Epiroc is expanding its Deep Automation portfolio to cover underground drilling and rock bolting, extending a platform previously focused mainly on autonomous loading and haulage. The updated concept spans the full automation curve, from tele-remote operation of drill rigs to higher autonomy levels with automated drilling cycles and bolt installation. For mine planners and engineers, this signals tighter integration between fleet management, drill-and-blast execution and ground support installation, with more predictable drilling patterns and support layouts in complex orebodies.

Komatsu and ABB are expanding their dynamic energy transfer concept beyond conventional trolley-assist haul trucks, with a new “side arm” current collection system in development for demonstration at Komatsu’s Arizona Proving Grounds in the US. Announced by Lucas van Latum and Nic Beutler at The Electric Mine 2026 in Lisbon, the side arm aims to maintain high-power DC transfer to mobile equipment without requiring trucks to remain strictly under overhead catenary. The work signals a push towards more flexible on-route charging layouts, with implications for haul road geometry, overhead line placement and mine power distribution design.

Macmahon Holdings has secured a 12‑month extension for underground mining services at Black Cat Syndicate’s Majestic gold mine in Western Australia, awarded through its wholly owned subsidiary Macmahon Underground. The deal follows completion of the underground portal and first ore delivery from Majestic to Black Cat’s Lakewood mill near Kalgoorlie, confirming the mine’s transition from development to steady-state production. For contractors and mine planners, the extension signals continuity of decline development, stoping and backfill scheduling under a single operator across the Majestic–Lakewood circuit.