Epiroc Secures SEK 610 Million Copper Mine Equipment Order in Botswana

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 1, Epiroc received an underground mining equipment order from MMG valued at approximately SEK 610 million (about USD 64 million), with the equipment to be used for the Khoemacau copper mine expansion project in northwestern Botswana. The order has been booked in Epiroc's Q3 2026 order intake.

MMG placed the order jointly with mining contractors China Huaye and MCC23, covering development drills, production drills, cable bolting rigs, underground loaders, and mine trucks. Specific models include the Boomer M20 S development drill, Simba E70 S ITH production drill, Cabletec M10 S cable bolting rig, Scooptram ST18 S loader, and Minetruck MT65 S mine truck. Both China Huaye and MCC23 are part of the China Minmetals system.

The "S" in the above equipment denotes Epiroc's Smart series, which is equipped for automation and remote control applications. In addition to the complete machines, Epiroc will also provide remote control solutions for the loaders, along with spare parts, drilling tools, and on-site services, as well as customized training programs, simulators, and on-site spare parts inventory. Equipment delivery is scheduled to begin in Q4 2026, with completion expected by Q2 2028.

This equipment corresponds to the ongoing expansion project at the Khoemacau copper mine. MMG approved project construction in December 2025 and held the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion in February 2026. The project includes the construction of a new concentrator with an annual processing capacity of 4.5 million tonnes and the extension of mining operations to the Zone 5 North, Mango, and Zeta North-East deposits. After the expansion, the mine's total grinding capacity will exceed 8 million tonnes per year.

The expansion project is expected to have a total capital expenditure of approximately USD 900 million, with plans to increase Khoemacau's annual copper-in-concentrate production capacity to 130,000 tonnes, while annual silver production will exceed 4 million ounces. MMG plans to produce the first copper concentrate from the expansion project in H1 2028, with final commissioning scheduled for Q2 2028, broadly aligning with the delivery schedule of this Epiroc equipment order.