Metso Corporation and Loesche GmbH have formed a partnership to roll out Metso Loesche vertical roller mill (VRM) dry grinding technology, now integrated into the Metso Plus offering for minerals processing. The VRM is positioned as a direct replacement for high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) and horizontal mills in primary grinding circuits, targeting reduced energy use and a smaller plant footprint. For process engineers, the move signals a push towards single-stage dry comminution flowsheets with fewer conveyors, screens and slurry handling systems.

Fortescue is rolling out a new Collision Avoidance System (CAS) as the first element of its HaulX technology suite, which CEO Metals and Operations Dino Otranto describes as a fundamental shift in the company’s vehicle safety approach. The CAS adds an engineered control layer on haul trucks and light vehicles, integrating proximity detection and automated intervention to prevent vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-person incidents. For mine operators, this signals tighter interaction control in mixed-traffic pits and a platform for progressive automation of haulage fleets.

Mineral Mining Services has mobilised its specialised reverse circulation drill fleet and crews to start a new RC drilling programme at the Leonora South gold project near Kookynie, Western Australia. The campaign follows a formalised “Drill-for-Equity” agreement with GoldArc Resources, under which MMS will receive part of its compensation in GoldArc equity rather than cash. The structure reduces upfront drilling costs for GoldArc while locking MMS into project upside, a model that could influence funding strategies for early-stage gold exploration in the Leonora–Kookynie belt.