UGL Transport : Keeping Critical Mining Assets Moving

With a growing reputation in component exchange, overhaul, and field services, UGL Transport is helping mining companies maximise asset reliability, reduce downtime, and extend equipment life across Australia’s major resource regions. We learn more with James McKewen, Area Business Manager.

KEEPING CRITICAL MINING ASSETS MOVING

The Australian mining logistics sector remains a critical pillar of the national economy, continuously evolving and becoming increasingly competitive.

This makes for a highly exciting operational environment due to the scale of projects across regions including the Bowen Basin, Hunter Valley, and Pilbara, compounded with ongoing fleet and infrastructure investment as well as growing opportunities to innovate in asset lifecycle management.

At the same time, industry operators must overcome pressing challenges including ageing fleets, cost pressures, efficiency expectations, and supply chain complexity and disruption.

“These dynamics require providers to evolve their offering and invest in next-generation capability to sustain growth,” James McKewen, Area Business Manager of UGL Transport, says.

In under 10 years, UGL Transport has grown its mining component solutions business into a strong, efficient, and competitive service. The company provides component exchange, overhaul, and field services for mining customers across Australia.

Core capabilities include mechanical and electrical component overhaul, service exchange programmes, reliability and asset management, and field service support for operations across Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.

UGL Transport’s national delivery model is upheld by a large, dedicated workforce across the company’s mining components solutions business.

“Backed by an AUD$20+ million service exchange core pool, the business serves major mining operations across Australia’s key resource regions and is supported by both domestic and international supply chains,” James outlines.

POSITIONED FOR GROWTH

UGL Transport was built on a foundation of delivering reliable, high-quality engineering, maintenance, and infrastructure services to some of Australia’s most critical industries.

“Over more than a century, the business has remained focused on quality, safety, operational excellence, and delivering strong outcomes for customers,” states James.

“In the mining sector, those principles translate into a strong focus on asset lifecycle management, technical capability, continuous improvement, and long-term customer partnerships.”

In January 2026, Japan-based Sojitz Corporation (Sojitz) acquired a 50 percent stake in UGL Transport, enabling the company to expand into new markets, strengthen global supply chain capability, and scale operations through established international relationships.

This reputable status means UGL Transport maintains a stronghold in the mining industry, providing clients with comprehensive component solutions, particularly in electric drive systems for haul trucks such as the Komatsu 830E and 930E.

As the Australian contracting environment continues to evolve, the company stays ahead by monitoring fleet transitions, investing in next-generation capabilities, expanding into new markets early, and leveraging global partnerships and supply chains.

“Continuous improvement in key metrics such as turnaround time, utilisation, and market share ensures our sustained competitiveness,” says James.

A PARTNER ACROSS THE ASSET LIFECYCLE

Whilst UGL Transport maintains strong capabilities across the rail and transport sectors, its mining component solutions business has established a strong position in Australia’s resources industry through an integrated service offering spanning component overhaul, exchange programmes, reliability services, asset management, and field support.

“Unlike many providers that focus on a single area, we support customers throughout the component lifecycle, from overhaul and service exchange through to field service and ongoing reliability improvement,” James says.

Mining customers are increasingly seeking partners that can improve equipment availability whilst managing maintenance costs.

“UGL Transport’s service exchange programmes, overhaul capability, and field support services provide customers with reliable, cost-effective alternatives that help maximise fleet performance and minimise operational downtime.

“Our focus is not simply repairing components; it is helping customers achieve better long-term operational outcomes through greater reliability and asset performance,” James sets out.

PIVOTING TOWARDS THE NEXT GENERATION

UGL Transport’s strategic priorities focus on reinforcing its strong market position in Australia whilst building a platform for sustained international growth.

“In the near term, the business is consolidating its position across established fleets, securing long-term service agreements, and driving performance across its existing customer base,” James says.

UGL is actively pivoting towards next-generation platforms, scaling its aftermarket capability to support evolving haul truck fleets, and ensuring it remains ahead of asset lifecycle transitions.

“We are also pursuing targeted expansion into high-growth markets, particularly within the Asia Pacific region, where demand for reliable, cost-effective aftermarket solutions continues to increase.

“This is complemented by an ongoing investment in capability, enabling UGL Transport to support a broader range of components and deliver more integrated solutions than many of its competitors,” James concludes.

Looking ahead, UGL Transport seeks to further establish itself as a preferred global partner for mining aftermarket services, underpinned by a strong focus on reliability, operational performance, and sustainable value delivery in an increasingly competitive market.