Alligator Energy has begun uranium extraction in the field leach trial at its Samphire in-situ recovery (ISR) project near Whyalla, South Australia, a key step towards proving commercial ISR performance in the Eyre Peninsula’s shallow sandstone aquifers. The trial will operate a closed-circuit lixiviant system through a dedicated wellfield to generate real-time data on uranium recovery, solution chemistry and groundwater behaviour under controlled drawdown. Results will drive final well spacing, pump sizing and process plant design, and feed into regulatory approvals for full-scale ISR mining.

Metso is reporting strong early uptake of its performance-based Life Cycle Services (LCS) contracts for slurry and process pumps, bundling condition monitoring, wear-part supply and remote performance management into multi-year agreements. The model shifts customers from ad hoc maintenance to guaranteed availability and efficiency targets, with Metso using installed sensors and analytics to optimise impeller, liner and seal replacement intervals. For mine operators, the approach concentrates risk and accountability with a single OEM, with potential to stabilise pump uptime on critical dewatering, tailings and mill-circuit duties.

WAMGROUP is expanding its Australian footprint, with WAM Australia opening a new facility showcased by managing director Alex Rebecchi to support local bulk solids handling for mining and quarrying. The global specialist, known for screw conveyors, dust collectors and rotary valves, is positioning the site as a hub for faster supply of wear parts and customised handling systems. For plant engineers, local stockholding and service should cut lead times on critical components and simplify upgrades to existing transfer points, bins and silos.