Epiroc supplies smart underground equipment to Khoemacau

Epiroc AB has secured a large underground mining equipment order from MMG Limited for the expansion of the Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt

The order, valued at approximately SEK 610 million (US$64mn), includes a fleet of underground drilling rigs, cable bolting rigs, loaders and mine trucks. It was booked by Epiroc in the third quarter of 2026.

MMG, a global mining company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, placed the order together with mining contractors China Huaye and 23MCC, both subsidiaries of MMG’s major shareholder, China Minmetals Corp.

The equipment will support the expansion of the Khoemacau Copper Mine, a major underground mining operation located in northwest Botswana.

Epiroc equipment to support underground copper mining

The equipment fleet ordered by MMG includes:

• Boomer M20 S face drilling rig
• Simba E70 S ITH production drilling rig
• Cabletec M10 S cable bolting rig
• Scooptram ST18 S loader
• Minetruck MT65 S

The “S” designation indicates that the machines are part of Epiroc’s Smart series, making them ready for automation and remote-control applications.

Epiroc will also provide a remote-control solution for the loaders, alongside spare parts, tools and on-site technical services. Customised training programmes and simulators will further support operators and mine personnel, while an on-site parts inventory is intended to help maintain equipment performance throughout the mining operation.

“Epiroc has a long-standing cooperation with MMG, China Huaye and 23MCC,” stated Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s president and CEO.

“We are proud to be a trusted partner to Chinese mining companies as they expand and operate internationally. This commitment is part of our broader mission to support customers across the globe with leading technology and expertise. With this supply of advanced underground equipment for the Khoemacau expansion in Botswana, we look forward to helping MMG enhance productivity, efficiency and safety.”

The order strengthens Epiroc’s presence in Botswana, where the company is continuing to expand its aftermarket facilities to support mining customers operating in the region.

Epiroc is also supporting MMG’s collaboration with Botswana’s Ministry of Higher Education to develop the country’s future mining workforce through the Centre of Mining Excellence at Maun Technical College.

Xia Weiquan, president of Africa Operations at MMG, commented, “I believe this fleet from Epiroc, including important on-site technical support, will significantly enhance our underground mining productivity and safety in Botswana. With partners like Epiroc, MMG will also continue to build a lo cal talent pipeline with skilled mining professionals and a sustainable future for Botswana.”

Smart mining technology targets productivity and safety

The combination of Smart series equipment, remote-control technology, technical support and workforce training is designed to support the operational requirements of the Khoemacau mine expansion.

The deployment of automation-ready underground equipment can provide mining operators with greater flexibility in managing drilling, loading and haulage activities, while remote-control capabilities can support safer and more efficient equipment operation in appropriate mining environments.

Epiroc’s aftermarket support will complement the equipment supply through on-site services, spare parts and technical expertise, helping MMG and its contractors maintain equipment availability and performance.

Delivery of the equipment is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, with the full order expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2028.

The Khoemacau expansion will therefore see Epiroc’s underground mining equipment deployed alongside ongoing technical support, training and automation capabilities as MMG continues to develop its copper mining operations in Botswana.