Global high-tech engineering group Sandvik has received a major order from South32 (ASX:S32) to supply an underground mining equipment fleet for its greenfield Hermosa critical minerals project in Arizona, US.
Valued at circa $120 million, the order predominantly consists of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) — Sandvik’s largest ever for BEVs.
The order includes battery-electric trucks, loaders, bolters, development drills and longhole drills, as well as conventional trucks, cable bolters, loaders and longhole drills.
Deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter 2026 and continue through 2030, with most of the deliveries expected in 2026 and 2027.
Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions President Mats Eriksson says the company is proud that its BEVs will help contribute to an increased supply of critical minerals, supporting the continued electrification of society.
“Lower fuel expenses and maintenance costs coupled with longer equipment lifespan will enable a more efficient, economical and sustainable mining operation at Hermosa,” says Eriksson.
South32 is developing Hermosa’s zinc-lead-silver deposit to be a multi-decade operation with first production expected in 2027. Hermosa is currently the only advanced mine development project in the US that could produce two federally designated critical minerals — manganese and zinc.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Sandvik
