Epiroc has won a $64 million order from MMG for underground mining equipment as the Chinese-owned mining group expands its Khoemacau copper mine in Botswana, adding a major equipment contract to one of the country’s biggest mining projects.

The order, worth about 610 million Swedish kronor, covers drilling rigs, loaders and mine trucks that will be used to support the expansion of the underground mine in the Kalahari Copper Belt in northwestern Botswana. Epiroc booked the order in the third quarter of 2026.

MMG, which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is working with China Huaye and 23MCC on the project. Both contractors are subsidiaries of China Minmetals, MMG’s major shareholder.

The deal also includes remote-control technology for loaders, spare parts, tools and on-site technical support.

Equipment deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and continue through the second quarter of 2028.

Epiroc equipment to support mine expansion

The equipment package includes 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 machines are part of Epiroc’s Smart series and are designed to support automation and remote control.

The company will also provide training programs, simulators, on-site services and parts inventory to support the mine’s operations.

Mining support extends beyond equipment

Epiroc is expanding its aftermarket facilities in Botswana as it builds up technical support for mining customers in the country.

The company is also 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.

MMG Africa Operations President Xia Weiquan said the equipment and technical support would help improve underground mining productivity and safety. He said the partnership would also help MMG develop skilled mining professionals in Botswana.

Botswana copper project attracts investment

The Khoemacau expansion is part of MMG’s plans to increase production capacity at the mine.

The company approved an expansion project that includes additional deposits and a new processing plant, with first copper concentrate from the expansion expected in the first half of 2028.

Epiroc is a Stockholm-based mining and infrastructure equipment company that supplies drilling, excavation and other underground and surface mining equipment, as well as automation, digitalization and aftermarket services.

It reported revenue of about 62 billion Swedish kronor in 2025 and has about 19,000 employees serving customers in around 150 countries.

Epiroc President and CEO Helena Hedblom said the company has worked with MMG, China Huaye and 23MCC for years and expects the equipment supply to help improve productivity, efficiency and safety at Khoemacau.