Mining solutions provider Sandvik has secured an order to supply underground mining equipment from China-based mining service provider JCHX Mining Management, for deployment at MMG’s Khoemacau copper mine (KCM) in Botswana.

The order is valued at approximately Skr450m and includes loaders, trucks and drills, alongside digital monitoring solutions such as a remote monitoring service.

Deliveries are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2025 (Q3 2025) and extend through Q2 2026.

In June, JCHX Mining Management secured a five-year contract for underground mining operations at KCM.

KCM is undergoing expansion within Botswana's Kalahari Copper Belt, a region noted for its mining prospects.

MMG announced its acquisition of Khoemacau in November 2023, finalising the transaction by March 2024.

The mine, which completed construction of its low-cost operations in June 2021, reached full production by Q4 2022. Khoemacau's annual output is projected at between 43,000 and 53,000 tonnes (t) of copper in concentrate.

The mining process at Khoemacau involves underground extraction using the longhole stoping method. The ore is transported to the Boseto processing plant via a 35km purpose-built haul road. The resulting copper concentrate is then shipped to international customers.

Further studies and drilling for the mine's expansion project indicate a potential production increase to more than 130,000t per annum of copper and five million ounces per annum of silver, leveraging its strategic position in the emerging Kalahari Copper Belt.

Khoemacau employs approximately 1,800 individuals, with 95% of its workforce being local residents of Botswana. The mine has an estimated operational lifespan of more than 20 years.