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.

3ME Technology has secured IECEx hazardous area certification for its BladeVOLT® lithium-ion battery system to the IEC 60079 series, enabling use on electric mobile equipment in gassy underground mines previously limited to diesel or tethered power. The intrinsically safe design targets Group I mining atmospheres, allowing OEMs to integrate high‑energy battery packs into flameproof or explosion-protected platforms without separate local certification. This opens a compliant pathway for battery-electric loaders, trucks and utility vehicles in coal and other gas-prone operations seeking to cut diesel emissions and heat load.