BELAZ Showcases LNG Powered Robotic Mining Trucks in Tanzania

Belarusian heavy-equipment manufacturer BELAZ showcased liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered mining equipment and robotic dump trucks at the 10th MINEXPO Africa 2026 exhibition in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, held from 28 to 30 October. The company also held discussions with Tanzania’s Ministry of Minerals about its manufacturing capabilities as it looks to expand its presence in East African mining markets.

The exhibition brought together mining equipment manufacturers, suppliers and industry representatives from more than 30 countries to present technologies for exploration, extraction, mineral processing and mine operations. BELAZ’s display placed alternative-fuel haulage and automation among the technologies available for regional operators to evaluate.

LNG-Powered Haul Trucks Target Fuel Costs

BELAZ has been developing mining trucks powered by LNG and other alternative energy systems as operators look for ways to manage fuel expenditure and emissions from heavy-duty haulage.

Mining trucks operate for long hours and move large volumes of material, making fuel consumption a significant operating cost. LNG-powered equipment offers an alternative to conventional diesel haulage, although the financial case depends on fuel prices, operating conditions and the infrastructure available at each mine.

BELAZ has previously reported fuel-cost savings from its LNG-powered truck development programme. Its work includes machines in different payload classes, with the manufacturer pursuing gas-powered and gas-diesel configurations for quarry operations. These figures are manufacturer-reported results and should not be treated as guaranteed savings for mines in Tanzania.

For East African operators, adopting LNG equipment would require more than purchasing the trucks. Mines would need to assess fuel supply, storage infrastructure, maintenance support and the costs of integrating the equipment into existing fleets.

Robotic Trucks Extend the Automation Push

BELAZ also presented robotic dump trucks, reflecting its development of autonomous and remotely controlled mining equipment.

In October, the company demonstrated its 90-tonne BELAZ-7558R robotic dump truck in Belarus. The truck was located at a test site while an operator controlled it remotely from an exhibition stand hundreds of kilometres away. The system uses computer vision and neural-network algorithms to recognise obstacles and support autonomous movement. BELAZ has also described a dispatch system that allows one operator to monitor several autonomous machines.

Such systems could help mining companies manage haulage in environments where driver availability, safety and equipment utilisation are operational concerns. However, their performance depends on the mine layout, communications infrastructure, safety systems and the ability to integrate autonomous equipment with loading units and other vehicles.

The demonstration in Belarus provides context for BELAZ’s robotic technology, but it does not establish that the same truck has been deployed at a Tanzanian mine.

Discussions With Tanzania’s Mining Ministry

BELAZ’s meetings with Tanzania’s Ministry of Minerals focused on the manufacturer’s capabilities. The engagement gives the company an opportunity to present its equipment and discuss potential areas of interest with government representatives.

Tanzania’s mining sector continues to attract international suppliers of machinery, mineral-processing equipment and automation systems. MINEXPO provides a platform for these companies to meet local operators and explore commercial relationships.