Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 22, Sandvik, a mining solutions provider, has secured a significant order from China-based JCHX Mining Management to supply underground mining equipment for MMG’s Khoemacau copper mine (KCM) in Botswana. The order, valued at around Skr450 million, covers loaders, trucks, and drills, as well as digital solutions including remote monitoring services.

Sandvik is set to begin the equipment deliveries in Q3 2025.

Deliveries under the contract are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025 and continue through the second quarter of 2026. This order supports JCHX’s role in operating the mine, following its five-year contract awarded in June 2024 to manage underground mining services at Khoemacau.

The Khoemacau mine is located in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt, an area recognized for its resource potential. MMG completed its acquisition of Khoemacau in March 2024, after first announcing the transaction in November 2023. The mine initially completed the construction of its low-cost operations in June 2021 and reached full-scale production by the fourth quarter of 2022. Current annual output ranges between 43,000 and 53,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate.

Ore extraction at Khoemacau is carried out using underground longhole stoping. The mined ore is transported over a 35-kilometer haul road to the Boseto processing plant, which was built to serve the operation. From there, copper concentrate is exported to international customers. The mine’s operational model integrates efficient extraction and logistics, designed to ensure stable production volumes.

Expansion plans are currently under evaluation, supported by additional drilling and technical studies. Projections indicate the mine’s potential to increase output to over 130,000 tonnes per year of copper and five million ounces per year of silver. This would mark a significant step for the project, further establishing its importance within the emerging Kalahari Copper Belt.

Khoemacau currently employs about 1,800 people, of which 95% are residents of Botswana, reflecting the project’s contribution to local employment and skills development. The mine is expected to remain in operation for more than 20 years, providing long-term stability for the surrounding region.

For Sandvik, the equipment order represents an opportunity to expand its role in Botswana’s growing mining sector, combining machinery supply with advanced digital monitoring systems to support productivity and safety. For JCHX, the contract strengthens its partnership with MMG and supports its ongoing responsibilities in managing underground operations at Khoemacau.

The project illustrates continued investment in the Kalahari Copper Belt, where large-scale developments are contributing to the global copper supply. With growing demand for copper in industries such as energy and infrastructure, the mine’s expansion aligns with long-term market trends.

The agreement between Sandvik, JCHX, and MMG underscores the collaborative approach driving the growth of Khoemacau, while supporting regional development and sustaining future production.