South African mining group Exxaro Assets has confirmed to IM the profitable conclusion of a strategic settlement with China’s XCMG for the availability of seven XDE260 diesel-electric drive mining vehicles with 220 t payload to help operations at its flagship Grootegeluk coal mine in Lephalale.
The settlement was formally marked by a signing ceremony between Exxaro and XCMG’s management groups through the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape City. Exxaro stated that this milestone underscores its ongoing dedication to strengthening its operational capabilities via strategic partnerships and the deployment of superior and environment friendly mining gear.
It added: “The introduction of those haul vehicles is anticipated to reinforce productiveness, enhance fleet reliability, and help the long-term sustainability of operations at Grootegeluk, certainly one of South Africa’s most important coal mining operations.” The partnership additionally displays Exxaro’s broader technique to collaborate with international know-how leaders to drive innovation and operational excellence.
XCMG not too long ago acknowledged that three XDE260 vehicles had arrived in South Africa and have been being assembled at a staging space. On the truck mannequin, it provides that it has a most pace of 64.5 km/h and is supplied with a excessive efficiency engine to make sure energy output is maintained within the open pit mining surroundings. The body makes use of a excessive power field cross part design, optimised for variable hundreds and excessive depth steady operations.
In an effort to drive OEM competitiveness, Exxaro has moreover procured seven 227 t class Komatsu 830E-5 diesel-electric drive mining vehicles and three 221 t class Hitachi EH4000AC-3 diesel-electric mining vehicles.
Exxaro added that it stays dedicated to delivering sustainable progress whereas making certain protected, environment friendly, and accountable mining practices.
A fleet of XDE260 vehicles can also be being deployed elsewhere in Africa by SimFer on the Simandou iron ore mine in Guinea. The primary vehicles have been shipped in December 2025. SimFer is a three way partnership between Rio Tinto, Chinalco (CIOH), and the Authorities of Guinea and is mining Blocks 3 & 4 of the deposit.
