Eurasian Resources Group reports that digital tools and in‑house AI across its mines and plants delivered more than $111 million in economic impact in 2025, as it brands 2026 its “Year of Digitalisation and AI”. The group is expanding site connectivity and core IT infrastructure to support proprietary optimisation models for processing plants and mine operations, rather than relying on off‑the‑shelf platforms. For engineers, this signals growing demand for robust OT networks, data governance, and integration of AI models directly into control systems and dispatch.

Mesabi Metallics has purchased fully electric Epiroc Pit Viper 351 E rotary blasthole rigs via distributor Road Machinery & Supplies Co for its US$2.4 billion taconite iron ore mine and processing complex on Minnesota’s Iron Range. The large-capacity Pit Viper 351 platform, typically used for 270–311 mm production drilling, will be integrated into a greenfield operation designed around high-volume, bench-scale drilling and downstream concentrator throughput. Fully electric drilling reduces diesel use at the pit, simplifies highwall ventilation design and supports future integration with autonomous drilling and fleet electrification strategies.

Pilot Crushtec is expanding its European distributor network on the back of rising EU demand for its TwisterTrac VS350E Stage V mobile VSI crusher, developed specifically to meet EU Stage V emissions regulations. Sales and Marketing Director Francois Marais says the electric‑driven VS350E targets quarrying and mining contractors needing compliant, high-spec mobile crushing and screening trains. The move signals more competition for established European OEMs and could give mines additional options for low‑emission, modular crushing circuits in brownfield upgrades.