Advanced thermal scanning combined with modern belt scanning is being deployed by Tru-Trac to detect hotspots, misalignment and structural defects on high-capacity mining conveyors before they escalate into catastrophic failures. David Pereira, Head of Sales, points to continuous infrared monitoring of idlers, pulleys and drive stations, integrated with belt rip and splice detection systems, to trigger early interventions rather than reactive shutdowns. For engineers, the key shift is moving condition monitoring from periodic manual inspections to automated, full-length conveyor health scans that can be trended and alarmed in real time.

Technology-led optimisation of comminution circuits can deliver immediate, material efficiency gains when applied with tight process control, argues JD Singleton, Comminution Director for EMEA at Weir. Singleton links precision deployment of tools such as high-pressure grinding rolls, advanced process control and real-time ore characterisation to lower specific energy consumption and reduced CO₂ per tonne milled. He stresses that disciplined implementation and continuous performance tracking are essential if mines are to meet carbon targets without escalating unit operating costs.

Eldorado Gold has produced first copper-gold concentrate from its wholly owned Skouries project in northern Greece, signalling the shift from construction to operational ramp-up at this long-delayed porphyry deposit. The company is targeting commercial production in the December quarter of 2026, with Skouries designed as a combined open-pit and underground operation using conventional crushing, grinding and flotation to generate a high-grade copper-gold concentrate. Early plant performance and de-bottlenecking over the next two years will be critical for validating throughput, recovery assumptions and tailings management strategies.