Canada’s mining industry goes deep — not only in the earth, but in engineering capacity. The Government has dozens of the world’s most capable builders of mining equipment within the nation.
These companies not only serve Canadian operations, but they also facilitate mining around the world. If you have ever stepped into a quarry or open pit mine, a Canadian product likely pulsed through the workings in some form.
From haul trucks to drilling rigs, it’s often mining equipment manufacturers Canada that powers the work. Let’s look at the companies that are making that happen and why they might be worth watching.
Maclean Engineering
Mining Underground mining is what MacLean Engineering has been all about. This one is based in Ontario and has a history dating back to the 1970s.
It is a specialist in equipment that operates where sunlight doesn’t, in places like deep tunnels and distant underground shafts. What makes MacLean different is that customer driven support is at its core.
And they listen to what the miners want and then fit their equipment to the miners. Consider their battery-electric vehicles, for instance. These machines reduce diesel emissions within close confines of an underground mine.
It’s not only good for the planet — it creates healthier working conditions. MacLean also produces scissor bolters, shotcrete sprayers and utility vehicles with genetics lines designed for long-term use.
Sandvik Canada
Though its roots are Swedish, Sandvik’s Canadian division has proved to be its own animal. Operating in Ontario and British Columbia, Sandvik Canada provides drilling and rock excavation equipment specifically designed for the North American market.
They’re not just importing-and-reselling — they’re building and customizing the gear they need to cope with the terrain and climate of Canada. It is their range of underground loaders and trucks however, that really stand out.
These have been especially developed for narrow vein mining and tough rock drilling. Sandvik is also a leader in automation, but in a smart way. They add automation where it provides real value, such as remote-control drills that keep workers out of harm’s way. And they’ve got a strong support network.
Caterpillar (Cat) Canada
Caterpillar is a household name in heavy equipment, but few are aware just how deep its Canadian roots are. CAT has a number of sites nationwide and services mining customers from coast to coast.
In some of Canada’s largest mines, you’ll find their enormous haul trucks, bulldozers, and hydraulic shovels. The reliability of CAT is one reason miners stay with it.
With special care, they are built to last for decades. Nothing on this earth open-pit mining:” They are bigger and stronger than anything else on earth.
But CAT isn’t just in the business of building machines — they support them. Their network of dealers — in particular Finning and Toromont — is second to none in all things from training to parts.
RDH Scharf
Underground mining is also a strong suit for RDH, which is now under the Scharf Group umbrella. Based in Ontario, they have long made their name with small-to-medium-size mining equipment solutions that’s tough and can hold up over years of use.
Their equipment is also widely used in hard rock mining operations throughout Canada and the U.S. RDH was among the first companies to develop electric and battery-operated mining vehicles.
RDH sold zero-emission machines that could maneuver through tight tunnels without belching fumes long before others caught on. They carry drills, loaders, and personnel carriers.
Epiroc Canada
Epiroc spun out of Atlas Copco and wasted no time. Headquartered in Mississauga, their product offering adequately serves the needs of surface and underground mining (including drill rigs, rock bolters and ventilation products).
Their machines turn up on both exploration digs and full-scale production mines. What’s interesting to us about Epiroc is the way it combines durable design with smart design.
Their rigs are even equipped with data systems to monitor productivity and maintenance. That helps operators make useful decisions in real time. Epiroc has also flirted with battery-electric systems, particularly for underground use.
Final Thoughts
Mining isn’t gentle and neither is the equipment it relies upon. Which is why Canadian producers — and international ones with deep connections here — keep standing out.
They know what works in the pit, the shaft and the underground corridor. They make equipment designed to take a beating day after day. But they are also not mired in the past.
If you’re in the business of mining, and you need to find machines you can count on based on real-life expertise, look for these names. They’re not just making tools — they’re making mines run better.
