Swedish engineering firm Sandvik has announced a significant equipment supply agreement for the Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana. The contract, valued at approximately Skr650 million ($68.55 million), was awarded by JCHX Mining Management and recorded during the second quarter of 2026.
Expanding Mining Capabilities
The deal encompasses a comprehensive fleet of underground mining machinery, including loaders, trucks, and drills. Beyond the physical hardware, Sandvik will provide its AutoMine automation technology for the loaders and select drills, alongside digital monitoring services designed to optimize operational efficiency.
Mats Eriksson, president of Sandvik’s mining business area, emphasized that the contract serves to support the mine’s ongoing expansion. “We are very pleased to deepen our partnership with JCHX at the Khoemacau Copper Mine and look forward to support the expansion of the underground mining operations with our leading solutions,” Eriksson stated.
Deliveries are slated to begin in the third quarter of 2026, with the majority of the equipment expected to be deployed between 2026 and 2028.
Strategic Context in the Kalahari Copper Belt
The Khoemacau operation, situated in the Kalahari Copper Belt, is currently undergoing a substantial growth phase. Following a $936 million feasibility study completed in 2025, the project aims to more than double its copper metal in concentrate output, targeting an increase from 60,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) to 130,000 tpa.
The mine is operated by a joint venture in which MMG holds a 55% controlling stake. The expansion efforts are aligned with broader global trends, as the mine positions itself as a critical supplier for industries requiring high volumes of copper, including renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicle manufacturing, and construction. The site currently employs more than 2,200 personnel, with a strong focus on local employment, as 90% of the workforce is from Botswana.
The agreement marks another significant move for Sandvik in the global mining sector. Earlier this year, the company secured an order from Glencore to supply rotary blasthole drill rigs for the reactivation of the Bajo de la Alumbrera copper mine in Argentina.
As copper remains a cornerstone commodity for the global energy transition, the Khoemacau expansion is expected to contribute to the operation’s planned lifespan of more than two decades.
