On January 23, the Belarusian manufacturer of special equipment BELAZ and Norilsk Nickel signed a cooperation agreement aimed at producing modern mining equipment that meets the best world standards for the Russian and CIS markets.
The partners plan to create and mass-produce underground dump trucks and load-haul trucks that run on both diesel fuel and alternative energy sources, as well as auxiliary equipment. Joint work to create new models of mining equipment has already begun: the first test machines, from underground dump trucks to loaders, are operating in Norilsk mines.
An important feature of the agreement is that it provides not only for the development of equipment manufacturing competencies, but also for its major repairs and maintenance, and the timely delivery of spare parts.
According to the parties, about half of the needs of Russian mining companies for mining equipment come from Norilsk. The new production will almost completely cover these needs.
"The cooperation between Norilsk Nickel and BELAZ began a long time ago, but today it is reaching a new level. With our help and support, BELAZ is ready to occupy a new niche - the production of mining equipment and spare parts for it, which is what all Russian mining companies need today," said Nikolay Utkin, First Vice President and Head of Government Relations at Norilsk Nickel.
Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished
