Mining

Komatsu invests in intelligent vehicles with Applied Intuition

Collaboration to deliver step-change capabilities through software-defined vehicle and autonomy platform. (Image source: Komatsu)

Komatsu has announced a strategic technology collaboration with Applied Intuition, a Silicon Valley-based leader in vehicle intelligence, to accelerate the development of its next-generation mining equipment

The partnership is focused on equipping Komatsu’s machinery with advanced technologies and real-time adaptability, enabling customers to achieve higher productivity, minimise downtime, and operate with greater precision.

By combining Applied Intuition’s expertise in vehicle operating systems, autonomy stacks, and AI-powered tools with Komatsu’s extensive background in off-highway autonomy and mining applications, the two companies will jointly create a unified software-defined vehicle (SDV) and autonomy platform. This platform will serve as the central intelligence of Komatsu’s future mining machines. Considered one of Komatsu’s most significant technology undertakings, the initiative signals a decisive move toward increasingly autonomous, software-driven mining operations.

“Komatsu is committed to creating value together with our customers, and this collaboration represents a step change in how we bring innovative, high-performance technology to their operations,” said Peter Salditt, president, mining business division, Komatsu and CEO, Komatsu Mining Technologies. “By combining Komatsu’s deep mining expertise with Applied Intuition’s cutting-edge AI and SDV solutions, we’re enabling a future where our equipment continuously evolves to meet customers’ unique mine site needs.”

The platform will deliver advanced machine intelligence through several core features:

A software-defined vehicle architecture that supports continuous feature delivery over the machine’s lifecycle, with built-in data management, cybersecurity, and connected support.
Scalable autonomy capabilities ranging from operator-assist functions to full autonomy on a single adaptable platform, suitable for diverse fleets, commodities, and operational conditions.
Embedded AI and machine learning to enhance functionality and enable continuous adaptation to site-specific requirements as environments change.

With these innovations, mining companies are expected to see improved equipment performance, lower downtime, and higher return on investment. The architecture also aims to accelerate deployment, simplify support, and provide scalability across mines of varying sizes and locations—an important advantage for an industry navigating labor shortages, difficult environments, and growing global demand.

“In a world where autonomy is becoming the norm, our goal is to ensure our customers don’t just keep up—they lead,” said Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition. “The mining industry is one of the most regulated in the world, and as the bar keeps rising around emissions, human safety and geopolitics, Applied Intuition and Komatsu plan to build the next generation of mining products and redefine modern software product development. The team is looking forward to breaking new ground and digging into the future.”

This collaboration strengthens Komatsu’s long-term vision of fully autonomous mining operations while also addressing urgent industry challenges. As demand for minerals accelerates and fewer skilled workers enter the sector, autonomy becomes increasingly vital for safe, efficient, and scalable mining.

Together, Komatsu and Applied Intuition are setting the stage for mining machines that can think, learn, and evolve—helping operators worldwide enhance efficiency, unlock more value, and build a more sustainable mining future.

FL Smidth receives portal cranes for Ghana work

Condra_Crane_manufacturing_factory_interior

Cranes under manufacture at Condra’s Raceway Industrial Park factory, outside Johannesburg (Image source: Condra)

Mining engineering company FL Smidth (FLS) has decommissioned a 10-ton Condra portal crane in Mozambique to use in a company workshop in Ghana

Two new machines of similar design and capacity, recently completed by Condra Johannesburg, are to join it.

Separately, Condra has additionally shipped two portal cranes of 15-ton capacity to FLS Saudi Arabia.

The four newly-completed cranes were dispatched mid-August, fulfilling orders placed in March by FL Smidth’s Sub-Sahara and West Africa Procurement Service.

Installation and commissioning of the FLS cranes in Accra and Dammam is expected to take place late September.

Condra has a long-standing relationship with FLS, enjoying a reputation for reliable, robust machines efficiently serviced by maintenance crews pre-cleared to enter destination countries throughout Africa and the Middle East.

All three Ghana cranes, including the machine from Mozambique, will be used for maintenance.

They will run on end-carriages customised with spaced nylon-treaded wheels to meet an FLS stipulation that floor loading at the workshop not exceed 5,000kg.

The decommissioned Mozambique crane will have these end-carriages fitted upon arrival in Accra, matching it to the twin 10-ton portal machines.

At the tender stage, FL Smidth requested maximum floorspace and lifting height within the constraints of the Accra workshop building.

To achieve this, Condra used SH (short headroom) hoists from its Titan range, then mounted geared drives vertically on the end-carriages to achieve a floorspace saving of about half that required by conventional mounts.

Other features include digital loadcell hoist readouts, variable-speed drives on the long-travels, and pendant backup for hand-held remote control units.

