Aurora Innovation has signed a commercial deal with Detmar Logistics to run autonomous haulage of frac sand proppants 24/7 for a major multinational oil and gas operator in the US shale sector. Aurora’s Level 4 self-driving freight platform will be integrated into Detmar’s existing dry bulk truck fleet, targeting continuous shuttle runs between sand mines, transload terminals and well pads. For mine and wellsite operators, the move signals accelerating deployment of autonomy on repetitive, high-mileage proppant corridors where driver availability and cycle-time variability are chronic constraints.

Henkel Australia is using AIMEX to showcase LOCTITE protective coatings, structural adhesives and rapid repair compounds designed to extend service life of high-wear mining assets such as chutes, pumps and conveyors. The polymer-ceramic coatings and epoxy-based rebuild systems target abrasion, impact and chemical attack on steel and concrete, aiming to reduce unplanned shutdowns and rebuild frequency. For maintenance and reliability engineers, the focus is on in-situ application, shorter cure times and compatibility with typical iron ore and coal handling conditions.

Brightstar Resources’ latest reverse circulation drilling at the Sandstone gold project in Western Australia has intersected new mineralised zones that could extend the current JORC mineral resource envelope. Step-out holes along strike and at depth from existing pits indicate continuity of gold-bearing structures beyond previously modelled limits, with multiple intercepts logged in fresh and transitional rock. Any resource growth at Sandstone would directly impact mine planning options for open-pit cutbacks and potential underground access in the Yilgarn greenstone belt.