Hexagon acquires Drill Assist 

Hexagon’s Mining division is taking an exciting step forward in AI-based drill automation with the purchase of Drill Assist from Arizona-based Phoenix Drill Control LLC. The Drill Assist technology developed by Phoenix Drill Control uses artificial intelligence to continually optimize the drilling process, resulting in improved penetration rates, greater machine availability and reliable downhole data. Hexagon EVP, Mining, Dave Goddard…

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Critical mineral markets need diversification: IEA report

Emphasizing major energy and economic implications, a new International Energy Agency (IEA) report identifies vulnerabilities over the next decade, notably for copper and other critical minerals. The 2025 edition of the IEA’s Global Critical Minerals Outlook finds that critical mineral markets have become more concentrated, not less, particularly when it comes to refining and processing. For copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt,…

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Tasmanian government aids tungsten mine

The Tasmanian government has issued a $7.5 million loan to Group 6 Metals for its struggling Dolphin tungsten mine on King Island, reported ABC News. This dovetails the government recently acquiring 12% of the company’s shares after Group 6 couldn’t repay a previous loan. A government spokesperson said the new loan was approved because the mine is “critical” for regional…

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Ulan expansion gets approval

Glencore Australia’s Ulan Coal Mine Complex – one of the country’s largest coal mines – has received approval to expand its underground operation, reported ABC News. The miner will be able to extract a further 18.8 million tonnes of coal at the New South Wales site.  Additionally, the determination extends the life span of the mine by a further two…

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