BHP Chief Digital Officer Mikko Tepponen argues that falling discovery rates and more complex orebodies are pushing miners towards data-centric decision-making, from exploration targeting to multi-decade capital allocation. He points to integrating geological, geophysical and drilling datasets into unified cloud platforms and using machine learning models to rank targets and optimise mine plans under multiple regulatory and ESG constraints. Tepponen stresses that value comes from linking these AI tools directly to operational decisions, such as dynamic cut-off grade strategies and real-time processing adjustments, rather than from pilots in isolated data science teams.

Sandvik has secured five AutoMine orders from Byrnecut, deploying AutoMine Multi-Lite systems at the Gwalia, Ulysses, Youanmi and Gossan Valley underground mines in Australia and the Navachab gold mine in Namibia. The contracts extend Sandvik’s automation platform across multiple jurisdictions and orebody types, enabling tele-remote and multi-machine control of Sandvik loaders and trucks from centralised control rooms. With these installations, most of Byrnecut’s global underground operations will now run Sandvik’s AutoMine architecture, simplifying fleet standardisation, training and support.

Macmahon Holdings has signed a Letter of Intent with Manuka Resources to restart open-pit mining at the Wonawinta silver project in the Cobar Basin, central west New South Wales, with production targeted from May 2026. The agreement positions Macmahon as preferred mining contractor for the brownfield operation, which previously focused on shallow oxide silver ore and existing heap leach infrastructure. Geotechnical and mine planning teams will need to update pit designs, wall stability assessments and water management for re-entry into partially rehabilitated pits and legacy waste dumps.