SKF is pushing condition-based maintenance in Australian mines by combining bearing remanufacturing, vibration and temperature monitoring, and root-cause failure analysis on critical assets such as conveyors and grinding mills. Using connected sensors feeding into its cloud-based diagnostics platforms, SKF engineers can flag lubrication issues, misalignment and contamination early, then specify upgraded seals, housings or heat-treated bearing steels tailored to each duty. The approach extends bearing service life, cuts unplanned stoppages and allows mines to defer capex on large rotating equipment while maintaining throughput.

Fortescue Ltd is accelerating delivery of what it calls the world’s first industrial, fully integrated green energy grid designed to eliminate fossil fuels from large-scale operations, at a scale comparable to a city. The system is being engineered specifically to remove diesel from mining and heavy industry energy use, replacing it with renewables-based power and associated infrastructure. Fortescue plans to replicate and commercialise the grid technology at other industrial sites globally wherever host operators or governments invite deployment.

Sandvik’s first MC431 continuous miner for Australia has been ordered as part of the company’s expansion of its mechanical cutting portfolio, targeting hard-rock and high-ash seams where drill-and-blast is constrained. The MC431 is designed for high cutting forces in confined headings, integrating a heavy-duty cutter boom, onboard bolting capability and advanced automation-ready controls compatible with Sandvik’s digital mining systems. For mine planners and geotechnical teams, the unit signals greater scope for continuous development in rock conditions previously considered marginal for mechanical miners, with potential impacts on support design, ventilation and scheduling.