Mining

Epiroc wins US$64mn order for Botswana copper mine. (Image source: Epiroc)

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.

SEW-EURODRIVE’s TrueDNA solution supports greater transparency and traceability by providing digital access to key product and lifecycle information. (Image source: SEW-EURODRIVE)

Its presence at Electra Mining Africa 2026 confirmed to SEW-EURODRIVE that customers are seeking not only the highest levels of innovation and workmanship, but also comprehensive support throughout the full lifecycle of their drive solutions

This commitment to lifecycle support has been central to SEW-EURODRIVE's evolution in Africa in recent years, including its ambitious Phase 2 development at its headquarters in Aeroton, according to Jonathan McKey, National Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE.

"Our objective has been to further strengthen our trusted partnerships by localising more capabilities and supporting customers across the full lifecycle of their equipment," McKey explained.

"Customers know us as a reliable original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and we have now strengthened that relationship through additional engineering services, faster turnaround times, greater quality control and a genuine single-source solution for drivetrain support."

This broader engineering philosophy was demonstrated at Electra Mining Africa, where visitors experienced the company's integrated approach to drivetrain support. SEW-EURODRIVE showcased technologies spanning intelligent drive systems, condition monitoring and digital diagnostics. Its DriveRadar predictive maintenance system attracted particular interest, alongside its energy optimisation tools and medium-voltage motor solutions.

"Rather than presenting these as standalone products, the exhibition allowed us to demonstrate how they integrate into a complete lifecycle support strategy for mining and industrial operations," he said.

"We were able to share our depth of engineering expertise with visitors and demonstrate the extent of our local investment, which enables us to provide the comprehensive lifecycle support they are looking for."

A significant element of SEW-EURODRIVE's strategy is its continued investment in local infrastructure. By bringing more engineering capabilities in-house, the company has reduced its dependence on multiple subcontractors, improving quality assurance while shortening repair lead times. Capabilities within the recently completed Phase 2 development include motor rewinding, steel fabrication, shaft manufacturing, stress relieving, sandblasting and complete load testing.

"This approach gives us tighter control over repair standards and pricing," remarked McKey. "It also gives customers confidence that critical drivetrain assets are restored to OEM specifications."

Complementing these capabilities are the company's Experience Centres, where customers can evaluate proposed solutions through simulations. Willem Strydom, Business Development Electronics Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE, explains that many customers want to pursue productivity improvements and greater energy efficiency, but cannot simply stop production to test new technologies.

"We have therefore invested in Experience Centres where we can replicate real applications," Strydom says. "Here, we can compare existing equipment with proposed solutions and allow customers to see the results before making an investment decision."

Applications such as conveyors and automation systems can be replicated, enabling customers to test SEW-EURODRIVE's software, hardware and energy optimisation strategies before implementation.

"This significantly reduces implementation risk for operations that cannot afford unplanned downtime," he stated. "Visitors to our exhibition stands at Electra Mining Africa responded very positively to this practical demonstration capability."

McKey emphasises that these investments have been made with a clear focus on improving both equipment performance and customer sustainability.

"Customers come to us for solutions, so we focus on engineering the complete package," he commented. "This starts with selecting the correct equipment and extends to supporting the installation, programming and lifecycle management that ensures it delivers the expected performance."

Importantly, these services are offered not only for SEW-EURODRIVE equipment but also for drive-related assets from other OEMs. The company's expanded engineering capability enables it to develop technical solutions for a wide range of brands and components.

He also highlights the value of SEW-EURODRIVE's consultative engineering approach.

"This means we begin engaging well before a purchase decision is made," McKey said. "Our engineering teams review a customer's initial specification and analyse the application to determine whether a more efficient solution is available."

Using detailed energy assessments and application studies, engineers can frequently identify opportunities to optimise drive sizing, reduce installed power and lower operating costs without compromising production performance.

"These engineering interventions improve both energy efficiency and total cost of ownership, while helping customers meet increasingly demanding sustainability targets," he explains.

Strydom notes that digitalisation is becoming an increasingly important component of SEW-EURODRIVE's strategy. Intelligent condition monitoring enables maintenance teams to identify developing problems long before they become critical failures, allowing planned intervention rather than costly emergency repairs.

