Equipment & Technology - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Epiroc Secures Major Order for Autonomous Electric Drill Fleet in Africa

March 22, 2026March 22, 2026 Constance

Epiroc Wins SKr380 Million Contract for Autonomous Electric Pit Viper Drill Rigs to Boost Safety and Zero-Emission Mining in Africa Mining and infrastructure productivity and sustainability solutions provider Epiroc has secured a large order for autonomous, electric-powered surface mining equipment in Africa, reinforcing the industry’s transition toward safer and lower-emission operations. The customer has placed an order for a fleet of Pit Viper 275 E blasthole drill rigs the cable-electric version of the company’s high-capacity surface drilling platform. The machines will operate fully autonomously and are designed to enhance operational… Read More Here

International Corporate News Equipment & Technology

Caterpillar to Spotlight AI, Autonomy and Future Collaborations at CES 2026

December 18, 2025December 18, 2025 Constance

Caterpillar will launch its next 100 years at CES 2026, the most powerful tech event in the world. The company will be announcing new innovations, partnerships, and investments during the show January 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed will be a keynote speaker, unveiling the company’s latest developments in AI, machine learning and autonomous functionality. Joe will deliver his keynote at 9:00AM (PT) on Wednesday, January 7, in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian Hotel, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd South. Details on the keynote are… Read More Here

International Corporate News Equipment & Technology

BHP and Rio Tinto Begin Trials of Australia’s First Battery-Electric Haul Trucks

December 12, 2025December 12, 2025 Constance

BHP and Rio Tinto Launch Pilbara Trials of Cat 793 XE Battery-Electric Haul Trucks to Cut Mining Emissions Diversified mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto have received Australia’s first Cat 793 XE Early Learner battery-electric haul trucks at BHP’s Jimblebar mine, marking the start of on-site trials for Caterpillar’s zero-exhaust heavy haulage technology in the Pilbara region. The two trucks, supplied under a pioneering collaboration between BHP, Rio Tinto, and Caterpillar, will undergo commissioning before formal trials begin. The tests aim to evaluate whether battery-electric haulage can replace diesel in… Read More Here

International Equipment & Technology

Barrick and Komatsu Seal $440M Deal to Power Reko Diq with Electric Mining Equipment

July 12, 2025July 12, 2025 Constance

Barrick Partners with Komatsu in $440M Deal to Electrify Reko Diq Copper-Gold Mine in Pakistan Barrick Mining Corporation has finalized a landmark $440 million agreement with Japanese construction giant Komatsu to supply electric and hybrid mining equipment for the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Pakistan. This deal represents a major step in decarbonizing one of the world’s most anticipated greenfield mining operations. The agreement includes a full suite of advanced mining machinery—ultra-class electric haul trucks, electric rope shovels, hydraulic mining excavators, and electric wheel loaders—designed to cut carbon emissions and… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Equipment & Technology

ABB, Hitachi, Komatsu, and Sumitomo Power Up Zambia’s First Electric Mining Fleet

June 4, 2025June 4, 2025 Constance

As global demand for battery minerals continues to surge, technology leaders ABB, Hitachi, Komatsu, and Sumitomo are joining forces to decarbonize mining operations through a cutting-edge electrification strategy that has already reduced emissions across several Japanese sites. The partnership between Hitachi Construction Machinery and ABB Traction reached a major milestone last year with the completion of a prototype for a fully electric, 240-ton haul truck designed for heavy-duty mining. Since then, Komatsu and Sumitomo have joined the effort. These new electric haul trucks are now operating at First Quantum Minerals’… Read More Here

International Equipment & Technology

Fortescue and Liebherr Secure Orders for 100 Battery-Powered Mining Trucks

September 29, 2024September 29, 2024 Constance

Australian miner Fortescue Metals Group and German-Swiss manufacturer Liebherr have secured orders for 100 autonomous battery-powered mining trucks, as part of their initiative to reduce carbon emissions. Fortescue’s executive chairman, Andrew Forrest, revealed the trucks were developed to support the company’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. Fortescue and Liebherr teamed up in 2022 to create electric versions of the T 264 truck, with expressions of interest for hundreds more vehicles already received. The 240-tonne trucks, although more expensive than diesel models, offer greater reliability and productivity. The two… Read More Here

International Equipment & Technology Press Release

Epiroc’s new Minetruck MT66 S eDrive with electric drivetrain combines power and innovation

September 23, 2024September 23, 2024 Constance

The new Minetruck MT66 S eDrive is the first of Epiroc’s large-capacity mine trucks to feature the latest generation electric drivetrain. Along with an upgraded and powerful diesel-engine, the hauler combines the cost-effectiveness of a traditional mine truck with the productivity of an electric one – without requiring change to a mine’s infrastructure. The Minetruck MT66 S eDrive has been completely redesigned to feature an electric drivetrain, powered by the strongest engine yet in Epiroc’s line-up of underground mine trucks. With several other upgrades, such as weight reduction and better… Read More Here

International Equipment & Technology Mining Equipment Press Release

Kal Tire announces Haltec Group as distribution partner for its KalPRO tooling

September 19, 2024September 19, 2024 Constance

KalPRO, a new sub-brand of Kal Tire, represents a collection of innovative tools and offerings developed to enhance safety, efficiency and productivity VERNON, BC—Kal Tire’s Innovation Centre in western Canada has been designing and producing proprietary tooling for nearly 10 years to help improve safety and efficiency for its mining tire technicians. From tools that reduce fatigue and strain to ones that eliminate high risk, KalPRO tools enable technicians to perform work with greater ease, efficiency and safety. Now, some KalPRO tools will be available to technicians globally through Haltec… Read More Here

International Equipment & Technology Mergers & Acquisitions

Sandvik to acquire Universal Field Robots

August 29, 2024August 29, 2024 Constance

Sandvik has signed an agreement to acquire Universal Field Robots (UFR), a fast-growing Australia-based provider of autonomous interoperable solutions for the surface mining and underground mining markets. UFR will be reported in Digital Mining Technologies, a division within business area Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions. UFR’s solution portfolio is built on a common autonomy platform, which is a strong complement to Sandvik’s automation offering and includes OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) agnostic robotic and autonomous solutions for trucks, loaders and auxiliary equipment. The acquisition will help to increase the addressable market… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Equipment & Technology

First Quantum Trials World’s First Battery-Powered Dump Truck

July 31, 2024July 31, 2024 Constance

First Quantum Minerals has partnered with Hitachi Construction Machinery to trial a fully electric dump truck at the Kansanshi mine. This groundbreaking initiative represents a significant step toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mining industry. Copper is crucial for the global transition to a lower carbon, renewably powered, electric future. However, mining this essential resource must be done responsibly, with a focus on reducing emissions. Electrifying mining machinery, including dump trucks, is a key component of this effort, despite the technical challenges it presents. The trial of the battery-powered… Read More Here