Eurasian Resources Group’s Aluminium of Kazakhstan unit has commissioned BAUER rotary drilling equipment at open pit No. 4 of the Vostochno-Ayatskoye Krasno-Oktyabrskoye bauxite mine to trial what is described as the world’s first vertical bauxite extraction project. The system uses vertical rotary drilling rather than conventional bench blasting and truck–shovel methods, aiming to access deeper ore zones within the existing pit footprint. For geotechnical and mine planners, the approach could alter pit slope design, drilling patterns and ground support requirements if adopted at scale.

ExxonMobil has finalised a supply agreement with Teck for Esso Ethos+ Renewable Diesel R100 in Canada and completed the first delivery to Teck’s Highland Valley Copper (HVC) operations in British Columbia. The 100% renewable diesel will be produced by Imperial Oil’s Strathcona refinery, which is being upgraded to manufacture bio-based fuels for heavy-duty applications such as mine haul trucks and support fleets. For mine operators, the deal signals growing availability of drop-in low-carbon fuels compatible with existing diesel engines and fuel infrastructure.

Delivery of locomotives to Camalco Cameroon S.A marks a key step in Canyon Resources’ mine-to-port logistics build-out for the Minim Martap bauxite project. The rail units will underpin dedicated ore haulage from the mine in Cameroon to port export facilities, supporting the planned production ramp-up and reducing reliance on road trucking. For engineers, the move signals that bulk materials handling, rail integration and port interface design are now on the project’s critical path.