Sandvik has secured a significant order from South32 to deliver an underground mining equipment fleet for the greenfield Hermosa critical minerals project in Arizona, USA. Notably, the majority of the order comprises battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), marking Sandvik’s largest-ever order for BEVs. Valued at approximately SEK 750 million, the order was officially recorded in the second quarter of 2025, highlighting a major step forward in sustainable mining and the adoption of cleaner, electric-powered technology in the industry.
The order includes battery-electric trucks, loaders, bolters, development drills and longhole drills, as well as conventional trucks, cable bolters, loaders and longhole drills. Deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter 2026 and continue through 2030, with most of the deliveries expected in 2026 and 2027.
“We’re proud that Sandvik BEVs will help contribute to an increased supply of critical minerals, supporting the continued electrification of society. Lower fuel expenses and maintenance costs coupled with longer equipment lifespan will enable a more efficient, economical and sustainable mining operation at Hermosa,” states Mats Eriksson, President of Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.
Hermosa is currently the only advanced mine development project in the United States that could produce two federally designated critical minerals — manganese and zinc. South32 is developing Hermosa’s zinc-lead-silver deposit to be a multi-decade operation with first production expected in 2027.
