Kaishan is expanding its intelligent mining drill rig line-up in China, adding automation and digital control to both surface and underground blasthole drilling systems. New rigs integrate features such as remote operation, data logging and optimised drilling parameter control, positioning them alongside Chinese advances in autonomous haul trucks and battery-electric or hybrid powertrains. For mine operators, the move signals growing domestic options for integrated autonomous fleets, with drill–blast data increasingly available for real-time optimisation of fragmentation, cycle times and energy use.

Glencore Technology will install its Albion Process oxidative leaching circuit at Rox Resources’ Youanmi gold project in Western Australia to treat refractory and semi-refractory ores that are not amenable to conventional cyanidation. The fine-grinding plus oxygenated leach system is designed to oxidise sulphide-hosted gold at atmospheric pressure, offering a lower-capex alternative to pressure oxidation or roasting for “next generation” deposits. For process and geomet teams, this signals growing commercial acceptance of Albion flowsheets for challenging gold mineralogies in Australian hard-rock operations.

Cummins has announced upgrades to its QSK60 high-horsepower mining engine alongside new capabilities for its PrevenTech remote monitoring platform, targeting better fuel efficiency, uptime and total lifecycle cost in large haul trucks and shovels. The QSK60 updates focus on combustion optimisation, extended overhaul intervals and improved parts commonality, while PrevenTech adds enhanced fault diagnostics, predictive maintenance analytics and fleet-wide performance benchmarking. For mine operators, the package aims to cut unplanned downtime, stabilise engine performance in high-altitude and high-dust environments, and support longer rebuild cycles.