Epiroc SmartROC D65 BE to go on field trials with Capital Ltd

Manufacturer partners with mining services firm to field test battery-electric surface drill rig

EPIROC have partnered with mining services company Capital Ltd to field test their innovative SmartROC D65 BE battery-electric surface drill rig. The battery-electric version of the well-known SmartROC D65 surface drill rig will be tested in Capital’s African operations during 2024.

‘This field test is an important step in our drive towards emission-free surface drill rigs,’ said Hakan Aytekin, vice-president of Epiroc Surface division. ‘Capital Ltd are always pushing the boundaries with new technologies, and that makes them an ideal partner for this field test.’

Peter Stokes, chief executive officer of Capital Ltd, said: ‘We are excited to be at the forefront of the transformation alongside Epiroc, bringing innovative electric drill rigs both to our fleet and to the broader market.’

Capital Limited has been a close and valued partner to Epiroc for many years and this trial is expected to further strengthen the relationship between the two companies. ‘We have developed a strong partnership over the years – and we are proud to support Capital Ltd in their future transition journey,’ said Robin Edsborn, global product line manager at Epiroc Surface division.

‘Epiroc bring the supply of top-quality equipment, strong aftermarket support, and competitive OEM financing options,’ added Mr Stokes. ‘Our close partnership ensures that we are appropriately prepared for the demand ahead of us.’

The battery electric SmartROC D65 field test will take place at Sukari Mine, in Egypt, where Capital Ltd already have a broad fleet of Epiroc drill rigs.

As part of their ambitious sustainability goals, Epiroc aim to offer a full range of underground equipment in emission-free versions by 2025, and surface equipment by 2030.