"Our DriveRadar demonstrations at Electra Mining Africa showed visitors how remote asset monitoring enables plant managers to oversee equipment performance across multiple operations from laptops, tablets or mobile devices," he stated. "By providing real-time asset condition data, maintenance teams can prioritise interventions based on actual equipment health rather than fixed maintenance schedules, improving equipment availability while reducing unnecessary maintenance expenditure."

McKey believes that a fundamental shift in maintenance philosophy is underway, with technology playing a central role in eliminating unwanted surprises from plant operations while helping customers work smarter.

"We believe that digital technologies enhance skills rather than replace people," he commented.

Training therefore remains a cornerstone of SEW-EURODRIVE's partnership model. Its expanded DriveAcademy provides training for artisans, technicians, engineers, foremen, reliability specialists and management teams, with programmes tailored to specific operational requirements. The curriculum extends beyond mechanical equipment to include electronics, automation, programming, condition monitoring and modern drive technologies.

The rental market offers a solution to costly machinery purchases (Image source: SkyJacks)

With rental solutions available, you do not necessarily need to own expensive equipment anymore — that is the core message from SkyJacks, as it highlights the shift from ‘ownership’ to ‘access’ with expanded equipment solutions at Electra Mining 2026

As mining, construction and industrial businesses continue to navigate changing project demands, rising operational costs and the need for greater flexibility, the traditional approach of owning every piece of equipment is evolving, the company believes.

At Electra Mining 2026, SkyJacks will showcase how businesses can gain access to world-class equipment through flexible rental solutions, enabling them to adapt quickly while reducing the financial pressure associated with asset ownership.

“Businesses today need flexibility as much as they need reliable equipment,” said Darryn Jacobs, managing director at SkyJacks.

“While purchasing remains the right option for many organisations, rental provides an alternative approach that allows companies to access the equipment they need without being locked into assets that may no longer align with changing operational requirements.”

A leading provider of powered access, material handling and lifting equipment across South Africa and the broader SADC region, SkyJacks will showcase its expanded portfolio at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec.

Alongside its established range of globally recognised OEM brands, including Dingli, Faresin, Jekko, GEDA and ALR, the company will introduce two new additions to its offering: Hyundai Forklifts and MACH industrial cleaning solutions.

The expanded portfolio reinforces its position as a comprehensive equipment partner, providing solutions that support safety, productivity and efficiency across mining, construction, industrial maintenance and logistics environments.

According to Jacobs, rental provides businesses with the ability to adapt as project scopes change.

“A company may start a project requiring a 20-metre access machine but later discover that it needs equipment capable of reaching 40 metres. With rental, they can return the existing machine and transition to a solution that better meets their requirements,” he said.

“When equipment is purchased outright, businesses can find themselves committed to an asset that may no longer provide the right capability, creating unnecessary costs and limiting flexibility.”

Beyond providing access to specialised equipment, rental solutions also help customers manage the ongoing costs associated with ownership.Maintenance, servicing and equipment support are included as part of the rental offering, allowing businesses to focus on operations rather than managing additional asset-related expenses.

“Customers are looking for predictable costs and reliable uptime,” said Jacobs.“With rental, they have access to professionally maintained equipment without the additional burden of maintenance, repairs and replacement costs. This allows them to focus on productivity while knowing their equipment is supported throughout its lifecycle.”

At Electra Mining 2026, SkyJacks will showcase a range of solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of industry:

Dingli Mobile Elevated Work Platforms: Dingli’s range of articulated and telescopic boom lifts, scissor lifts and vertical lifts provides reliable working-at-height solutions, with options across diesel, electric and hybrid configurations.

Faresin Telehandlers: Designed for demanding construction, mining and agricultural applications, Faresin telehandlers combine versatility, operator comfort and powerful lifting performance.

Jekko Mini Cranes: Engineered for precision lifting in challenging environments, Jekko mini cranes deliver high lifting capacity, advanced safety features and excellent manoeuvrability.

GEDA Construction Hoists: GEDA hoists support safe and efficient vertical transportation, improving productivity across construction and industrial sites.

