BOTSWANA —Epiroc AB has been awarded a major underground equipment contract valued at SEK 610 million (USD 64 million) by global mining company MMG Limited to support the expansion of the Khoemacau Copper Mine in northwest Botswana. Procured alongside primary mining contractors China Huaye and 23MCC-both subsidiaries of MMG's majority shareholder, state-owned China Minmetals Corp.-the agreement covers the supply of an advanced fleet of underground face drilling rigs, production drilling rigs, cable bolting rigs, loaders, and mine trucks. Deliveries of the machinery are scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026 and complete by the second quarter of 2028.
This contract marks a pivotal milestone for the Khoemacau expansion project, situated in the highly active Kalahari Copper Belt. Epiroc will supply automated units from its Smart series, including Boomer M20 S face drill rigs, Simba E70 S ITH production drill rigs, Cabletec M10 S cable bolting rigs, Scooptram ST18 S loaders, and Minetruck MT65 S haulers. The package also incorporates remote-control solutions for the loaders, customized training simulators, spare parts, and comprehensive on-site technical support to maximize operational safety and efficiency.
The investment reflects broader industry trends as mining enterprises accelerate the adoption of automation, digitalization, and remote operations to enhance safety standards and optimize yield in complex underground environments. Furthermore, Epiroc and MMG are expanding local technical infrastructure and collaborating with Botswana's Ministry of Higher Education to support workforce development through the Centre of Mining Excellence at Maun Technical College.
For global investors and mining stakeholders, the agreement reinforces the strategic reliance on equipment automation partners during capital-intensive underground mine expansions. The long-term presence of major Chinese state-owned enterprises in African mining developments underscores continuous capital flow into critical minerals, while Epiroc's expanded aftermarket footprint in Botswana ensures recurring revenue streams beyond the initial capital delivery timeline.
