Henkel Australia is using AIMEX to showcase LOCTITE protective coatings, structural adhesives and rapid repair compounds designed to extend service life of high-wear mining assets such as chutes, pumps and conveyors. The polymer-ceramic coatings and epoxy-based rebuild systems target abrasion, impact and chemical attack on steel and concrete, aiming to reduce unplanned shutdowns and rebuild frequency. For maintenance and reliability engineers, the focus is on in-situ application, shorter cure times and compatibility with typical iron ore and coal handling conditions.

Brightstar Resources’ latest reverse circulation drilling at the Sandstone gold project in Western Australia has intersected new mineralised zones that could extend the current JORC mineral resource envelope. Step-out holes along strike and at depth from existing pits indicate continuity of gold-bearing structures beyond previously modelled limits, with multiple intercepts logged in fresh and transitional rock. Any resource growth at Sandstone would directly impact mine planning options for open-pit cutbacks and potential underground access in the Yilgarn greenstone belt.

Metal prices are forecast to keep rising into 2026 as a new Australian Mining report links continued price growth to stabilised global markets and resilient demand for iron ore, copper and battery metals. Analysts point to Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore supply, ongoing Chinese steel production and constrained new project pipelines as key supports for higher benchmark prices. For mine planners and project financiers, the outlook favours bringing shovel‑ready brownfield expansions forward while stress‑testing new developments against stronger-for-longer input and capital costs.