MMG books Epiroc equipment for Khoemacau expansion
Epiroc AB has won a large order from MMG Limited for underground mining equipment that will support the expansion of the Khoemacau Copper Mine, a major underground operation in the Kalahari Copper Belt in northwest Botswana. The equipment order is valued at about SEK 610 million (USD 64 million) and was booked in the third quarter of 2026. MMG is listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, and its major shareholder is the Chinese state-owned China Minmetals Corp; mining contractors China Huaye and 23MCC, also subsidiaries of China Minmetals, are participating in the order together with MMG.
Smart-series fleet with automation and remote-control capability
The fleet ordered for the Khoemacau expansion comprises 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 "S" designation marks the machines as part of Epiroc's Smart series, designed for automation and remote control. Epiroc will also supply a remote-control solution for the loaders together with spare parts, tools, on-site service, customized training programs, simulators and a parts inventory.
Customer ties and Botswana support build-out
Epiroc President and CEO Helena Hedblom described a long-standing relationship with MMG, China Huaye and 23MCC, saying Epiroc is "proud to be a trusted partner to Chinese mining companies as they expand and operate internationally." Xia Weiquan, President of Africa Operations at MMG, said the fleet and on-site technical support would "significantly enhance our underground mining productivity and safety in Botswana," and highlighted cooperation on a local talent pipeline. Epiroc is continuing the build-out of aftermarket facilities in Botswana and is supporting MMG's collaboration with Botswana's Ministry of Higher Education through the Center of Mining Excellence at Maun Technical College.
Delivery schedule and near-term milestone
Delivery of the equipment will begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2028. First copper concentrate from the approved Khoemacau expansion is expected in the first half of 2028, aligning the completion of the Epiroc fleet deployment with the ramp-up of expanded mining and processing capacity.
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