Digital integration of geotechnical data at Anglo American’s Barro Alto nickel mine in Brazil is using Seequent’s Central and Leapfrog Geo platforms to create a single, live subsurface model for risk management. Drillhole, mapping, monitoring and laboratory data are being federated into a cloud-based environment, enabling near real-time updates to pit slope designs and geotechnical domains. The approach is cutting manual data handling, improving traceability of design decisions and giving geotechnical engineers faster decision cycles for slope stability and mine planning.

Immersive Technologies is deploying simulator-based training programmes to help mines cope with acute supervisor shortages as veteran foremen retire and less-experienced operators are promoted early. Its solutions use high-fidelity equipment simulators and scenario-based modules to build decision-making, crew leadership, and shift management skills for haul truck, shovel, and drill supervisors in a controlled environment. Operators can rehearse responses to production bottlenecks, near-miss incidents, and equipment downtime events, allowing sites to standardise supervisory competence and reduce on-the-job learning risk.

Programmed has secured a contract with Pilbara Minerals (PLS) to provide village management services at the Pilgangoora lithium operation in Western Australia’s Pilbara, billed as the world’s largest independent hard-rock lithium mine. The partnership covers support for daily life in remote workforce villages, including accommodation, catering and facilities management for fly-in fly-out crews. For mine operators, the move signals further outsourcing of non-core site services at large-scale lithium projects to specialist camp and village providers.