MMD Group has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with CiDi Inc. to embed CiDi’s autonomous driving technology into MMD’s TraxIQ material handling platform, adding driverless capability to its existing digital haulage management. MMD will retain responsibility for global commercialisation and deployment of TraxIQ, while CiDi supplies the autonomy stack, sensors and control software for mobile equipment operating within the system. The move signals further integration of fleet autonomy with real-time material tracking, dispatch and crusher-feed optimisation in brownfield and greenfield haulage circuits.

Newmont is steadily ramping up processing operations at the Cadia gold mine in New South Wales after a magnitude-4.5 earthquake on Tuesday, with inspections so far indicating no material impact to underground workings or surface infrastructure. Geotechnical and structural assessments are ongoing across key assets including the tailings storage facilities, process plant foundations and underground openings. The event will interest operators of deep and seismically sensitive mines reviewing ground support design, real-time seismic monitoring and business-continuity planning for moderate local seismicity.

Rising global defence spending on missiles, drones and advanced electronics is sharply increasing demand for critical minerals such as rare earths, high‑purity aluminium, titanium, nickel and specialised battery metals. Modern defence platforms now embed complex materials across guidance systems, radar, propulsion and armour, tightening specifications on purity, magnetic behaviour and high‑temperature performance. For miners and processors, this points to long‑term offtake potential for Australian rare earths, titanium and nickel projects, but also stricter ESG, traceability and supply‑security requirements in defence‑linked supply chains.