FLSmidth has signed a lifecycle agreement with Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited covering the full FLS equipment flowsheet across LMEL’s iron ore mining and metals processing operations in India. The undisclosed-value deal spans mining, comminution, classification and beneficiation equipment, shifting support from discrete spares and service orders to long-term performance-based coverage. For engineers, this signals tighter OEM involvement in asset reliability, process optimisation and wear-part planning across LMEL’s integrated iron ore value chain.

Sandvik has unveiled “Sami”, a concept underground mining machine shown at the Future of Mining 2026 event in Tampere, Finland, as a testbed for advanced automation and AI-driven operation. The platform is designed to integrate sensor fusion, onboard edge computing and cloud connectivity, enabling autonomous tramming, real-time ground awareness and adaptive control in complex stopes and declines. For mine planners and engineers, Sami signals Sandvik’s direction towards interoperable, software-defined fleets where new automation functions can be trialled and deployed faster than traditional machine development cycles.

Epiroc is extending its Automatic Bit Changer (ABC), first deployed on large Pit Viper rotary drills in 2022, to its range of large down-the-hole (DTH) crawler rigs. The system automates drill bit change-out, removing manual handling at the drill string and reducing exposure around the rotary head and deck. Mines can expect shorter non-productive time during bit swaps and lower operator workload, particularly on high‑metreage production benches where frequent bit changes are required.