SMS Equipment Inc. and Komatsu Selected to Partner with Crawford Nickel Project
Canadian heavy equipment dealer to provide Komatsu equipment and technology for Canada Nickel flagship mine in northern Ontario
ACHESON, AB, Sept. 15, 2026 /CNW/ -- Growing demand for critical minerals is creating new opportunities for Canada to expand its role as a secure and responsible global supplier. The shift is creating investment not only in new mines, but also in the equipment and technology expertise needed to bring them into production. Canada Nickel Company Inc. (Canada Nickel) is making that investment through its selection of SMS Equipment and Komatsu for its load, haul and mining support fleet equipment and associated autonomous technology for its Crawford Nickel Project (Crawford). Crawford is the first mine to receive Impact Assessment Agency of Canada approval through the new Major Projects Office.
"Crawford is one of the most exciting new mining projects in Canada," says Robin Heard, President and CEO of SMS Equipment. "Together with Komatsu, SMS Equipment looks forward to partnering with Canada Nickel to advance its vision for safe, sustainable and low-carbon nickel production and directly contribute to meeting the world's need for critical resources."
Crawford is the world's second largest nickel resource and reserve, located approximately 40 kilometres north of Timmins, Ontario.
"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. "We expect that SMS Equipment's experience implementing these technologies at other Canadian operations, as well as its demonstrated commitment to our project, can substantially de-risk the project start-up and ongoing operation."
"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."
SMS Equipment has been working with Canada Nickel to develop an equipment strategy designed to maximize productivity and performance of the mine through both conventional and autonomous operations. The mining solutions provider brings extensive experience supporting greenfield mine development across Canada, along with the scale and capabilities to support operations throughout their lifecycles. SMS Equipment's recent expansion in Timmins further builds upon its ability to support major mining projects in the region.
"As we look toward construction of the Crawford Project, our focus is on successful implementation -- bringing the fleet and technologies into operation, training Canada Nickel's teams and optimizing performance so the full value of the investment can be realized over the life of the project," says Heard.
About SMS Equipment
SMS Equipment Inc. provides end-to-end equipment solutions that help customers in mining, construction and forestry maximize productivity and performance. The world's largest independent Komatsu dealer, SMS Equipment delivers comprehensive mining solutions that combine industry-leading equipment, advanced technology integration, parts, service and support tailored to customers' unique operational needs. Based in Acheson, Alberta, the company employs over 2,700 employees across more than 40 locations in Canada and Alaska. It has additional operations through its subsidiaries in Mongolia (Transwest Mongolia) and Finland (Suomen Rakennuskone Oy).
SOURCE SMS Equipment Inc.
For more information, contact: Denise Gohl-Eacrett, Senior Director, Marketing and Communication, SMS Equipment, [email protected]
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