Komatsu and partners are advancing automated megawatt-class charging for battery-electric haul trucks, focusing on DC arc flash management, battery chemistry trade-offs and robust battery management systems discussed at The Electric Mine 2026 in Lisbon. Technical sessions examined safe operation of high-voltage DC connectors at MW power levels, thermal behaviour of different chemistries under rapid charge, and integration of BMS with mine energy management. For mine designers, the work signals tighter coupling between charger layout, electrical protection schemes and vehicle interface standards in future BEV fleets.

Spence and Sierra Gorda SCM copper mines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Exponor 2026 in Antofagasta to identify and evaluate joint technical and commercial initiatives to boost operational efficiency and competitiveness. The MoU links BHP’s Spence operation with Sierra Gorda SCM, owned 55% by KGHM and 45% by South32, creating a formal framework for shared work on items such as processing performance, cost structures and supply contracts. For engineers, the move signals potential alignment on plant benchmarking, technology trials and common service providers across neighbouring large-scale sulphide operations in northern Chile.

Bellevue Gold’s namesake mine in Western Australia has operated for 155 consecutive hours on 100 per cent renewable power, running engine-off for more than six and a half days in early May. The off-grid hybrid system combines a large-scale solar farm, battery energy storage and a reduced reliance on diesel generation to maintain continuous underground and processing operations. For miners planning remote decarbonised sites, the run provides a real-world reference for renewable penetration, storage sizing and contingency planning in isolated grids.