Belarus, Russia open joint venture for hydrogen, autonomous mining machinery

MINSK, 27 April (BelTA) - Belarus and Russia have launched a joint venture Roblex in Moscow to develop hydrogen-powered and autonomous mining machinery, BelTA learned from the BelAZ press service.

The project combines the industrial potential of BelAZ, the investment capabilities of RT-Business Development LLC (Rostec State Corporation), and the cutting-edge developments of IT company InDev Solutions. This authoritative alliance ensures a comprehensive approach to solving challenges of varying complexity.

The key goal of the new venture is to integrate comprehensive solutions for hydrogen-powered and autonomous mining haul trucks into the Russian mining industry. These technologies are aimed at significantly reducing operating costs, minimizing carbon footprints, and enhancing safety at mining sites.

Roblex’s activities will cover a wide range of areas, providing full support for innovative solutions: introducing hydrogen-powered and autonomous mining haul trucks to the Russian market, creating the necessary infrastructure, adapting and supporting IT solutions, and providing service support, including training, technical assistance, and software and hardware upgrades.

In the course of this joint effort, the Belarusian side will focus on manufacturing haul trucks and developing specialized software, while the Russian side will ensure the seamless integration of these innovative solutions at mining enterprises. The joint efforts are aimed at creating a unified platform that will promote the development and implementation of artificial intelligence technologies, telemetry, and hydrogen energy.

“The launch of Roblex is not just a new stage of cooperation, but a fundamental step toward the technological sovereignty of our nations. Today, we are combining the strength of Belarusian engineering and digital expertise with the investment potential of our Russian partners. Our shared goal is to offer the market not just equipment, but an intelligent ecosystem,” BelAZ Director General Sergei Lesin emphasized. “The autonomous technologies and hydrogen energy we are implementing will be key to dramatically reducing costs and improving safety in the mining industry. I am confident that our joint work will lay the foundation for the sustainable development of the entire industry for decades to come.”

“Roblex is a company with advanced international technologies and enormous export potential. The project is expected to attract attention not only in the Russian market but also globally, offering not just an innovation but a comprehensive product that combines breakthrough engineering with high commercial efficiency,” Alexei Kukharev, CEO of RT-Business Development LLC, said.

According to Oleg Belyakov, CEO of InDev Solutions, the share of domestic code in the project is 100%, which is critically important for import independence. “That is precisely why our development is already in demand in CIS countries: mining enterprises are seeking reliable, safe, and scalable solutions not tied to Western vendors. The joint venture with BelAZ and RT-Business Development allows us to systematically address this need - from software to infrastructure and service,” he said.

In turn, Roblex Director General Dmitry Sizemov summarized: “With the launch of Roblex, we are creating a unique operator capable of offering the market ready-made solutions for the mines of the future - driverless and with a minimal carbon footprint.”