Mesabi Metallics has begun iron ore mining in Minnesota using a new cable-electric Komatsu PC7000-11 hydraulic excavator, which on 23 July loaded a 400-short ton Komatsu 980E-5 haul truck, according to dealer Road Machinery & Supplies. The PC7000-11, typically a 650–700 t class machine with a 36–40 m³ bucket, is among the first cable-electric hydraulic excavators deployed at a US mine, where electric rope shovels have been more common. The move signals growing interest in high-capacity electric loading fleets for large open pits.

EPC Mineex Sénégal, a subsidiary of EPC Groupe, has secured a €23 million, three-year explosives and blasting services contract with Boto SA for the Boto gold mine in Senegal. The deal includes deployment of two Mobile Explosives Manufacturing Units (MEMUs) on site and the integrated supply of bulk explosives and associated blasting services. For mine planners and geotechnical teams, on-site MEMUs should enable tighter control of powder factors, blast timing, and fragmentation to support consistent ore feed and wall stability management.

GR Engineering Services has secured an EPC contract from BHP Iron Ore to deliver the Yandi Eastern Front-End Facility Upgrade, targeting the primary crushing circuit for the Ministers North project in Western Australia’s Pilbara. The scope covers engineering, procurement and construction of new front-end materials handling infrastructure tied into the existing Yandi joint venture operations. For mine planners and process engineers, the upgrade signals further brownfield optimisation of Yandi’s ore feed, with implications for crusher throughput, availability and integration with downstream screening and conveying.