Mira Geoscience has acquired SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc’s HiveMap platform, a digital geological and geotechnical field mapping system designed for efficient collection, visualisation and interpretation of geoscientific data. HiveMap integrates directly with photogrammetry and LiDAR workflows, allowing structural, lithological and geotechnical observations to be tied to high-resolution 3D surfaces and point clouds. The acquisition signals tighter coupling between field mapping, 3D geomodelling and mine-scale geotechnical analysis within Mira’s existing integrated geoscience software suite.

DIPS (Data Integration using Projected Stereonets) is being positioned as the new standard for stereonet-based orientation analysis, building on more than 30 years of use in geotechnical engineering. The software supports detailed structural mapping workflows, allowing engineers to import large orientation datasets and analyse joint sets, foliation, and discontinuity patterns directly on stereonets. For slope stability, underground excavation design, and rock mass characterisation, it enables consistent kinematic checks and data integration across projects, reducing manual plotting and interpretation time.

Fortescue is expanding its battery intelligence capabilities by acquiring US-based software company Zitara, which specialises in physics-based battery modelling and predictive state-of-health algorithms for large-format lithium-ion systems. The deal will see Zitara’s digital twin and cloud analytics tools applied to Fortescue’s heavy mining haul truck and rail battery platforms, supporting high‑cycle, high‑C‑rate duty profiles typical of iron ore operations. For mine operators, the move signals growing emphasis on accurate battery degradation forecasting, thermal management, and life‑cycle cost control in large mobile fleets and stationary storage.