Volvo Construction Equipment has begun serial production of its A30 Electric and A40 Electric articulated haulers at Braås, Sweden, claimed as the world’s first electric haulers in the 29‑tonne and 39‑tonne payload class. The models, first shown at Bauma 2025, are designed for mining and quarrying duty cycles and can deliver up to six hours of operation per charge, depending on application. Initial units will be deployed in the UK and Norway, giving operators an early test of high‑productivity, zero‑tailpipe‑emission haulage fleets.

BHP incoming chief executive Brandon Craig has met Chinalco chair Ao Hong in Beijing, signalling a renewed alignment between the world’s largest diversified miner and China’s biggest state-owned aluminium producer. The talks centre on long-term supply security for iron ore and copper, with BHP’s Pilbara operations and Escondida copper mine likely to feature in any expanded offtake or joint development arrangements. For miners and project developers, the move points to continued Chinese backing for large-scale steel and energy-transition metals demand, supporting new brownfield expansions over greenfield risk.

Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) suppliers are being urged by Austmine to target the US market ahead of the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington DC from 23–26 June 2024. Austmine is promoting opportunities linked to US critical minerals policy, including demand for Australian-developed ore sorting, mine automation and tailings monitoring technologies in states such as Nevada and Arizona. For METS firms, the push signals growing scope for export of drill-and-blast optimisation software, remote asset monitoring systems and specialist consulting on ESG-compliant mine design.