Komatsu and subsidiary EARTHBRAIN have formed a strategic partnership with AIM Intelligent Machines to deploy autonomous operation technology on bulldozers and hydraulic excavators in Japan and the US. AIM’s retrofit autonomy stack, already used on dozers for automatic blade control and path following, will be integrated with Komatsu’s machine control platforms and site management systems. For mine and heavy civil contractors, the move signals faster access to OEM-supported autonomy on existing fleets, with particular relevance for bulk earthworks, overburden stripping and repetitive grading tasks.

Capricorn Metals’ Karlawinda Gold Project in Western Australia delivered record annual output of 123,589 ounces in FY 2025–26, at the top of its 115,000–125,000 ounce guidance, including 30,437 ounces in the June 2026 quarter. The operation is now transitioning to an expansion phase, signalling higher future throughput from its single large-scale open pit and associated CIL plant. For mine planners and geotechs, the ramp-up will likely require updated pit designs, revised geotechnical domains and potential upgrades to haulage and tailings capacity.

Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora operation in Western Australia delivered a record 879,500 tonnes of spodumene concentrate in FY26, a 17 per cent increase on FY25 and above production guidance. Annual sales volumes also rose 17 per cent, signalling strong offtake demand for Pilgangoora’s concentrate blend and sustained utilisation of its processing circuits. For mine planners and process engineers, the uplift confirms stable pit sequencing, plant availability and logistics capacity at a time of volatile lithium pricing.