Weichai-controlled LOVOL Heavy Industry has delivered its first FR2000F hydraulic mining excavator, a 212 t class machine, to an open-pit mine customer in China. The FR2000F is powered by a Weichai 12M33 low-speed, high-torque, fully electronically controlled engine with quad-turbocharging and an advanced modular design, aimed at high-load, continuous mining duty. The 200 t class size positions it for pairing with ultra-class haul trucks, potentially altering fleet configurations and loading cycle times on large benches.

Boton is deepening conveyor technology collaboration with BHP and Hancock Iron Ore, hosting senior delegations at its Wuxi headquarters to review performance of its high-wear belt materials and advanced splice designs on large iron ore overland systems. Discussions reportedly centred on extending belt life in abrasive Pilbara ores, optimising idler spacing and troughing angles for higher tonne-per-hour capacities, and integrating condition monitoring for early detection of misalignment and shell wear. For mine operators, the work signals continued incremental gains in conveyor availability and reduced maintenance shutdown frequency on long-haul ore routes.

Aureka has defined multiple new high-priority gold exploration targets at its 100 per cent-owned Irvine project in Victoria’s Stawell Corridor after completing an airborne magnetic geophysical survey. The higher-resolution magnetic dataset sharpens imaging of subsurface structures, enabling more precise interpretation of the structural architecture that controls mineralisation along strike from the Stawell and Magdala gold systems. This will guide follow-up drilling and ground geophysics, concentrating spend on structurally focused targets rather than broad, reconnaissance-style drilling.