Atlas Copco signs global distribution agreement with world leader in ground control consumables

Stockholm, Sweden, August 22, 2008: Atlas Copco has signed a global co-operation agreement in the field of ground control and geotechnics for the mining, tunnelling and civil engineering markets with Minova International, the ground control division of the Orica group.

As a result of this agreement, Minova customers will have access to the Atlas Copco rockbolting products and Atlas Copco customers will benefit from the extensive Minova range of rockbolts, resins, grouts and related equipment. Atlas Copco's mining and civil engineering customers will now benefit from having access to the world's most comprehensive range of ground control products.

"This agreement will be highly beneficial to our customers and I am sure that the combined offer of geotechnical products will allow customers an unmatched product range from a single source" says Björn Rosengren, Business Area President, Atlas Copco Construction and Mining Technique.

For more information about Orica and Minova, please visit: www.orica.com