en.Wedoany.com Reported - Lucara Botswana, a subsidiary of Lucara Diamond (TSX: LUC), has placed an order with Sandvik (STO: SAND) for a fleet of 15 underground drilling and loading machines for the underground development of its Karowe Mine in Botswana, southern Africa.

The ordered equipment includes 5 DD321 development drills, 4 Toro LH517i loaders, 2 Toro LH621i loaders, 2 DD422i development drills, 1 DS422i cable bolter, and 1 DU311 longhole drill. Sandvik will also provide support services, covering rock tools, spare parts, and digital solutions for equipment monitoring.

The order was booked in the second quarter of 2026, with deliveries underway and expected to continue through the fourth quarter of 2026. Specific financial details have been disclosed.

Benjamin Wang, CFO of Lucara, stated that during the ongoing development of the Karowe underground mine, the company sought a partner capable of providing support throughout the entire project lifecycle. Floors Foord, Regional Manager for Sandvik in Botswana, noted that this order demonstrates the breadth of Sandvik's product line and the company's ability to serve customers in Botswana through integrated solutions beyond equipment. The investment is financed by Sandvik Financial Services, with export guarantees from the Swedish Export Credit Agency. Tony Clarke, Manager at Sandvik SFS, stated that this arrangement proves financing can complement equipment and aftermarket offerings, helping customers advance long-term mining investments.

The Karowe diamond deposit is located approximately 515 kilometers from Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. It was discovered by De Beers in the 1970s, with ownership transferred to Lucara in 2009. Notable productions from the mine include the 2,488-carat Motswedi diamond, the 1,758-carat Sewelô diamond, and the 1,109-carat Lesedi La Rona diamond.