XCMG’s XDE260 mining trucks head for Guinea. (Image source: XCMG)

China’s XCMG Machinery has dispatched the shipment of its flagship mining trucks for use on Guinea’s giant Simandou iron ore project in West Africa

The XCMG XDE260 mining trucks are destined for the SimFer mine, part of the Simandou mega project, which is being developed by an international consortium.

SimFer S.A. is a joint venture between Rio Tinto, CIOH (a Chinalco-led consortium), and the government of Guinea.

In a statement, XCMG announced that the truucks were produced at its “intelligent manufacturing base” in China and mark a significant milestone, “showcasing Chinese manufacturing excellence at the world's largest untapped high-grade iron ore reserve.”

It added: “This shipment signifies that XCMG and Rio Tinto are working together more closely than ever, deepening their collaboration in the field of high-end mining equipment.”

The delivery is part of a major equipment supply contract valued at nearly RMB 800mn (approximately US$114mn), signed in 2024, that includes the provision of large-capacity mining trucks, motor graders, and select auxiliary equipment.

“This collaboration is a profound partnership based on our shared commitment to sustainable development,” said Yang Dongsheng, chairman of XCMG.

“XCMG has always been driven by technological innovation, striving to provide global clients with smarter, more environmentally friendly integrated solutions.”

The new XDE260 mining trucks — flagship models engineered specifically for West Africa's operating conditions — are designed to maximise productivity while minimising environmental impact, he added.

XCMG has deployed a dedicated service team of over 100 specialists to West Africa to offer localised, round-the-clock technical support for optimal operational efficiency.

A multinational expert team from China, Guinea, and Australia is also benchmarking the equipment against global best practices in mining operations, ensuring the Simandou mine achieves its planned production capacity efficiently and sustainably throughout its lifecycle.

XCMG’s local entity is also providing vocational education and professional training to locals.

“Together, we aim to fullfil our shared social responsibilities and empower local employees by enhancing their skills and fostering career development,” said a spokesperson for XCMG Simandou Company.

In its statement, XCMG said that it planned to continue deepening its involvement in Africa and other global markets to showcase its technology, machinery and further its commitment to nurturing the communities in which it operates.

“From exporting high-end mining machinery to integrating China’s intelligent manufacturing capabilities with international standards, XCMG is accelerating its evolution — from global expansion to sustainable market leadership,” the statement read.

“Moving forward, XCMG will remain innovation-driven and customer-focused, providing robust support for the mining industry's low-carbon transition and helping shape a more sustainable future for global resources.”

Read more:

Simandou partners celebrate start of operations

XCMG delivers 200 machines across regions

XCMG Machinery invests in Africa tech talent

First ore being delivered to Kiniéro mill. (Image source: Robex Kiniéro)

West African gold producer and developer Robex Resources Inc has reported the delivery of first ore to the processing mill at its Kiniéro Gold Project in Guinea, West Africa, ahead of initial gold production, which remains scheduled for this month

Commissioning activities at the Kiniéro processing plant are progressing well, with mechanical, electrical and instrumentation systems operating in line with expectations.

The company remains on schedule to pour first gold at Kiniéro in December 2025, with ramp-up to commercial production anticipated during the first quarter of calendar year 2026.

Matthew Wilcox, managing director and CEO of Robex Resources Inc, said, “With delivery of first ore to the Kiniéro plant, we continue our commissioning activities while moving a step closer to first gold for the project, which we expect to pour this month.

Robex aims to become West Africa’s next mid-tier gold producer and with each milestone completed at Kiniéro, we draw closer to achieving that goal.

We look forward to providing more updates from the project during the busy weeks ahead.”

A renewed surge of hydropower from Inga II signals a defining clean-energy shift for the Kamoa-Kakula mine. (Image source: Ivanhoe Mines)

Ivanhoe Mines has confirmed that the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex is now receiving its first 50 MW of clean hydroelectric power from the newly refurbished Turbine #5 at the Inga II dam in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The 178 MW unit, which has undergone a full mechanical and electrical overhaul, marks a major step forward in securing long-term renewable power for one of Africa’s largest copper operations.

Installation and commissioning of replacement equipment for Turbine #5 were completed between the third and fourth quarters of 2025. Following synchronisation and energisation in early Q4 2025, the turbine has ramped up to full output and is currently delivering approximately 180 MW of hydropower into the national grid.

