Chinese mining contractor JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd. (JCHX) has recently placed a significant order with Sandvik for a 45-unit fleet of underground mining equipment that will support operations at MMG’s Khoemacau Copper Mine (KCM) in Botswana.
The order, booked during the second quarter of 2026, comprises 45 underground mining machines, including Toro® LH621i loaders, Toro® TH663i haul trucks, Sandvik DD422i and Sandvik DL422i drill rigs, Sandvik DU412i production drills, Rhino™ 100 and RBH-24 raiseboring equipment, together with DA101 and KA811 utility vehicles.
Beyond the equipment supply, the agreement incorporates AutoMine® automation technology for the loaders and longhole drill rigs, Sandvik Digital Trainer and Digital Driller training platforms, as well as access to My Sandvik Productivity and Remote Monitoring Service. These digital solutions are designed to improve operator safety, enhance fleet utilization, increase productivity, and provide greater operational visibility. Equipment deliveries are expected to commence in August 2026 and continue through April 2030.
The fleet will support JCHX’s underground mining contract at KCM, which was awarded in 2025 and is valued at approximately US$70 million over five years. The contract focuses on mining activities within the high-grade Zone 5 orebody, a key component of MMG’s production strategy and long-term expansion plans.
MMG is developing Zone 5 to expand active mining areas while unlocking access to higher-grade copper resources. The project is expected to support an increase in annual copper production to approximately 60,000 metric tons in the near term, with a longer-term objective of reaching 130,000 metric tons per year.
Wang Xiancheng, Chairman of JCHX, said the company continues to value Sandvik’s ability to combine advanced underground mining technology with dependable technical support.
“Sandvik has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver the right solutions for our underground mining operations, combining advanced equipment with strong technical support. Our long-standing relationship is built on trust, and Sandvik has proven time and again that it fulfills its commitments. The recent engagement from Sandvik’s senior management, including their visit to Beijing, further strengthened our confidence and added significant value to this collaboration. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we develop the Zone 5 operation at KCM.”
The latest award further strengthens an already expanding relationship between the two companies. Since July 2025, Sandvik has secured cumulative orders from JCHX worth more than SEK 1 billion, highlighting the growing scale of their collaboration across underground mining projects.
David Wang, JCHX Global Account Manager at Sandvik Mining, said the Khoemacau project demonstrates the company’s ability to provide an integrated mining solution that combines equipment, automation, digital technologies, and lifecycle support.
“At KCM Zone 5, Sandvik is delivering a total solution as a true one-stop shop, combining equipment, services and digital technologies. This success reflects strong cross-functional collaboration across our teams, a consistent and close on-site presence and continuous follow-up to ensure we deliver on our commitments. We’re also proud that our local, regional and global support model has been recognized by JCHX, along with our agility in adapting to their evolving needs as the project develops.”
The order reinforces Sandvik’s position as a leading supplier of underground mining equipment and digital mining technologies while supporting the continued development of one of Botswana’s most significant copper mining operations.
