Press-centre

14 august 2026

The BELAZ-79550 load-haul-dump (LHD) vehicle with the payload capacity of 17.2 tons is the newest underground loader created in close cooperation with Norilsk miners for highly efficient operation in constrained spaces of mines in Russia’s Far North.

The LHD vehicle is designed to meet the specific requirements of Norilsk Nickel, a company with extensive experience in operating and maintaining this class of underground equipment. The main task of the new vehicle is to promptly load rock mass into the bucket, transport it from the mine face, and unload it into underground haul trucks or onto conveyor belts. The functionality and versatility of the BELAZ underground loader allow it to perform other transport tasks such as clearing mine tunnels, transporting materials, and even working as a towing vehicle.

The use of cutting-edge digital technologies made it possible to create an LHD vehicle with an increased safety margin and an extended service life. The vehicle’s design incorporates innovative engineering solutions, as well as modern transmission and control systems.

“The BELAZ-79550 underground loader is significantly different from the MOAZ-4076 LHD unit, which is already being tested in the Norilsk mines,” BELAZ Chief Designer Aleksandr Naskovets stated. “Computer modeling methods were used to calculate the strength of structural elements and the performance of mechanisms of the BELAZ LHD vehicle. It features an absolutely new cab that is more spacious and modern. In the underground loader we maximized the use of components manufactured by the enterprises of the Union State of Belarus and Russia.”

The 480 hp (353 kW) engine, combined with high payload capacity and optimal performance of the loading equipment, allows the vehicle to meet the most stringent industry standards.

The 4x4 wheel arrangement, reinforced in-house developed axles, and a robust articulated frame with a 42.5° steering angle ensure high off-road capability and maneuverability of the BELAZ-79550 LHD in confined underground workings. A reliable boom, combined with a bucket of a 9 m³ nominal capacity and a hydraulic system high-performance mode, guarantees fast loading and transportation of large cargo volumes.

The new cab, featuring a comfortable seat, smart electronics, air conditioning, and heating systems, has already been highly praised by the customer during an expert evaluation of its safety systems and ergonomic solutions.

The BELAZ-79550 LHD vehicle is now undergoing factory tests of the working equipment and running gear under a program developed jointly with the customer. BELAZ and Nornickel continue working together to create high-tech, import-independent underground equipment.