Macmahon Underground Pty Ltd has been named preferred mining contractor by the Central Tanami Project Joint Venture between Tanami Gold NL and MGX Resources Limited for the Groundrush exploration decline in the Tanami region. The scope centres on developing an underground exploration decline to access the Groundrush orebody, signalling a shift from surface exploration to underground resource definition drilling. Contractors and suppliers should anticipate demand for decline development services, ground support, ventilation, and underground power reticulation suited to remote, arid conditions in central Australia.

Heidelberg Materials has commissioned a converted Class 08e battery electric shunting locomotive for Whatley Quarry, the first electric shunter to operate at any UK quarry. Rebuilt by Positive Traction from a withdrawn diesel unit, the loco uses six Powerpod battery packs providing 600 kWh of energy and up to 50% more tractive effort than the original configuration. The deployment supports Heidelberg’s target to cut delivery transport emissions by 15% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, signalling practical zero‑emission options for heavy rail movements on quarry sites.

Ora Banda Mining has reported a new round of high-grade drill results from the Waihi project’s Golden Pole prospect in Western Australia, confirming potential for a fast-tracked open-pit development. Intercepts from reverse circulation and diamond drilling show narrow but high-grade gold zones close to surface, supporting rapid conversion to JORC-compliant resources and early ore feed to the nearby Davyhurst processing plant. For geotechs and mine planners, the shallow mineralisation and existing plant capacity point to short lead times for pit design, geotechnical modelling and permitting.