Press-centre

7 september 2026

The companies are actively developing their cooperation on the joint development of underground mining equipment. The first machines are already undergoing testing in the Norilsk mines. Today, BELAZ and Nornickel are working on introducing new cutting-edge pilot solutions, expanding their equipment line-up, and bringing its technical specifications up to the level of the world-class product.

The partnership has resulted in a cooperation agreement aimed at joining efforts to develop scientific and technological potential for creating a new generation of mining equipment, introducing autonomous technologies for mining, and other innovations. The document was signed on September 7, 2026 in Zhodino by Vladimir Potanin, President of Nornickel, and Sergei Lesin, General Director of OJSC "BELAZ". The agreement provides for the establishment of a joint venture to implement these plans, as well as an enterprise with a full-service repair base aimed at developing the production, repair, and maintenance of underground mining equipment.

"The creation of the joint venture takes our partnership to a new level. Our shared goal is to create a new generation of underground machines, including innovative models powered by green energy sources. This alliance will allow BELAZ and Nornickel to strengthen their market position and provide Russian miners with reliable, high-performance mining vehicles under the BELAZ brand," said Sergei Lesin, sharing the companies’ plans.

"The future of mining lies in innovation and new technologies. We have been deliberately moving in this direction for a long time. Now, by joining the efforts of two industry leaders, Nornickel and BELAZ, we intend to realize the technological dream of efficient and safe production," remarked Vladimir Potanin during the signing ceremony.

The successful implementation of the project will make it possible to meet domestic demand in Russia for new underground mining equipment, thereby ensuring import substitution and minimizing risks associated with sanctions restrictions. The joint work will help facilitate technological sovereignty, develop the engineering industry and industrial capacity, and strengthen cooperation ties within the framework of the Union State.

BELAZ and Nornickel began active cooperation aimed at the creation and serial production of underground mining equipment in 2022. Six test underground haul trucks (MoAZ-75851) and the first load-haul-dump machine (LHD MoAZ-4076) are already undergoing testing in Norilsk. Factory tests are currently underway for the newest underground complex of load-haul-dump (LHD) machines – a 45-ton underground haul truck (BELAZ-75855) and loader with the payload capacity of 17.2 tons (LHD BELAZ-79550).

Nornickel is involved in improving the technical characteristics of the developing vehicles, testing them, and helping bring their specifications up to the best global standards. In addition, the company is actively developing its own competencies in equipment operation and maintenance: a industrial site has been established in Krasnoyarsk Krai, where a full cycle of underground machine restoration has been organized.

BELAZ and Nornickel plan to jointly develop innovative production. In addition to traditional diesel vehicles, work has already begun on unique advanced equipment that will run on alternative energy sources (electricity, hydrogen, etc.). As early as 2027, pilot testing of battery-powered mining dump trucks is planned to begin, and a battery-powered load-haul-dump vehicle is currently undergoing factory tests. Other types of equipment are at various stages of development, including underground self-propelled equipment for transporting people and cargo.

Among the promising areas of work is the study of the potential use of palladium in catalysts for on-board hydrogen production unit in mining equipment. The resulting hydrogen will be used as an energy source, thereby implementing a solution for creating hydrogen-powered vehicles.