Swedish mining equipment manufacturer Epiroc has secured a significant underground equipment order from Mopani Copper Mines in Zambia, valued at approximately SKr180 million — roughly $20 million — marking one of the most notable mining equipment deals on the African continent in the first quarter of 2026.
The contract, recorded in Q1 2026, covers the supply of Minetruck MT436 and MT42 S haulers alongside Scooptram ST14 S and ST1030 loaders. Deliveries have already commenced and are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. In addition to the equipment itself, Epiroc will provide maintenance services for the machinery throughout its operational life.
A long-standing partnership deepens
Epiroc's relationship with Mopani Copper Mines is not new. The Swedish OEM has supplied equipment and services to the Zambian copper producer over many years, and this latest order reinforces the depth of that collaboration. Epiroc president and CEO Helena Hedblom described the deal as a continuation of the company's commitment to supporting African copper operations.
"Epiroc has a long history of delivering equipment and services to Mopani Copper Mines," Hedblom said. "We look forward to continuing to support Mopani in optimising their operations, this time with our advanced mine trucks and loaders."
The Minetruck MT436 and MT42 S are purpose-built for underground haulage in hard-rock environments, designed to maximise payload capacity while operating efficiently in confined tunnel conditions. The Scooptram loaders, meanwhile, are among Epiroc's most proven load-haul-dump machines, widely used in copper and gold mines across Africa and globally.
Zambia's copper sector: a growing equipment market
Zambia sits at the heart of Africa's copper belt, sharing geological continuity with the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north. The country is Africa's second-largest copper producer, and its mines — particularly the deep, high-grade operations around Kitwe and Mufulira — represent some of the continent's most demanding environments for underground equipment.
Mopani Copper Mines, which operates the Nkana and Mufulira mines, has been investing in modernisation as copper demand accelerates globally, driven by the energy transition. Electric vehicles, grid infrastructure and renewable energy systems all require significant quantities of copper, and Zambian producers are positioning themselves to meet that demand.
The Epiroc contract is a signal that Zambia's copper operations are not just maintaining existing capacity — they are actively investing in newer, higher-performance equipment fleets.
The broader Africa equipment market
The Mopani deal sits within a much larger trend. Mining equipment investment across Africa has been growing steadily as commodity prices remain elevated and new projects come online. From the DRC's cobalt and copper mines to Ghana's gold operations and South Africa's deep platinum mines, demand for reliable underground equipment continues to rise.
For African mine operators, securing equipment partnerships with global OEMs like Epiroc offers more than just machinery — it brings access to technical expertise, digital monitoring tools, and maintenance networks that are critical for maximising uptime in remote or challenging locations.
Epiroc's investment in its African service network in recent years, including regional parts hubs and certified technicians across the continent, has made it a preferred partner for operators who cannot afford extended equipment downtime.
