Original-equipment manufacturer Epiroc has won its largest-ever order for the expansion of the Kamoa-Kakula copper mining complex, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  

Mine owner Kamoa Copper – a joint venture (JV) between base and precious metals developer Ivanhoe Mines, with 39.6% ownership; Zijin Mining Group, with 39.6% ownership; Crystal River Global, with 0.8% ownership; and the DRC government, with 20% ownership – has ordered Minetruck MT65 S haulers, the world’s highest payload underground truck in the field, as well as Scooptram ST18 S loaders, Boomer 282 face drilling rigs and Simba E70 S production drilling rigs.

The order is valued at almost €60-million and was booked in the third quarter.

The machines will be used to expand operations at Kamoa-Kakula. The copper mining complex is expected to become one of the world’s largest copper mines and will have one of the most favourable environmental footprints of all major copper mines. Ivanhoe has said the mine will be among the world’s lowest greenhouse gas-emitting copper mines per unit of metal produced. 

“The customer’s focus on sustainability and productivity, coupled with the large size of the mine, makes it especially exciting to contribute to its success,” says Epiroc president and CEO Helena Hedblom.

The new order is the third large order that Epiroc has received from Kamoa Copper for Kamoa-Kakula. In 2022, Kamoa Copper ordered SKr160-million worth of equipment, and in the second quarter this year it ordered equipment valued at about SKr125-million.

Epiroc will also provide service of the machines, as well as on-site technical support and operator training. 

“Kamoa Copper chose Epiroc to be one of our strategic partners for the supply of trackless mobile mining equipment due to its proven and matured industry track record. The equipment selected proved to be reliable and feasible in various applications in the mining industry.

“It will play a critical role in achieving production targets in line with the expansion programme of Kamoa Copper and the resulting guidance given to the market,” says Kamoa Copper engineering executive Jan Johannes Hough.

The ordered machines have several advanced features, such as Epiroc’s telematics system, which allows for intelligent monitoring of machine performance and productivity in real-time. Delivery will begin next year.

Epiroc has had a local presence in the DRC since 2001, and currently has about 120 employees in the country, mostly Congolese nationals.

The company has several community-strengthening activities in the country, including Epiroc’s employee-driven Water for All organisation, which sponsors clean water and sanitation for underprivileged communities.

Last year, Epiroc also partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, among others, to promote education and job opportunities for young local engineers in the country.