malmberget in Gällivare, securing the regulatory basis for the 135‑year‑old underground operation. The decision enables LKAB to progress its long‑term transformation plans in the Gällivare industrial area, including higher production volumes and associated processing capacity linked to its transition towards fossil‑free iron ore products. Geotechnical and mine planners can now proceed with updated life‑of‑mine designs and ground control strategies under the new permit conditions.

Blockages in rigid 90° pipework carrying sulphuric-acid-treated mica slurry at Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour hard-rock lithium demonstration plant near St Austell have been resolved by replacing them with flexible Corroline+ hoses from Aflex Hose, part of Watson-Marlow. The PTFE-lined, corrosion-resistant hoses allow smoother routing and reduced sharp bends, cutting slurry build-up and unplanned downtime in the hydrometallurgical circuit. For process and plant engineers, the change points to simpler layouts, fewer fittings and easier maintenance in abrasive, acid leach slurry handling.