Canada Nickel Picks Komatsu For Worldscale Crawford Project

Nickel developer Canada Nickel has awarded Komatsu and its domestic Canadian dealer SMS Equipment a US$1.08bn contract to supply its load and haul fleet for its Crawford project in Ontario. 

The preliminary contract, which is worth CAN$1.5bn (US$1.08bn) was awarded shortly after the Canadian government awarded Canada Nickel federal approval to allow the worldscale Crawford nickel project to proceed in late July 2026. 

"I am very excited about the potential value that could be unlocked by applying Komatsu's proven technologies at Crawford," says Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel. 

Canada Nickel expects to complete negotiation of definitive agreements with SMS Equipment and Komatsu by the first quarter of 2027.

Komatsu electrification experience 

Canada Nickel cited Komatsu’s proven technologies in automation and electrification as among the reasons for selecting the supplier from a shortlist of four. 

This includes Komatsu’s experience implementing trolley-assisted truck haulage, which significantly reduces diesel fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Other mining companies have reported that such systems offer fleet optimisation benefits, as shorter trolley-assisted ascents compared with fully laden conventionally fuelled ramp ascents can reduce fleet requirements.  

Canada Nickel is also planning to transition to using battery-powered electric vehicles. Such vehicles are anticipated to be available when Canada Nickel expects to begin production.

Such environmentally friendly choices are likely to be integral to Canada Nickel’s business model, as it is targeting the production of net zero carbon nickel for electric vehicle and net zero stainless-steel markets.

"Komatsu is committed to partnering with SMS Equipment and Canada Nickel to develop a world-class mining operation at Crawford," says Rod Bull, CEO, Komatsu North America. 

"We look forward to bringing Komatsu's advanced mining equipment and technologies to the project to support safe, efficient and productive operations."

Crawford Nickel project

Crawford is the world's second largest nickel resource and reserve, located approximately 40 kilometres north of Timmins in Ontario.

Initial nickel production could begin as soon as mid 2029, based on the company taking FID in early 2027. Nickel production is estimated to reach 48,000 tonnes per year of nickel after the initial 3.5 year ramp up period. 

Over an operating life of at least 41 years, the mine would produce 1.6m tonnes of nickel, 58m tonnes of iron ore and 2.8m tonnes of chrome, in addition to cobalt, palladium and platinum.

Meet the partners

Agnico Eagle is Canada's largest mining company and the second largest gold producer in the world, operating mines in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico. Agnico Eagle owns a minority stake in Canada Nickel, equivalent to 8.68% of Canada Nickel’s shares on an undiluted basis, after it increased its shareholding in Canada Nickel on 28 August.

Anglo American is a multinational mining company and a major producer of copper, nickel and iron ore. Anglo American acquired a 9.9% stake in Canada Nickel in 2023. As part of the deal, Anglo American has the right to purchase up to 10% of the recoveries of nickel concentrate, iron, chromium contained in the magnetite concentrates and the corresponding carbon credits. 

Samsung SDI is a South Korea based Tier-1 battery manufacturer supplying the electric vehicle, electrical storage system and IT device markets, and a supplier of electronic materials used in semiconductors and displays. Samsung SDI acquired a minority stake in Canada Nickel in January 2024, which includes an option for a 10% life-of-mine nickel offtake. The use of net zero raw materials would align with Samsung's decarbonisation objectives.