Kamoa Copper SA in the DRC has ordered Minetruck MT65 haulers, the world’s highest payload underground truck in the field, as well as Scooptram ST18 loaders and Boomer 282 face drilling rigs from Sweden’s Epiroc. The world-class machines will be used at the Kamoa-Kakula copper mine, where Epiroc will also provide on-site technical support and operator training. Kamoa Copper SA is the operating company with the project a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines (39.6%), Zijin Mining Group (39.6%), Crystal River Global Limited (0.8%) and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (20%).

The mine, which began commercial production in 2021, is being powered by clean, renewable hydro-generated electricity. Through planned phased expansions, Kamoa-Kakula is positioned to become one of the world’s largest copper-producing mines. The equipment order is valued at about MSEK 160 and was booked in the first quarter 2022. “The new Kamoa-Kakula mine is a very exciting and climate-ambitious project,” says Epiroc’s President and CEO Helena Hedblom. “We are proud to contribute to the mine’s safety, energy efficiency and productivity through our state-of-the-art products and solutions.”

All units will be equipped with Epiroc’s telematics system, which allows for intelligent monitoring of machine performance and productivity in real-time. The Minetruck MT65 and Scooptram ST18 machines will have Epiroc’s Rig Control System, RCS, installed, making them ready for Epiroc 6th Sense functionality such as remote control and automation.