Epiroc is expanding a global network of Surface Mining Automation Centers, creating dedicated innovation hubs where customers can test and deploy autonomous drilling and blasting solutions such as Pit Viper and SmartROC rigs. These centres provide remote operation rooms, high-bandwidth telemetry links and digital twins to trial multi-rig control, collision avoidance and integration with fleet management systems under controlled conditions. For mine operators, the set-up lowers on-site commissioning risk and accelerates roll-out of autonomy on large open pits with complex bench layouts and variable geotechnical conditions.

Wabtec Digital Mine is partnering with Razor Labs to deploy the DataMind AI predictive maintenance platform across Wabtec-equipped mining fleets, announced at IMARC 2026. The integration targets haul trucks and other mobile assets whose safety, operations and health have typically been managed in separate systems, consolidating condition monitoring and fault prediction into a single analytics layer. For mine operators, the move signals tighter linkage between OEM digital platforms and third‑party AI tools, with potential to cut unplanned downtime and optimise component life without major hardware retrofits.

New South Wales has launched an Australian-first Critical Minerals Skills Plan at IMARC in Sydney to build a pipeline of workers for future mining and processing of commodities such as rare earths, lithium and high‑purity alumina. The plan targets skills growth across geoscience, minerals processing, engineering, trades and environmental disciplines, with a focus on both upstream extraction and downstream refining. For operators and contractors, it signals stronger demand for specialised process engineers, mine geologists and technicians able to work in complex, multi-commodity flowsheets.