Liebherr’s proven performance in the Pilbara

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has commenced construction at its first operational wind development. the Nullagine wind project, in the Pilbara, WA.

WesTrac field service technician Leon Archibald was crowned runner-up in the Caterpillar Global Dealership Technician Challenge in the US.The global competition was first introduced in 2024 to recognise the critical role technicians play in keeping major industries operating, while also showcasing the world-class technical skills across Caterpillar’s global dealer network.Held over three days in Illinois, the challenge tested finalists through a series of high-pressure, real-world scenarios — requiring them to diagnose and repair complex mechanical faults under strict time limits.Mr Archibald, from WA, says the experience was both challenging and rewarding.“It’s been a long process, nearly two years, so to go through all that and get that result is amazing,” he said.“I didn’t think there’d be anything like this , you meet a lot more people and become more widely known.“It’s hard to explain the exact feeling of a podium finish, but it was great.”The result follows Mr Archibald’s standout performance at the semi-finals held in Spain last year, where he placed first against elite technicians from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East, securing his spot in the final.Mr Archibald was supported by mentor Peter Bardwell, who helped prepare him for the intensity of the international competition.Mr Bardwell says Mr Archibald’s calm approach on the global stage was the key to his success.“Leon is extremely determined and his technical knowledge is by far the best I’ve seen,” he said.“He was able to shake off some minor things that didn’t quite go our way.“It was such a privilege for me to join him in his journey to success. He is truly deserving of this accomplishment.”WesTrac WA chief executive Jarvas Croome says the result was a proud moment for not only the company, but the state.“Leon’s achievement is an incredible proud moment for WesTrac,” he said.“Standing among the world’s best technicians is no small feat and Leon’s success is a testament to his skill and a powerful example of what investment in our people looks like.”

The Queensland Government is investing $500,000 to support the women in resources: empowering development (WIRED) pilot program.The program, delivered by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), focuses on upskilling and reskilling women into advanced site-based roles to strengthen Queensland’s resources workforce and support more women into higher-skilled operator and technician roles across the state.The WIRED program will deliver targeted training for roles including machinery operators, plant technicians and site supervisors while supporting women transitioning into higher-level operator and technician roles.Early engagement across the sector has commenced, with the program expected to launch in mid-2026.Queensland Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates says the investment is about backing a sector that drives jobs and regional growth.“We are backing one of Queensland’s economic powerhouses by delivering the skilled workforce it needs to keep growing,” she said.“We are making sure women have clear, practical pathways into higher-skilled, higher-paid roles on site.“When you expand opportunities in a $44b industry, you strengthen the entire economy.”In the Australian resources sector, women now represent a larger portion of roles but there is still major room for growth with the percentage of women holding roles in the mining sector fluctuating between 22 – 23% since 2024, according to the Federal Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).QRC chief executive Janette Hewson says WIRED is about enabling and retaining women in technician and operator roles to move into site-based leadership roles.“Our vision is an industry where women with technical skills have a clear pathway to more senior roles and can thrive in these roles long-term,” she said.“By supporting women who are working onsite, we create a workplace culture where everyone can thrive.”

Weir has been awarded a contract to supply a 150tph crushing and screening plant for Bezant’s Hope and Gorob copper-gold project in Namibia.The order includes an ENDURON® ET905 jaw crusher; an ENDURON® ET906 jaw crusher, a Trio® TF4012 vibrating grizzly feeder, a Trio® EF3605 vibrating pan feeder, a Trio® TIOSP6162 scalping screen, conveyor belts and the supporting steel structure.Weir comminution director for Europe, Middle East and Africa JD Singleton comments on the contract.“There is obviously a lot of time, effort and resources that go into designing, developing and bringing to market new products,” he said.“The range of ENDURON® jaw crushers were developed in close collaboration with our customers, so we’ve been confident throughout the entire process that these crushers will help miners overcome some of their most pressing operational challenge.“Nevertheless, it’s rewarding to see this work come to fruition and crushers performing well in some of the most arduous crushing applications.“Today, miners are taking a more holistic view of their operations; rather than looking at pieces of equipment in isolation, they are increasingly considering how what happens upstream impacts what’s happening downstream, and vice versa. In other words, there’s more of a focus on optimising the entire flowsheet.“As an end-to-end solutions provider, Weir has long understood the value of this approach. We’ve worked closely with Bezant and its partners to develop a crushing and screening solution for Hope and Gorob project that optimises the entire flowsheets and enables them to meet their ambitious production targets."Weir recently launched its new range of ENDURON® jaw crushers, which have been developed to enhance safety, boost productivity, simplify maintenance and support its customers’ sustainability goals.The updated ENDURON® jaw crushers now feature a redesigned Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU), which allows for true push-button control of CSS adjustments. This new feature eliminates the need for manual intervention, significantly reducing safety risks for operators and maintenance teams.The new HPU also ensures consistent tensioning of the retraction springs at all times, improving reliability and ease of use across the full wear range of the jaw dies. The optimised motor power and oil tank capacity reduce the HPU’s carbon dioxide footprint and reduce environmental impact.Bezant technical director Martyn Churchouse says Weir’s service centre, located less than one hour from the mine site, significantly reduces project risk from a service and support perspective.“We recognise that crushing and screening plants require extensive maintenance, and having a hands-on partner who supports and stands behind their own equipment is essential to ensuring our success,” he said.