Tungsten’s recent price spike, driven partly by defence-sector demand, is sharply increasing input costs for tungsten carbide drill bits that control development and production metres in both surface and underground mines. Sandvik, a major supplier of cemented carbide tools and top hammer and down-the-hole drilling systems, is being leaned on by miners to secure stable carbide supply and manage volatility in raw tungsten feedstock. The situation is likely to influence bit selection, drilling economics, and mine planning where high penetration rates and bit life are critical.

Blockages in rigid 90° pipework carrying sulphuric-acid-treated mica slurry at Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour hard-rock lithium demonstration plant near St Austell have been resolved by replacing them with flexible Corroline+ hoses from Aflex Hose, part of Watson-Marlow. The PTFE-lined, corrosion-resistant hoses allow smoother routing and reduced sharp bends, cutting slurry build-up and unplanned downtime in the hydrometallurgical circuit. For process and plant engineers, the change points to simpler layouts, fewer fittings and easier maintenance in abrasive, acid leach slurry handling.

Forsee Power is partnering with Wabtec to integrate its advanced battery systems into Wabtec’s battery-electric locomotive platforms, extending the technology first proven in Wabtec’s 2021 debut of the world’s first battery-electric freight loco. The collaboration targets heavy-haul freight applications, where high-energy, modular battery packs must withstand repeated deep cycling, vibration and thermal loads typical of long consists and harsh climates. For mine operators, this signals accelerating availability of battery-electric mainline and in-pit rail haulage options with zero local diesel emissions and lower ventilation demand.