Kamoa-Kakula is initially receiving 50 MW of this supply, bringing its total domestically sourced power to around 110 MW. Power deliveries from Inga II are expected to increase to 100 MW in the first quarter of 2026 and later rise to 150 MW once key grid upgrades are finalized.

Ongoing infrastructure improvements are focused on strengthening substations at Inga (SCI) and Kolwezi (SCK). The first component, a resistor bank upgrade at the Inga substation, was completed in May 2025. Matching upgrades at Kolwezi are expected shortly, improving voltage stability to the mine.

A new static compensator at Kolwezi is scheduled for completion in early Q1 2026, enabling power transmission to reach 100 MW. Additional upgrades to filter banks at both substations will be rolled out over the next 18 months, supporting an increase to 150 MW of delivered power during the first half of 2027. By the end of 2027, Kamoa-Kakula is projected to have access to roughly 210 MW of domestically sourced renewable energy.

Updated projections show the copper complex’s total power demand rising from 208 MW in December 2025 to 347 MW by December 2028. Supply will be met through a combination of SNEL grid power, third-party imports, on-site solar generation, and backup generators.

The refurbishment of Turbine #5 was carried out in partnership with the DRC power utility SNEL, engineering firms Gruner Stucky AG and VOITH, and Kamoa Copper’s project teams. Representatives from these organisations recently visited the turbine hall at Inga II to review commissioning progress and mark the return of the turbine to full operation.

Technical disclosures in this update have been reviewed and approved by Steve Amos, Ivanhoe Mines’ Executive Vice President, Projects, who is a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. Further technical information is available in the Kamoa-Kakula Integrated Development Plan 2023 Technical Report, accessible on Ivanhoe Mines’ website and through its SEDAR+ profile.

West Wits Mining advances its Witwatersrand Basin Project with the launch of Qala Shallows

West Wits Mining has officially commenced operations at the Qala Shallows Underground Mine, marking South Africa’s first new underground gold mine in 15 years

The development represents a major step forward for the company and strengthens the long-term trajectory of the Witwatersrand Basin Project.

A ceremony west of Johannesburg gathered senior government officials, industry leaders, diplomats, and community representatives. Among the attendees were the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe (or senior departmental delegates), Australian High Commissioner Tegan Brink, Minerals Council South Africa CEO Mzila Mthenjane, as well as investors, partners, and local stakeholders.

During the event, West Wits CEO and Group Managing Director, Rudi Deysel, underscored the project’s significance as a resurgence of confidence in the Central Rand’s geological promise.

“For years, many believed the Central Rand had reached the end of its mining life, but Qala Shallows shows that with rigorous geological work, clear planning and disciplined execution – and strong cooperation between government and business – new underground gold mines can still be developed in this district,” Deysel said.

“The Witwatersrand built Johannesburg and shaped our economy, and it still holds substantial potential for the future.”

Deysel acknowledged the contributions of government partners, lenders, surrounding communities and industry collaborators, crediting them with the successful realisation of the project.

“Together we have brought a new mine to life in one of the world’s most historic gold districts, and today, Qala Shallows starts a fresh chapter for the Witwatersrand and for South African gold mining.”

Development status and production outlook

Since work began in July 2025, construction and underground development at Qala Shallows have progressed smoothly, with all key milestones met within schedule. The project delivered its first ore to surface in October 2025, and all essential underground systems required for the production phase have been completed. Surface ore stockpiles continue to grow and are expected to reach around 30,000 tonnes before the initial gold pour planned for March 2026.

Long-term role in West Wits’ growth plans

Bringing Qala Shallows online transforms West Wits from a developer into an operating gold producer, reinforcing the company’s commitment to South Africa and laying the groundwork for extended expansion within the Witwatersrand Basin Project. The broader project contains a Mineral Resource Estimate exceeding 5 million ounces³, with Qala Shallows acting as the first stage of a phased rollout. Additional development zones such as Bird Reef Central are expected to incrementally support future production targets.

These steps align with the company’s Project 200 vision, focused on achieving annual output of 200,000 ounces through sustainable, disciplined execution.

Upcoming activities

Over the coming months, West Wits will continue underground advancement and surface work at Qala Shallows as it prepares for the first gold pour in March 2026. In parallel, planning and development efforts for later phases of the Witwatersrand Basin Project will continue to move forward.