LONDON, Sept 1 – Swedish manufacturer of mining and infrastructure equipment, Epiroc has secured an order valued at about SKr610 million ($64 million) from global mining company MMG for underground equipment to support the expansion of the Khoemacau copper mine in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt.
The order, booked in the third quarter, includes a fleet of face and production drilling rigs, cable bolting equipment, loaders and underground mine trucks. The equipment will be supplied to MMG together with mining contractors China Huaye and 23MCC, both subsidiaries of China Minmetals, MMG’s major shareholder.
The Khoemacau operation is a major underground copper mine in north-west Botswana, making the equipment investment significant for the continued development of the country’s copper-producing sector.
The machines ordered include the Boomer M20 S face drilling rig, Simba E70 S ITH production drilling rig, Cabletec M10 S cable bolting rig, Scooptram ST18 S loader and Minetruck MT65 S. The “S” designation indicates that the equipment belongs to Epiroc’s Smart series and is designed to support automation and remote-control capabilities.
Epiroc will also deploy a remote-control system for the loaders, alongside spare parts, tools and technical support at the mine. The company plans to provide customised training programmes and simulators as part of the package, with on-site services and parts inventory intended to support equipment performance throughout the operation.
Epiroc President and Chief Executive Officer Helena Hedblom said the company had an established relationship with MMG, China Huaye and 23MCC. According to Hedblom, “Epiroc has a long-standing cooperation with MMG, China Huaye and 23MCC.”
She added that the company was “proud to be a trusted partner to Chinese mining companies as they expand and operate internationally,” while describing the Khoemacau supply as part of Epiroc’s wider effort to support mining customers with technology and technical expertise.
Epiroc is also expanding its aftermarket capabilities in Botswana, establishing facilities to provide additional support for mining operations in the country and the wider region.
The partnership extends beyond equipment supply. Epiroc is supporting MMG’s work with Botswana’s Ministry of Higher Education to develop mining skills through the Centre of Mining Excellence at Maun Technical College. The initiative is intended to strengthen the pipeline of locally trained mining professionals as mining activity expands.
MMG Africa Operations President Xia Weiquan said the equipment and technical support would strengthen the company’s operations in Botswana. According to Xia, “I believe this fleet from Epiroc, including important on-site technical support, will significantly enhance our underground mining productivity and safety in Botswana.”
He added that MMG would continue working with partners such as Epiroc to develop “a local talent pipeline with skilled mining professionals and a sustainable future for Botswana.”
The order reflects the growing investment surrounding Botswana’s mining industry, particularly as copper production becomes increasingly important to the country’s mineral economy. For MMG, expanding Khoemacau also places greater emphasis on improving underground productivity, operational safety and the use of automation technology.
Epiroc’s involvement in training, technical services and local aftermarket infrastructure indicates that the relationship will extend beyond the delivery of mining equipment, linking the expansion of the mine with efforts to strengthen Botswana’s domestic mining capabilities.
Equipment deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and are expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2028.
