Aurora Innovation has signed a commercial deal with Detmar Logistics to run autonomous haulage of frac sand proppants 24/7 for a major multinational oil and gas operator in the US shale sector. Aurora’s Level 4 self-driving freight platform will be integrated into Detmar’s existing dry bulk truck fleet, targeting continuous shuttle runs between sand mines, transload terminals and well pads. For mine and wellsite operators, the move signals accelerating deployment of autonomy on repetitive, high-mileage proppant corridors where driver availability and cycle-time variability are chronic constraints.

Scania and LKAB have deployed a new fully electric 8×4 heavy tipper with two steerable front axles into underground haulage at LKAB’s Malmberget iron ore mine in northern Sweden, the first truck of this configuration in Scania’s global fleet. The unit, nicknamed “Sleipner”, is being trialled in production conditions to handle heavy ore and waste movements on ramp and level haul routes traditionally served by diesel trucks. The collaboration is intended to validate battery-electric performance, charging logistics and driveline durability in deep, confined mining environments.

Henkel Australia is using AIMEX to showcase LOCTITE protective coatings, structural adhesives and rapid repair compounds designed to extend service life of high-wear mining assets such as chutes, pumps and conveyors. The polymer-ceramic coatings and epoxy-based rebuild systems target abrasion, impact and chemical attack on steel and concrete, aiming to reduce unplanned shutdowns and rebuild frequency. For maintenance and reliability engineers, the focus is on in-situ application, shorter cure times and compatibility with typical iron ore and coal handling conditions.