Mining companies awarding multi-year shaft sinking and underground development contracts are now prioritising contractors’ balance sheet strength and governance frameworks alongside technical capability, says Cementation Group CFO Sibulele Songca. For deep-level projects with high upfront capital exposure, owners are scrutinising contractors’ ability to absorb schedule risk, manage cash flow over extended mobilisation periods, and comply with stringent ESG and audit requirements. This shift favours larger, well-capitalised underground specialists like Cementation Africa for long-duration, high-risk contract mining commitments.

Thiess has signed a partnership and distribution agreement with FLANDERS to roll out FLANDERS’ hybrid retrofit drive train technology on existing mechanical‑drive haul trucks, rather than waiting for new battery‑electric fleets. The deal leverages Thiess’ global asset maintenance capability, engineering teams, rebuild workshops and field delivery experience to integrate the hybrid systems across its operating regions. For mine operators, the programme offers a pathway to cut diesel use and emissions on current truck fleets without major pit reconfiguration or new OEM platforms.

Paus has acquired a stake in Austrian firm VirtuRail, adding battery-electric drive systems, intelligent vehicle control and automation to its underground and construction logistics portfolio. The deal positions Paus as a development and manufacturing partner for VirtuRail’s rail-based logistics platforms, integrating electric traction packages with digitally controlled haulage. For mine operators, this signals more OEM-backed options for battery-electric materials handling and automated logistics trains in constrained headings and construction sites.