Loadquip has completed factory acceptance testing of a 1,500 t/h salt harvester for BCI Minerals’ Mardie Salt Operation on Western Australia’s Pilbara coast, clearing the unit for transport after finalising works on the tractor module. The harvester is designed for large-scale pond operations typical of solar salt fields, where consistent high-throughput mechanical recovery is critical to meeting evaporation-pond production schedules. For mining engineers, the milestone signals imminent on-site commissioning and integration with Mardie’s materials handling chain, including conveyors, stockpiles and shiploading.

Komatsu has strengthened its partnership with the Atlassian Williams Formula One team through a visit by F1 driver Carlos Sainz to its Sydney facility, reinforcing the OEM’s branding push in Australia’s civil and mining equipment markets. With more than 60 years of continuous Australian operations, Komatsu is using the alliance to showcase its heavy earthmoving and construction machinery directly to contractors and fleet customers. The move signals continued investment in local support, parts and service capability for high-utilisation plant on major infrastructure projects.

Andrew Neilson, who has led Weir Group’s strategy and sustainability functions for much of the past 15 years, is set to become the company’s next chief executive, signalling continuity in its push on tailings and process efficiency technologies. Weir has been promoting alternatives to conventional wet tailings, including higher-density and filtered tailings solutions integrated with its slurry pumps and dewatering equipment. For mine operators, the leadership change suggests ongoing investment in tailings management systems and wear-resistant process equipment rather than a pivot away from these core technical offerings.