Russia's Nornickel to cooperate with Belaz on import substitution of mining equipment

MOSCOW. Jan 24 (Interfax) - Nornickel and the Belarusian company Belaz have signed an agreement on the development and mass production of underground dump trucks and load-haul-dump machines, as well as auxiliary equipment, Nornickel said on Friday.

With Nornickel's support, Belaz will manufacture modern mining equipment that meets global standards, which in the long term will help supply mining machinery to Russia and CIS markets, the company said.

The new production will almost fully meet Russian mining companies' demands for specialized equipment, with Nornickel accounting for half of this demand.

Nornickel will serve as the anchor customer, participating in machine design improvements and testing. The companies plan to refine the equipment designs based on test results, accumulated experience and global best practices. Joint development of new mining machinery is already underway, with the first test underground machines operating in Norilsk mines.

The equipment will run on both diesel fuel and alternative energy sources.

The agreement stipulates not only expanding production capabilities but also ensuring major repairs, maintenance and the timely supply of spare parts.

This cooperation will enable the import substitution of mining equipment in Russia and help mitigate risks associated with sanctions, Nornickel's First Vice President for Government Relations Nikolai Utkin said.

Since 2022, Nornickel has faced difficulties in sourcing Western mining equipment and machinery due to voluntary restrictions imposed by Western suppliers.