Global Lithium Resources (GL1) is targeting the Port of Esperance as an export outlet for spodumene concentrate from its Manna lithium project east of Kalgoorlie, signing an agreement to progress port access and logistics planning. The move focuses on securing ship-loading capacity and integrating road haulage from the mine to Esperance, rather than railing via existing iron ore corridors. For geotechnical and civil contractors, the strategy points to future demand for heavy-haul road upgrades, stockpile pads and bulk-handling infrastructure along the Kalgoorlie–Esperance corridor.

BULK2026 in Melbourne will convene bulk handling operators, OEMs and engineers to tackle chronic issues such as conveyor belt mistracking, spillage at transfer points and dust control on high‑throughput shiploaders and stacker‑reclaimers. Technical sessions will focus on optimising long overland conveyors, improving chute design using DEM modelling, and upgrading ageing idler and pulley systems to cut unplanned downtime. For mine operators, the event signals growing emphasis on condition monitoring, smarter wear‑liner materials and retrofittable upgrades rather than full conveyor replacements.

Schlam is expanding its east coast footprint with a new Hunter Valley facility in Muswellbrook to service New South Wales coal and hard rock operations using its Hercules mining truck bodies. The site is positioned close to major open-cut mines in the Upper Hunter, reducing downtime for tray relines, structural repairs and wear package upgrades that previously required longer hauls to Queensland or WA workshops. For mine operators, local capacity for large-format fabrication and refurbishment supports higher truck availability and more responsive lifecycle management of ultra-class haul fleets.