As underground operations ramp up at Oyu Tolgoi, Sandvik Mining is to supply 17 LHDs and two trucks to support the copper-gold mine in Mongolia’s South Gobi Desert.

The underground equipment supply includes eight Toro® LH410 loaders, seven Toro LH515i loaders (one pictured above), two Toro LH517i loaders and two Toro TH551i trucks. Deliveries are slated to begin in October 2025 and continue through November 2026.

One of the world’s largest known copper-gold deposits, Oyu Tolgoi is jointly owned by Rio Tinto (66%) and the Government of Mongolia (34%). The operation started as an open pit mine in 2011, with sustainable underground production commencing in March 2023.

With open-pit and underground block cave operations, Oyu Tolgoi is ramping up to become the world’s fourth largest copper mine. The company said the ramp up of production from Oyu Tolgoi remains on track to deliver an average of around 500,000 t/y of copper from 2028 to 2036.

“The underground development of Oyu Tolgoi plays a vital role in global copper supply towards greater decarbonization and electrification,” Steffan Herselman, General Manager Underground Operations at Oyu Tolgoi, said. “Though continued positive results with our ongoing trials of Sandvik battery-electric vehicles are taking place, until we are operationally ready and have the required infrastructure to support a BEV fleet, the need to invest in proven, conventional underground load and haul technology is required for the ramp up.”

Sandvik is the sole supplier of loaders and trucks at Oyu Tolgoi. The mine currently operates a fleet of 58 Sandvik loaders, trucks and bolters.

Sandvik loaders and trucks have consistently delivered industry-leading performance for Oyu Tolgoi, the OEM says. They combine powerful, reliable operation with minimal downtime, delivering cost efficiency and helping to maintain peak productivity even in demanding conditions.