Lynas Rare Earths has signed a binding letter of intent with the United States Department of War to finalise a long-term supply agreement for separated rare earth oxides into the US defence industrial base. The deal is expected to draw on production from Lynas’ Mt Weld mine and its cracking and leaching plant in Kalgoorlie, alongside downstream separation capacity in Malaysia and planned US facilities. For mining and processing engineers, the agreement signals sustained demand for high-spec NdPr and other magnet materials, reinforcing the case for process debottlenecking and capacity expansions.

CSIRO is running farm-based trials to test low-frequency wireless signals for use in underground and remote mining connectivity, targeting conditions where conventional Wi-Fi and LTE struggle with rock mass attenuation and long drifts. Researchers are assessing signal penetration through soil and vegetation, antenna configurations, and power requirements to understand how similar systems could maintain links to autonomous trucks and sensors in deep headings and block caves. Early results will inform network design choices for mines seeking robust, low-bandwidth control and monitoring channels alongside existing high-frequency systems.

Australian Power Equipment is working with Australian miners to align high-voltage maintenance strategies with rapidly expanding electrified fleets and fixed plant, focusing on 11–33kV distribution, substations and mobile charging infrastructure. Co-directors Andrew Cockbain and Abby Crawford are pushing condition-based maintenance using online partial discharge monitoring, thermography and detailed asset registers instead of purely time-based shutdowns. The shift aims to reduce unplanned outages on critical circuits feeding draglines, crushers and underground ventilation fans, while keeping maintenance windows compatible with production schedules and statutory inspection requirements.