Last Caterpillar R2900G loader off the production line has been delivered to a long‑running Queensland silver‑lead mine fitted with RCT – Powered by Epiroc’s AutoNav multi‑machine automation system. The mine, which has used RCT control and automation on its underground LHD fleet for nearly 30 years, now runs AutoNav across its production loaders and added four new units last year. Fitting AutoNav to the final R2900G signals continued investment in autonomous tramming and centralised control rather than immediate wholesale fleet replacement.

A South African platinum mine expansion at Impala Platinum required upgraded refrigeration and ventilation, with BBE Projects contracting IWC (NEXT Cooling) to deliver additional cooling capacity for deeper, hotter workings. The engineered system is designed for continuous duty in harsh underground conditions, with robust materials and corrosion-resistant components to handle high dust loading, variable water quality and frequent power disturbances. For mine planners and ventilation engineers, the project signals growing emphasis on integrated cooling–ventilation design to sustain higher production rates without breaching thermal comfort and occupational exposure limits.

Austral Resources will pay $51.98 million to terminate the Anthill Project Agreement with Glencore and Secover, removing caps that restricted copper cathode output from its Mt Kelly heap leach–SXEW facility in northwest Queensland. The change gives Austral full marketing control over production from the Anthill open pit and any future Mt Kelly satellite pits, directly exposing the company to current high copper prices. For mine planners and metallurgists, the move enables flexible throughput, scheduling and potential debottlenecking at Mt Kelly without third-party offtake constraints.