Canada Nickel signs $1.5B deal with Komatsu for Crawford fleet

Key Takeaways:

• Canada Nickel Company has chosen Komatsu and SMS Equipment to supply the open-pit loading, haulage, and support fleet for the Crawford Nickel Project.
• The selected fleet integrates autonomous haulage technologies and trolley-assist capability to cut diesel fuel use and lower carbon emissions.
• Definitive equipment supply and maintenance contracts are expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2027, backed by fleet financing via Taykwa Tagamou Nation.

The Whole Story:

Canada Nickel Company has selected equipment manufacturer Komatsu and its primary Canadian distributor, SMS Equipment Inc., to supply the main loading, hauling, and support mining fleet for its flagship Crawford Nickel Project near Timmins, Ontario.

The decision follows a vendor evaluation process involving proposals from four international equipment suppliers. Canada Nickel selected Komatsu based on its technology suite, including automated haulage and trolley-assist electrification systems aimed at reducing diesel consumption and carbon emissions during open-pit operations.

The $1.5B agreement outlines plans to integrate Komatsu’s DISPATCH fleet management system and FrontRunner autonomous haulage technology, alongside trolley-assist infrastructure designed to streamline a future transition to battery-electric haul trucks. Fleet financing arrangements for the equipment are being supported through Canada Nickel’s existing partnership with Taykwa Tagamou Nation.

“The selection of Komatsu and SMS Equipment to provide the load and haul mining and support fleet to Crawford marks a major step in the development of this project,” said Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel. “I am very excited about the potential value that could be unlocked by applying Komatsu’s proven technologies, including DISPATCH for fleet management, and FrontRunner for autonomous haul trucks… We look forward to continuing to advance Crawford towards a construction decision in 2027.”

Robin Heard, President and CEO of SMS Equipment, added that the dealership looks forward to supporting the mine’s operational setup: “We view Crawford as one of the most important new mining projects in Canada, and we are looking forward to partnering with Canada Nickel’s experienced team to execute their vision.”

Canada Nickel expects to finalize definitive equipment supply, fleet support, and maintenance agreements with Komatsu and SMS Equipment by the first quarter of 2027 as it moves the critical minerals project toward a formal construction decision.