ALR Lever Hoists and Chain Blocks: Built for harsh operating conditions, ALR products provide durable and reliable lifting solutions for mining, engineering and industrial applications.

Hyundai Forklifts: SkyJacks will introduce Hyundai’s globally recognised forklift range, including diesel, LPG and electric models. Designed for demanding material handling environments, Hyundai forklifts combine robust performance, operator-focused design and advanced safety features to improve efficiency and reliability.

MACH Industrial Cleaning Solutions: Making its debut at Electra Mining, the MACH range provides innovative industrial cleaning solutions designed to support efficiency across warehouses, factories, workshops and mining facilities. Manufactured in Italy, MACH equipment combines durability, ease of operation and reduced resource consumption, helping businesses maintain cleaner, safer and more productive working environments.

Read more:

Mining growth drives demand for overhead cranes

Byrnecut expands underground mining fleet with Sandvik equipment

MMD Africa expands mining solutions at Electra Mining

Wärtsilä to power Senegal’s Diamba Sud gold mine With 14MW Plant. (Image source: Wärtsilä)

Technology group Wärtsilä will provide five Wärtsilä 32 engines for a 14 MW captive power plant being developed for the Diamba Sud Gold Project in Senegal

The dedicated power plant will provide the reliable electricity supply required for the mine’s operations. Located in a remote area, the Diamba Sud project will rely entirely on the captive facility for its power requirements.

The order was placed by Africa Power Services (APS), the France-based engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor responsible for the power plant, on behalf of Fortuna Mining. Wärtsilä recorded the order as order intake during the second quarter of 2026.

Wärtsilä 32 engines to power remote Senegal mine

The Wärtsilä 32 generating set has been in successful operation for 30 years and has supplied more than 8,000 MW of energy to customers globally. Its fast-starting capability also allows engine-based power systems to incorporate variable renewable sources, including solar and wind, by providing flexibility for balancing power supply and demand.

Fortuna Mining has plans to introduce renewable energy into the mine’s microgrid in the future, with the Wärtsilä engines providing the flexibility required to complement intermittent renewable generation.

“Operating a remote, off-grid mine requires reliable power, as any unscheduled downtime carries financial and operational risks. Wärtsilä’s engines deliver the continuous performance required for such demanding conditions. Selecting them for Diamba Sud ensures we mitigate operational risks from day one, while building a power foundation that can seamlessly integrate renewable energy assets as the mine evolves,” says Cedric Fernandez, Managing Director at APS.

Wärtsilä’s contract extends beyond the supply of the engine generating sets. Its scope includes basic engineering, engine-specific auxiliary equipment and the engine control and monitoring system. The company will also provide advisory services during installation and commissioning.

The use of multiple engine-generating sets is intended to provide the power plant with greater flexibility to respond to changing mine loads while maintaining efficient operation. The configuration will also provide the operational flexibility needed to accommodate renewable generation as the microgrid develops.

“This repeat order from APS reinforces Wärtsilä’s position as a trusted and reliable solution provider for the mining industry’s power needs,” commented Marc Thiriet, energy business director, Africa at Wärtsilä Energy.

“Mining operations are under dual pressure to maintain maximum uptime while actively charting a path toward decarbonisation. By deploying multiple smaller engine-generating sets instead of a single large unit, we enable the plant to match fluctuating load demands with high precision, maximizing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Critically, these engines feature the starting flexibility required to balance the intermittent nature of solar or wind power, thereby complimenting Fortuna Mining’s future plans to introduce renewables to this microgrid strengthening the mines operational stability.”

Diamba Sud power plant targets 2027 operation

Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for March 2027, while the captive power plant is expected to begin operations by the end of 2027.

The project is being developed for Fortuna Mining, a Canadian mining company advancing the Diamba Sud Gold Project in Senegal. Fortuna acquired the project in September 2023.

Diamba Sud is situated within the Kenieba–Koudougou Inlier, a geologically important region extending across eastern Senegal and western Mali. The area hosts several major gold deposits.

The dedicated 14 MW power plant will form a critical part of the mine’s infrastructure, providing the electricity required for operations at the remote site while establishing a foundation for the future integration of renewable energy into the project’s microgrid.