Fortescue has produced first hot metal using its electric smelting process at the Green Metal Project pilot plant at Christmas Creek in Western Australia, marking initial proof-of-concept for Australian “green iron” production. The pilot is designed to test electric smelting of iron ore fines on site rather than exporting raw ore, creating a potential pathway to decarbonise downstream ironmaking traditionally reliant on coal-fired blast furnaces. For mine planners and process engineers, the move signals growing interest in integrating beneficiation, electrified smelting and renewable power directly at large Pilbara operations.

Maaden and Aramco have signed a shareholders’ agreement to create a joint venture focused on mineral exploration and hard‑rock mining across Saudi Arabia. The JV will combine Maaden’s multi‑commodity mining portfolio with Aramco’s capital strength and subsurface data capabilities to target new resources beyond the kingdom’s existing gold, phosphate and bauxite operations. For geotechnical and mine planning teams, the move signals a likely ramp‑up in greenfield drilling, resource definition and associated infrastructure development in under‑explored terrains.

Metso is expanding its South American service footprint with new investments in local service centres and repair capability located close to major copper and iron ore belts. The OEM is bundling on-site maintenance, component refurbishment and lifecycle services to lift uptime and throughput on its crushers, mills and screening equipment. For mine operators, the move signals greater access to OEM spares, faster turnaround on critical repairs and more scope for performance-based service contracts across the region.