Booth Ventures has deployed a 36‑tonne Hyundai HX360L Next Generation crawler excavator at Ravenhead Quarry, supplied by Taylor & Braithwaite, matching the output of a larger predecessor while cutting fuel consumption. The HX360L is being used for primary quarry duties, including overburden removal and loading, where its reduced operating weight and newer engine platform deliver lower fuel cost per tonne moved. For quarry operators, the case points to potential savings from downsizing to more efficient 30–40‑tonne class excavators without sacrificing production rates.

Tivan’s proposed $50 million incorporated joint venture for the Molyhil tungsten project in the Northern Territory has advanced towards binding agreements, with partner Sumitomo Corporation preparing to seek Australian foreign investment approval. The JV between Tivan, Sumitomo and ETFS Capital targets execution of long-form agreements in the fourth quarter of 2026, following progress on legal, tax and structural work. For project engineers, the move signals increasing certainty around funding and offtake for Molyhil’s tungsten development pathway.

Astral Resources has signed a binding deal to acquire Estrella Resources’ nickel rights across five Spargoville tenements, covering ground Astral describes as potentially critical to the Mandilla gold project development footprint near Kalgoorlie, WA. The consideration is 20 million Astral shares, consolidating control of both gold and nickel over the same tenure and simplifying future pit design, waste dumps and infrastructure placement. For mine planners and geologists, unified rights reduce sterilisation risk and facilitate integrated drilling, resource modelling and potential nickel by-product studies.