Ivanhoe Electric has announced plans to acquire a specialised Crossover XRE Tunnel Boring Machine and material handling system from US-based tunnelling technology company The Robbins Company for use at its Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona. The advanced tunnel boring system will initially support decline development at the Santa Cruz Copper Project and is expected to play a key role in improving underground mine access efficiency, safety and long-term project scalability. The machine was previously used at Anglo American’s Grosvenor coal mine in Australia, where it successfully completed two underground declines spanning approximately 1.8 kilometres.
Ivanhoe Electric identified the opportunity to acquire the machine in late 2025 after it was placed under care and maintenance at the Grosvenor mine. Following extensive technical reviews, engineering assessments and site inspections conducted jointly with Robbins representatives, the company confirmed its intention to proceed with the acquisition earlier this month. Final agreements are expected to be completed shortly.
The acquisition is also expected to support future expansion opportunities at the Santa Cruz Copper Project, including potential development of the nearby Texaco Deposit located approximately two kilometres from the Santa Cruz Deposit. The Texaco resource was identified using Ivanhoe Electric’s proprietary Typhoon surveying technology and contains significant inferred copper resources that could support long-term project expansion.
Robert Friedland, Executive Chairman of Ivanhoe Electric, said tunnel boring machines represent one of the safest and most efficient technologies for underground mine development. He noted that the Robbins Crossover XRE machine is particularly well suited for the geological conditions expected at the Santa Cruz project and would help accelerate the company’s development plans while reducing operational risk.
Taylor Melvin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ivanhoe Electric, said the company had conducted detailed engineering and due diligence studies in collaboration with Robbins before making the decision to proceed with the acquisition. He added that integrating advanced American tunnelling technology into the Santa Cruz project would strengthen the development of one of the country’s next major underground copper operations.
The Robbins Crossover XRE TBM has been specifically designed to operate across mixed and variable ground conditions commonly encountered in underground infrastructure and mining projects. The machine can transition through hard rock, soft ground and water-bearing formations without requiring equipment changes, reducing construction delays and improving safety.
The tunnel boring system also incorporates earth pressure balance technology to manage groundwater pressure and maintain tunnel stability. During development, the machine installs reinforced concrete tunnel linings designed to enhance long-term structural integrity and operational safety.
As part of the acquisition agreement, Robbins will undertake a major refurbishment and technology upgrade programme for the machine, including a rebuilt 9.3-metre cutterhead manufactured in Ohio and custom modifications tailored for the geological conditions at the Santa Cruz Copper Project. Ivanhoe Electric believes the investment will strengthen the long-term development potential of the project while supporting future copper supply requirements for industrial, infrastructure and technology sectors in the United States.
