Sweden’s Land and Environmental Court has granted LKAB an environmental permit for continued and expanded iron ore mining at Malmberget in Gällivare, securing the regulatory basis for the 135‑year‑old underground operation. The decision enables LKAB to progress its long‑term transformation plans in the Gällivare industrial area, including higher production volumes and associated processing capacity linked to its transition towards fossil‑free iron ore products. Geotechnical and mine planners can now proceed with updated life‑of‑mine designs and ground control strategies under the new permit conditions.

Blockages in rigid 90° pipework carrying sulphuric-acid-treated mica slurry at Cornish Lithium’s Trelavour hard-rock lithium demonstration plant near St Austell have been resolved by replacing them with flexible Corroline+ hoses from Aflex Hose, part of Watson-Marlow. The PTFE-lined, corrosion-resistant hoses allow smoother routing and reduced sharp bends, cutting slurry build-up and unplanned downtime in the hydrometallurgical circuit. For process and plant engineers, the change points to simpler layouts, fewer fittings and easier maintenance in abrasive, acid leach slurry handling.

Forsee Power is partnering with Wabtec to integrate its advanced battery systems into Wabtec’s battery-electric locomotive platforms, extending the technology first proven in Wabtec’s 2021 debut of the world’s first battery-electric freight loco. The collaboration targets heavy-haul freight applications, where high-energy, modular battery packs must withstand repeated deep cycling, vibration and thermal loads typical of long consists and harsh climates. For mine operators, this signals accelerating availability of battery-electric mainline and in-pit rail haulage options with zero local diesel emissions and lower ventilation demand.