Santana Minerals has secured build slots with Komatsu New Zealand for the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project’s mining fleet valued at NZ$115m ($65.8m).
This ensures the delivery of key mobile equipment needed to begin construction.
The start remains subject to a fast-track approval (FTA) decision, which is due on 29 October 2026.
The fleet will include primary excavators, specifically the PC3400 and PC2000 models, as well as 140t class HD1500 haul trucks from Komatsu.
These are part of a leasing agreement supported by Komatsu's original equipment manufacturer financing.
Additional equipment such as dozers, loaders, haul trucks and graders will also be provided to facilitate support and ancillary tasks.
As part of the agreement, Komatsu will offer extensive long-term support, encompassing operational, technical, and financial assistance to ensure the mining fleet's performance and reliability.
The support package includes a five-year on-site technical support plan with dedicated personnel and extended product support.
Maintenance and parts support will be integrated through on-site parts capability and discounted pricing arrangements.
Furthermore, technology and systems support will cover fleet management, condition monitoring, and performance systems.
Training initiatives are part of the commitment to boost productivity and ensure efficient operations.
These include both productivity training and simulator training programmes aimed at achieving a swift ramp-up of operations while maintaining consistent performance levels.
Santana Minerals CEO Damian Spring said: “Operating as an owner-miner removes the contractor margin typically embedded in mining costs, setting us up as a lower-cost operation.
“This is further supported by our residential workforce model, avoiding fly-in fly-out costs, and strong OEM support from Komatsu. Grid-connected processing infrastructure also provides stability across key cost drivers over the life of mine.”
In July 2025, Santana Minerals’ subsidiary Matakanui Gold signed a binding agreement to acquire Ardgour Station land integral to the Bendigo-Ophir gold project.
