Press-centre

24 january 2025

The Agreement on long-term cooperation and strategic partnership in the development of production of import-substituting models of underground mining equipment was concluded between the Companies on January 23, 2025.

The document was signed by Siarhei Lesin, General Director of OJSC “BELAZ” – Management Company of Holding “BELAZ-HOLDING”, and Nikolay Utkin, First Vice President – Head of the Block for Interaction with Government Authorities of Norilsk Nickel.

The Agreement provides for the production by OJSC “BELAZ” the load-haul-dump vehicles and underground mining dump trucks running on both diesel fuel and alternative energy sources, the corresponding auxiliary equipment, as well as testing of underground mining equipment and its maintenance at Norilsk Nickel mining enterprises.

The Parties are interested in bringing the units and designs of underground mining equipment to the level of the best world models, in developing competencies in its production, repair and maintenance. To this end, the companies will assist each other, regularly exchange information, jointly develop their scientific and technological potential, and implement projects for international cooperation and export of joint products and services.

– The Agreement with Norilsk Nickel is an example of mutually beneficial cooperation, which will allow both Companies to strengthen their positions in the market. We are combining our efforts to develop and manufacture the underground mining equipment, both on traditional fuel and using alternative energy sources. This will allow us not only to meet the current market needs of our key partner – the Russian Federation, but also to set new standards in the mining industry, offering the highest quality products that meet the most stringent requirements, - noted Siarhei Lesin, General Director of OJSC “BELAZ”.

Close cooperation in a new promising direction has already begun: the first test load and transportation vehicles are operating in Norilsk mines – six units of MoAZ-75851 trucks with a lifting capacity of 50 MT, and a prototype of MoAZ-4076 loading and hauling vehicle with a lifting capacity of 17.2 MT has been assembled at BELAZ facilities, created for joint effective work in underground mines with 50MT trucks. In February, this newest underground mine loader will be shipped to Norilsk miners. The Companies intend to refine the design of the equipment taking into account the results of operational tests, accumulated experience and the best world achievements.

– The cooperation between Norilsk Nickel and OJSC “BELAZ” has begun a long time ago, but today it is reaching a new level. With our help and support, OJSC “BELAZ” is ready to occupy a new niche – the production of mining equipment and spare parts for it, which are required today by all Russian mining Companies. Such a comprehensive approach will strengthen the Russian and Belarusian economic ties, ensure import substitution of mining equipment in Russia, and minimize the risks associated with sanctions. And in the future, we plan to consider the possibility of expanding cooperation and creating a check-point for repair and maintenance of mining equipment in Russia, namely in Krasnoyarsk, – commented Nikolay Utkin, First Vice President – Head of the Block for Interaction with Government Authorities of Norilsk Nickel.

According to the Parties’ assessment, half of the Russian mining Companies’ need for underground equipment comes from Norilsk Nickel.

BELAZ’s strategic partner, Norilsk Nickel, is one of the leaders in the Russian mining and metallurgical industry, ranks first in the world among producers of refined nickel and high-quality palladium, and is also one of the world’s leading producers of platinum, copper and cobalt.