The two 15-ton portal cranes for Saudi Arabia have a general configuration similar to the Ghanaian cranes, but will run on conventional steel wheels and rails.

They will be installed in the FLS workshop in Dammam, an industrialised port city in the east of the country on the Gulf.

The tight constraints imposed by limited workshop space on crane installation at Dammam posed a challenge during the design phase: box girders,15-ton hoists, girder legs and end-carriages had all to be capable of assembly and installation within a vertical plane measuring just 8.3 metres across by 5.4 metres high.

Short-headroom SH hoists from the Titan range also helped meet this challenge, Condra said in a statement.

“Features of the Saudi cranes are similar to those for Ghana, with the exception of two-speed drives throughout, there being no variable-speed drives on the Saudi cranes,” it noted.

Condra also used 3D modelling software to prepare all four cranes for packing, virtually presenting them on-screen to digitised standard containers.

Just two containers were needed for actual dispatch to each country.

Condra’s Titan SH hoists are designed to make maximum use of expensive factory space – headroom as well as floor – reducing the size of many constituent parts to take height out of the final crane assembly.

They incorporate refinements such as automatic rope tensioning, smoother travel, built-in load limiter, standardised direct drive and universal carriage.

Condra expanding agent network after Tanzania crane deal

Single crane solution for Ngwadini Dam

Integrated Pump Technology named Grindex distributor for West Africa

Integrated Pump Technology appointed Grindex distributor in West Africa, boosting dewatering support across mining operations. (Image source: Integrated Pump Technology)

Integrated Pump Technology has officially been appointed as the distributor for Grindex submersible pumps in West Africa, strengthening its presence in the region and marking another milestone for the South African-based dewatering specialist

Effective July 2025, the appointment comes after the company was recognised as the largest Grindex distributor worldwide, a distinction earned through sustained growth and performance in key African mining markets. The company already has a significant footprint across South, Central and East Africa with its Grindex electric submersible dewatering pumps and Godwin diesel-driven pump solutions. Securing distribution rights for West Africa is described as the next logical expansion.

“We see substantial opportunity in the West African market which is characterised by high rainfall and a large number of wet mining operations,” remarked Jordan Marsh, managing director of Integrated Pump Technology. “The need for reliable and efficient dewatering is continuous and we are well positioned to support customers with proven technology and deep application expertise.”

The distributorship covers all West African countries except Ghana. However, a bonded warehouse has been set up in Ghana to ensure quick turnaround and minimise lead times. The first consignment of Grindex pumps is already on its way to the facility. Marsh explains that stock selection was guided by close collaboration with mining customers across the region and a strong understanding of daily dewatering requirements.

Among the first shipment are high performance models such as the Grindex Maxi, rated at 37 kW, designed for moderate to high flow applications in both underground and surface mines. Also included is the Grindex Mega, a 90 kW unit built for the most demanding dewatering tasks, including deep level mines. Both machines have proven their reliability in Africa’s harsh mining environments, valued for their durable design, low maintenance needs and energy efficiency.

In addition to electric submersible solutions, Integrated Pump Technology will continue serving West African clients with its established range of Godwin diesel or electric driven dewatering pumps. One example, the Godwin HL150, is already in operation at an open pit mine in Senegal, providing dependable high head dewatering performance under tough site conditions.

“The Godwin and Grindex ranges give us a comprehensive dewatering portfolio to meet virtually any pumping requirement, from high volume pit dewatering to underground sump clearance,” commented Marsh. “Our approach in West Africa mirrors our successful operating model in Southern and Central Africa which includes local stockholding, rapid technical support and a strong customer-first philosophy.”

With mining operations in West Africa expanding and deepening, demand for reliable and efficient dewatering solutions is expected to grow significantly. Integrated Pump Technology’s appointment as Grindex distributor reinforces its ability to supply world class equipment backed by technical support and service excellence that mining operations can depend on.

Hydrogen peroxide explosives for SADC mining

The new partnership will aid the shift to more sustainable mining in the SADC region (Image source: Hypex Bio)

Omnia Holdings company BME and Sweden-based Hypex Bio Explosives Technology are set to roll out the world’s first commercially available hydrogen peroxide explosives (HPEs) across the southern African mining market

The two companies have advanced their partnership beyond existing cooperation in Canada by initiating an infrastructure and product development programme for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

BME and Hypex Bio will now gradually introduce the HPEs in the SADC mining market for various blasting applications over time.

BME’s managing director Ralf Hennecke said the move was in line with BME’s focus on supporting customers with future-fit solutions, which provide a safe, sustainable and efficient alternative to ammonium nitrate-based explosives.

He noted that providing customers with access to hydrogen peroxide emulsion products is a clear testament to an ongoing commitment to innovation and customer value.

