Applied Intuition has launched Dana, an agentic platform for building, testing, deploying and operating physical AI systems, targeting applications such as autonomous haulage, drilling automation and robotic inspection in mines. The platform combines agentic AI with the company’s existing simulation, scenario generation and validation toolchain, allowing developers to iterate control policies and perception models in software before field deployment. For mine operators and OEMs, Dana is positioned to shorten integration cycles between virtual testing and on-site commissioning of AI-enabled mobile equipment and fixed-plant robotics.

Wesfarmers and SQM have jointly approved a final investment decision to expand the Mt Holland lithium project in Western Australia, adding a new integrated ore sorting facility alongside the existing mine and concentrator. The project, operated by Covalent Lithium, will double spodumene concentrate output and is expected to materially reduce unit operating costs while accelerating cash flow from the operation. For mine planners and process engineers, the key change is the upstream ore sorting step, which should improve feed grade and reduce downstream milling and flotation load.

Nearly two-thirds of global mining and metals facilities are sited in areas of significant physical water risk, according to ICMM’s new Global Mining and Metals Water Dataset. The analysis also finds that competition for water between mine sites and other industrial and domestic users is the dominant physical risk driver, rather than solely hydrological scarcity. For geotechnical and processing teams, this points to tighter constraints on dewatering, tailings water balances and make-up water allocations, with permitting and community relations becoming critical design inputs.