Sandvik Mining is expanding its Papua New Guinea footprint with larger service facilities, higher workshop and parts-handling capacity, and upgraded logistics to support major hard-rock operations such as Porgera and Lihir. The company, which has run a local entity in PNG for over five years, is adding in-country technical staff and training to support its underground loaders, TH trucks and rotary drill rigs under long-term maintenance and rebuild contracts. For mine operators, the move reduces reliance on offshore rebuild centres and shortens critical spares lead times.

The 2026 Women in Industry Awards has released its finalists list, recognising women leading operational, technical and executive roles across mining, manufacturing, transport, engineering and waste management. Finalists span disciplines from mine planning and drill-and-blast optimisation to process plant management and ESG-led project delivery, with strong representation from major Australian miners and METS companies. The awards, run by Prime Creative Media, signal continued industry backing for structured mentoring, leadership pathways and retention of female professionals in site-based and heavy industrial roles.

Improving safety across Australia’s mining sites focuses on cutting persistent fatality and injury risks despite a 65 per cent drop in deaths between 2003 and 2015. The piece points to haul truck collisions, fall-of-ground incidents in underground stopes, and maintenance work around conveyors and crushers as continuing high-consequence hazards. Emphasis is placed on controls such as proximity detection on large mobile plant, remote or autonomous operation in high-risk zones, and stronger critical control management tied to real-time monitoring of leading indicators.