“The SADC mining industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions due to international trade policies, climate change commitments as well as environmental, social and governance (ESG) imperatives,” he said.

“Therefore, through this partnership between BME and Hypex Bio, we will continue to respond to our customers’ challenges.”

It marks a significant step forward, underpinned by Hypex Bio’s ongoing progress in rolling out hydrogen peroxide products tailored to the SADC climate and its challenging mining environment.

The development also builds on the established partnership between BME and Hypex Bio to enhance the ongoing development and introduction of hydrogen peroxide emulsions in key markets, while providing Omnia Holdings – a minority equity stakeholder in Hypex Bio – with access to cutting-edge technology.

While the southern African region’s abundant mineral resources position SADC as a key player in shaping the future of clean energy and sustainable development, the mining of these critical minerals presents multifaceted challenges, including environmental dimensions.

Hennecke added that hydrogen peroxide products complement BME’s existing product portfolio and enhance its standing as a leader in the supply of sustainable bulk emulsions.

“Packaged emulsion cartridges and bulk emulsion products will evolve from this infrastructure and product development programme,” he said.

Hennecke also noted that the technology had the potential to change the explosives supply industry by reducing the total greenhouse gas emission footprint by up to 90%, where implemented.

Considering that hydrogen peroxide-based explosives decompose into water and oxygen, pollutants, such as nitrates, are eliminated.

This, in turn, reduces the need for costly water-treatment and ventilation, while also facilitating faster blast cycles and increased efficiency.

Manufacturing these emulsions is also less energy intensive than the process involved in producing ammonium nitrate-based emulsions, further reducing the carbon footprint of the mining value chain.

Additionally, testing has shown that hydrogen peroxide emulsions perform similar to nitrate-based types – even outperforming them in some instances.

Thomas Gustavsson, CEO of Hypex Bio, said that hydrogen peroxide explosive represented a paradigm shift in blasting operations, a critical step in mining, quarrying and construction.

“The partnership between Hypex Bio and BME will play a significant role in the shift to more sustainable mining in SADC, while also establishing the standard for next generation blasting in the region – essential for the sustainable industries and societies of the future,” he said.

“Environmentally friendly explosives are a natural way to extract and build, driving improved supply chains for raw materials and infrastructure.”

Mining chemicals storage boost for BME

Blasting solutions for potential acidic sulphate soil

Sandvik secures major equipment deal for Botswana mine

Sandvik to supply 32 underground units to support JCHX at MMG’s expanding Khoemacau Copper Mine in Botswana. (Image source: Sandvik)

JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd., a global mining contractor headquartered in China, has awarded a significant equipment supply contract to Sandvik Mining

The agreement involves the delivery of a 32-unit underground mining equipment fleet to support operations at MMG's Khoemacau Copper Mine (KCM) in Botswana.

The order, confirmed in Q3 2025, includes a diverse and high-capacity fleet: 12 Toro TH663i trucks, 10 Toro LH621i loaders, eight Sandvik DD422i development drills, one Sandvik DL432i longhole drill, and one Sandvik Rhino 100 raise borer. Additionally, the contract incorporates Remote Monitoring Service to deliver critical operational data aimed at optimizing fleet performance. Equipment deliveries are scheduled to commence in Q3 2025 and will continue through Q2 2026.

“We are proud to partner with JCHX in delivering safe and productive operations at Khoemacau Copper Mine,” said Mats Eriksson, president of Sandvik Mining. “Our advanced underground technologies and digital solutions will help enable efficiency and performance as the site ramps up production in the coming years.”

Situated in Botswana’s Kalahari Copper Belt, Khoemacau Copper Mine is a significant underground mining operation currently undergoing major expansion. Since acquiring the mine in March 2024, operator MMG has advanced its development plans, aiming to boost annual copper production to 60,000 tonnes within two years. This goal will be supported by the existing 3.65 Mtpa process plant, with improved access to higher-grade ore zones enhancing operational flexibility and output.

Looking ahead, MMG plans to further scale up copper production to 130,000 tonnes per year by constructing a new 4.5 Mtpa processing plant. This long-term strategy includes expanding Zone 5 production and developing nearby deposits. Early-stage works for the expansion are already underway, with full construction expected to begin in 2026 and first concentrate production targeted for 2028.

“We’re proud to partner with Sandvik for this important contract,” said Xiancheng Wang, chairman of JCHX Mining Management Group. “Sandvik’s reputation for high-performance equipment and strong aftermarket support was key in our decision. This fleet will play a vital role in helping us deliver operational excellence and meet the ambitious production targets set for the Khoemacau site.”

JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd. is a publicly listed company on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, boasting nearly 30 years of global mining experience. The company employs more than 16,000 people worldwide, including 8,000 across Africa, and provides contract mining, engineering, and mine construction services across multiple continents.

Sidebar