A new player in South Africa’s mining equipment sector, Kiboko Group, has announced a game-changing partnership with the world’s third-largest mining machinery manufacturer XCMG. This collaboration, unveiled at the 2025 Investing in African Mining Indaba, is set to revolutionise the region’s mining industry by offering state-of-the-art equipment, innovative financing and comprehensive local support, all while focusing on sustainability and reducing total cost of ownership (TCO).

“We chose XCMG as our partner because of their reputation for reliability and their commitment to delivering the lowest TCO through their advanced machinery,” says Kiboko CEO Nhlakanipho Ngcobo. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of bringing the most efficient, reliable and cost-effective mining solutions to our clients, backed by local expertise and world-class after-sales support.”

Reliability and Lowest TCO: The Core of XCMG’s Mining Equipment

The core value proposition of this partnership is built around XCMG’s proven, reliable mining machinery that delivers the lowest TCO over its lifecycle. XCMG’s mining excavators, shovels and other heavy equipment are known for their durability, fuel efficiency and high performance. These machines are designed to operate in the harshest conditions, providing mining companies with a dependable solution that minimises downtime and maximises productivity.

XCMG’s equipment is supported by a comprehensive service offering that ensures long-term reliability, helping miners achieve the lowest operational costs. “XCMG’s mining equipment offers exceptional fuel efficiency, long lifespan and low maintenance costs, which translates into lower TCO for mining operations,” Ngcobo adds. “With structured long-term leases, we’re also able to offer financial flexibility that makes accessing this world-class equipment more affordable for local miners.”

Local Support and Research & Development Investment

XCMG’s significant investment in research and development (R&D) ensures that their machinery remains at the forefront of technological innovation. The company invests around 6% of its revenue into R&D, employing over 9 000 engineers who are focused on advancing green technologies, autonomous machinery and battery-powered solutions. This commitment to innovation is critical in driving operational efficiencies, safety improvements and sustainability in mining operations.

At the same time, the partnership emphasises the importance of localisation. Kiboko Group brings deep local expertise, ensuring that miners not only have access to world-class equipment but also the technical support and maintenance services required to maximise uptime and productivity. With local teams trained to handle XCMG machinery and a robust service network, Kiboko ensures that the mining industry receives continuous support throughout the equipment’s lifecycle.

“XCMG’s R&D efforts are focused on creating solutions that help miners reduce their environmental impact while improving efficiency. Their continued investment in self-driving machinery and electric trucks demonstrates their commitment to pushing the boundaries of mining technology,” Ngcobo explains. “We’re proud to offer these innovations to South African mining companies, who can now benefit from reduced carbon emissions and increased automation.”

Flexibility in Financing: Enabling Access to Advanced Equipment

An important aspect of the Kiboko-XCMG partnership is the innovative funding model, which allows local miners to access state-of-the-art mining machinery through structured long-term leases. This financing option enables mining companies to invest in high-performance equipment without the need for large capital outlays, significantly lowering the financial barriers to upgrading or expanding operations.

“We believe that the structured long-term lease model offers a practical and cost-effective solution for miners who want to access the latest machinery without incurring the full capital cost upfront,” Ngcobo says. “This allows for financial flexibility, enabling miners to focus on growth and profitability while benefiting from the lowest TCO over the equipment’s lifespan.”

Electrification and Automation: Paving the Way for Sustainable Mining

The Kiboko-XCMG partnership also focuses on advancing electrification and automation in the mining industry. XCMG’s investment in autonomous mining machinery and all-electric trucks is part of the global shift towards greener, more efficient mining solutions. The integration of these advanced technologies will help reduce carbon emissions, increase operational efficiency, and improve safety through remote-controlled and autonomous equipment.

“We’re committed to offering not only fuel-efficient diesel-powered machines but also cutting-edge electric and autonomous solutions that will redefine the future of mining in South Africa,” Ngcobo adds. “XCMG’s commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures that our clients can stay ahead of industry trends while meeting their environmental goals.”

XCMG’s Market Positioning and Strategic Advantage

As one of the largest original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) globally, XCMG holds a prominent position in the mining and construction machinery markets. With a focus on durability, fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs, XCMG’s mining equipment is trusted by companies worldwide for its reliability and performance.

XCMG’s focus on innovation is key to its continued leadership in the industry. Their investment in R&D ensures that they are always ahead of the curve, developing advanced machinery solutions such as fully autonomous systems and all-electric mining trucks. These efforts are designed to reduce the environmental footprint of mining operations and create safer, more efficient workplaces.

“XCMG is proud to support South Africa’s mining and construction industries,” says XCMG VP and GM Dr Hanson Liu. “This partnership with Kiboko marks an exciting new chapter, bringing our latest world-class technology and equipment to the region. Together, we aim to enhance operational efficiencies, promote sustainability, and empower local communities through skills transfer and safety-driven mechanisation.”

Liu continues: “As the world’s third-largest construction machinery manufacturer, we invest about 6% of our revenue into technological innovation. Our R&D efforts focus on creating fully autonomous, intelligent heavy machinery. With smart production lines and solar-powered factories, we’re driving the shift towards green manufacturing and supply chains. Our long-term goal is to help mining companies achieve greater efficiency and sustainability through the latest technological advancements.”

A Brighter Future for South Africa’s Mining Industry

The partnership between Kiboko Group and XCMG represents a new era of innovation, reliability and sustainability in South Africa’s mining sector. By providing access to advanced, low-TCO machinery, flexible financing and localised support, the collaboration will help mining companies optimise operations, reduce costs and achieve environmental and safety goals. Together, Kiboko and XCMG are paving the way for a greener, more efficient and more profitable future for South Africa’s mining industry.