Sandvik used its Future of Mining 2026 event in Turku to set a new underground electrification strategy built around a “Toro standard” for its battery-electric load and haul fleet. Head of BEV Strategy Tommi Valkonen outlined plans to unify battery systems and controls across Toro-branded loaders and trucks, targeting faster battery swaps and simplified maintenance compared with today’s mixed platforms. The strategy signals tighter integration of BEV hardware, software and charging, with implications for mine power design, fleet standardisation and lifecycle cost modelling.

Liebherr-Australia has opened a new mining training centre in Perth, Western Australia, built around an administrative hub with three dedicated training rooms housing three machine simulators, including a T 264 haul truck unit. The facility is designed for advanced, technology-enabled training for mine operators, maintenance personnel and Liebherr support teams from sites across Australia. For mines running large Liebherr truck and excavator fleets, the centre enables off-site operator upskilling, scenario-based training and reduced in-pit onboarding time.

Mineral Mining Services (MMS) has secured a new underground mining services contract from Tennant Mines, a subsidiary of ASX-listed Pan African Resources, at the newly established White Devil project about 50 km from Tennant Creek in Australia’s Northern Territory. The award rapidly extends MMS’s operating footprint in the Tennant Creek mineral field, positioning the contractor for further work as White Devil ramps up from initial development to full ore production. For geotechnical and mine planning teams, the contract signals imminent demand for detailed ground control, ventilation design and short-interval scheduling support on a new high-grade underground front.