Epiroc Wins $64 Million Equipment Order for Botswana’s Khoemacau Mine
Epiroc Secures US$64 Million Underground Mining Equipment Order for Botswana Copper Mine
Swedish mining technology and equipment company Epiroc has secured a major underground equipment order from MMG to support the expansion of the Khoemacau copper mine in Botswana.
The order, valued at approximately Skr610 million (US$64 million), was booked during the third quarter of 2026 and includes a fleet of underground drilling, loading and hauling equipment.
Khoemacau is a major underground copper operation located in the Kalahari Copper Belt in north-western Botswana.
MMG is working with mining contractors China Huaye and 23MCC, both subsidiaries of China Minmetals, on the mine’s expansion.
Equipment Fleet to Support Mine Expansion
The equipment package includes 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 machines are part of Epiroc’s Smart series, meaning they are designed to support automation and remote-control capabilities.
Epiroc will also provide a remote-control solution for the loaders, alongside spare parts, tools and on-site technical support.
The company will supply customised training programmes and simulators, as well as maintain parts inventory and provide technical services to support equipment performance at the operation.
Deliveries to Begin This Year
Equipment deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and are expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2028.
Epiroc is also expanding its aftermarket presence in Botswana to provide closer support to mining customers operating in the country and across the wider region.
The company has a longstanding relationship with MMG, China Huaye and 23MCC, with the latest order further strengthening that partnership as the Khoemacau operation expands.
Epiroc President and CEO Helena Hedblom said the company’s equipment and technology would support improved productivity, efficiency and safety at the Botswana operation.
Building Botswana’s Mining Skills Base
The partnership extends beyond equipment supply.
MMG is working with Botswana’s Ministry of Higher Education to develop the country’s mining workforce through the Centre of Mining Excellence at Maun Technical College.
The initiative is intended to strengthen the pipeline of skilled mining professionals as Botswana continues to develop its mining industry.
The Khoemacau expansion therefore represents not only a significant equipment contract for Epiroc, but also another step in the development of Botswana’s underground copper mining capacity, with automation, technical support and workforce development forming part of the broader operation.
