Schneider Electric is promoting a three-layer AI architecture for mines, combining connected devices, edge control and cloud-level applications to create “software-defined” operations that tightly link power and process. Intelligent field devices feed high-frequency data into automation systems, where edge controllers run real-time optimisation and protection, while cloud analytics coordinate fleet, plant and energy use across entire sites. The approach targets integrated control of electrified assets such as haulage, crushers and ventilation, with AI models adjusting load profiles and process setpoints to stabilise grids and reduce energy intensity.

Hitachi Energy, LKAB and Scania are developing an autonomous downward pantograph charging system for battery-electric haul trucks at LKAB’s Malmberget iron ore mine in northern Sweden. The solution will integrate Scania’s electric heavy-duty mining trucks with Hitachi Energy’s high-power charging infrastructure to allow automatic connection to overhead conductors without driver intervention. For mine planners and electrical engineers, this points to trolley-like, on-route charging concepts that could cut diesel use on ramp hauls and shift significant load onto grid-supplied power.

Metso has agreed to sell its roasting, sulphuric acid and gas cleaning solutions business to Italian technology and engineering group MAIRE S.p.A., which will integrate the assets into its Nextchem division. The portfolio includes process technologies for sulphuric acid plants and off-gas cleaning commonly used in copper, nickel and fertiliser operations, shifting these flowsheet-critical capabilities from a mining OEM to a downstream process specialist. For miners and metallurgical plant owners, future brownfield upgrades to acid plants and gas cleaning systems are likely to be engineered and serviced through MAIRE/Nextchem rather than Metso.