Sandvik Expands Mining Fleets in Kazakhstan and DRC
The mining equipment giant secures multi-million dollar contracts for automated and heavy-duty vehicle fleets.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Trucks
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Sandvik reported the sale of two major mining fleets to Orken LLP and Kamoa Copper S.A. in late 2026. The deals include a 27-unit delivery for the West Karazhal mine in Kazakhstan and a 19-unit package for the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the DRC.
Why it matters
These sales demonstrate ongoing demand for high-performance mining vehicles and automation systems in critical mineral operations. Customers cite equipment consistency, service quality, and established local support as key drivers for their continued reliance on Sandvik technology.
The Kamoa-Kakula order comprises 19 trucks and loaders, while the Orken LLP fleet consists of 27 units. The Atasu mine operation served by Orken supports an annual iron ore production capacity of 2.2 million tons.
The players
Sandvik
This global engineering group specializes in equipment, tools, and services for the mining and infrastructure industries.
Orken LLP
This mining entity operates the West Karazhal iron ore mine located in Kazakhstan.
Kamoa Copper S.A.
This company operates the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex, a major mining project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The details
The Kamoa-Kakula complex now hosts over 100 pieces of Sandvik equipment supported by a vendor-managed inventory facility on-site. For the Kazakhstan operations, Sandvik is providing simulator-based training to 300 Orken employees along with necessary rock tools and maintenance kits.
Timeline
May 2026: Kamoa Copper ordered three AutoMine Lite systems.
August and September 2026: Sandvik reported the sale of two mining fleets.
Q4 2026: The first four trucks arrive at Kamoa-Kakula.
Q1 2027: Thirteen units are scheduled for delivery to Kamoa-Kakula.
Q3 2027: The final two loaders are expected to be delivered to Kamoa-Kakula.
Roadmap
This deal underscores the broader industrial shift toward automated mining operations and fleet standardization. By deepening its footprint with established operators, Sandvik effectively locks in long-term service contracts against competing equipment manufacturers.
These fleet expansions directly dictate the operational efficiency and output capacity for the involved mining sites. Ongoing support, such as the provision of maintenance kits and specialized training, ensures that these assets remain functional and productive over their service life.
The takeaway
Large-scale mining projects are increasingly prioritizing long-term partnerships with equipment providers that offer comprehensive on-site training and maintenance support. Operators leverage these deep service relationships to maintain consistent production levels across complex, multi-unit fleets.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in heavy-duty Trucks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Engineering and Mining Journal (E&MJ).
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