The companies are actively developing cooperation on the joint development of underground mining equipment. The first machines are already undergoing trials at mines in Norilsk. Today, Nornickel and BELAZ are working on introducing new breakthrough pilot solutions, expanding their equipment lineup, and bringing its technical specifications up to the level of the best global models.
The partnership has resulted in a cooperation agreement aimed at pooling efforts to develop scientific and technological potential for creating a new generation of mining equipment, introducing unmanned technologies for mining, and other innovations. The document was signed on September 7, 2026, in Zhodino (Belarus) by Nornickel President Vladimir Potanin and BELAZ General Director Sergei Lesin. The agreement provides for the establishment of a joint venture to implement these plans, as well as a facility with a full-cycle repair base aimed at developing the production, repair, and maintenance of underground mining equipment.
"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," said Vladimir Potanin during the signing ceremony.
"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 clean energy sources. This alliance will allow BELAZ and Nornickel to strengthen their market position and provide Russian miners with reliable, high-performance underground equipment under the BELAZ brand," said Sergei Lesin, sharing the companies' plans.
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 ensure technological sovereignty, develop the machine-building industry and industrial potential, and strengthen cooperative ties within the framework of the Union State.
Nornickel and BELAZ 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 trials in Norilsk. Factory tests are currently underway for the newest underground complex of machines for loading and transporting rock mass - a 45-ton underground haul truck (BELAZ-75855) and a loader with a 17.2-ton capacity (LHD BELAZ-79550).
Nornickel is involved in improving the technical characteristics of the machines under development, 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 repair and maintenance: a production site has been set up in Krasnoyarsk Krai, where a full cycle of underground machine restoration has been organized.
Nornickel and BELAZ plan to jointly develop innovative production. In addition to traditional diesel machines, work has already begun on unique next-generation equipment that will run on alternative energy sources (electricity, hydrogen, etc.). As early as 2027, pilot-industrial tests of battery-powered mining haul trucks are planned to begin, and a battery-powered load-haul-dump machine 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 a hydrogen production unit installed on board mining equipment. The hydrogen produced would be used as an energy source, thereby implementing a solution for creating hydrogen-powered machines.