Sandvik to supply 27-unit underground fleet to support Qarmet subsidiary Orken’s mechanisation in Kazakhstan

The order includes 13 Toro® TH430 trucks, five Toro LH410 loaders, three Sandvik DL321 longhole drills, two Sandvik DD311 development drills, two Toro TH320 trucks and one Toro LH307 loader, as well as a Rhino 600 raise boring machine. Equipment deliveries are scheduled to begin in December 2026 and continue through January 2028, with the Rhino 600 scheduled for delivery in June 2028.

Sandvik will also provide maintenance kits, technical support, training, and an initial rock tools package. Maintenance kits will cover the first 5000 operating hours for the loaders and trucks and the first 2000 percussion hours for the drills, while Sandvik will provide 12 months of technical support.

Orken is transitioning from manual development to mechanised mining at Western Karazhal to increase production and efficiency in iron and manganese ore extraction. As part of the transition, Sandvik will deliver an extensive training programme to help Orken’s existing personnel develop the skills required to operate and maintain the new mechanised fleet.

“We selected Sandvik as a trusted partner based on the quality of its underground equipment, strong local service support and the partnership between our teams,” said Makhmut Mustafin, CEO at Orken.

“Just as importantly, Sandvik will work with us to build the skills and expertise of our existing workforce, helping our employees play an important role in the next stage of the mine’s development.”

Approximately 300 Orken employees will undergo initial skills assessments followed by theoretical and practical training tailored to the different equipment types. The programme will cover equipment operation and maintenance, safety, machine systems, diagnostics, and troubleshooting, with simulator-based training for selected loader and drill operators.

Sandvik will also provide on-site training and operational support during equipment commissioning and start-up. The equipment purchase will also be supported by financing from Sandvik Financial Services (SFS).

“Transitioning from manual development to mechanised mining is an important step in increasing the production and efficiency of our Western Karazhal operations,” said Petr Trushin, Chairman of the Board of Qarmet JSC.

The order spans a broad range of Sandvik’s underground portfolio, covering development, production drilling, loading, hauling, and raise boring. Together with lifecycle support and training, the solution is designed to help Orken develop technical capabilities and workforce competencies required for mechanised mining.

“Mechanisation is about much more than introducing new equipment,” said Vesa Korpela, Vice President Sales Area Southern Europe, Middle East and CIS at Sandvik Mining.

“Our role is to work alongside Orken through this transformation, helping its employees develop the skills and technical capabilities needed to get the full value from the new fleet. With equipment covering virtually every stage of the underground mining cycle, supported by training, technical support, parts, and rock tools, we can provide a strong platform for safer, more productive, and efficient operations at Western Karazhal.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/28092026/sandvik-to-supply-27-unit-underground-fleet-to-support-qarmet-subsidiary-orkens-mechanisation-in-kazakhstan/